2016 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 756 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 27 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 24, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Campaign 23V594000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 6, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Campaign 17V007000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftOct 3, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Campaign 16V705000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalApr 21, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Campaign 16V231000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
756 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2022
The contact’s son owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was being driven approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The driver was able to steer the vehicle safely to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with knock sensor detection system (KSDS) failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Engine, Jul 7, 2022
Purchased my 2016 Kia Optima EX om 10/20/20 with 82,000 miles and right away had issues with the car going into limp mode and check engine light on. Not knowing that there was already an oil issue, we took the car in to a repair shop where they told us the car was out of oil so they did an oil change. A few months later the check engine light was back on, so we took it back to the shop and diagnostics indicated an engine issue, so we took it to a Kia dealership. They had the car for 6 days then called and told us to pick up the car because it was running fine and the check engine light was no longer on. Check engine light came back on a few months later, took it back to Kia they said it needed spark plugs/wires and an engine cleaning which was $600. About 8 months later, the check engine light was back on, brought it back into Kia, they said we needed spark plugs/wires, transmission cleaning and break line cleaning, which was $450. 4 months later, got a regularly scheduled oil change, 10 days later, oil light came on and car was out of oil. Brought it to Kia, they did a combustion cleaning for $350. Did the 1000 mile test, which the car failed. Now Kia is saying I need a new engine which will be around $8500, and of course I'm no longer under warranty. My car has been using 6 qts of oil every 600 miles. Even if I could afford a new engine, I no longer trust the safety of my family in this vehicle. Plus there is no guarantee that a new engine wouldn't have this same issue. We are a one-car family, so this has also cost us in rental car fees and inconvenience. How has this engine not been recalled??? Kia should do the right thing and take responsibility for this engine problem.
Structure, Jul 6, 2022
The trunk latch stopped working won’t lock
Engine, Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken for diagnostic testing and the contact was informed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but was unable to schedule an appointment to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Engine, Jul 1, 2022
Excessive oil consumption shaking of vehicle oil light not turning on. Vehicle shutting off not starting.
Visibility, Jun 27, 2022
All 4 windows in my car has dropped down and won't go back up. Have to put a car cover over it to keep it from raining in it or to keep anything else out of it. I rarely rolled my windows down in this car every since I have purchased it and all of a sudden all the windows just drops down. This is a defect on the company part and not mine and i want to find out why I never received a recall letter to this effect for I have seen and read that there were cars recalled for the same problem that I am having with mine.
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
Car is at Kia dealership waiting from an approved from Kia manufacturer due to car having issues with oil in radiator and reservoir coolant, engine damage, car mileage is 91567 Location kia downtown Car unsafe to drive? I have complained to kia so many times and it looks like my records disappeared from ever getting to NHTSA or the manufacturer due to save money or not trying to fix the issue
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
We have had numerous problems with the engine. There was a recall on these engines for 2011 - 2014 models. The problems have not been corrected. We've now been told we need a new engine. Do we have any recourse/relief since KIA continues to sell cars with engine problems? What can be done?
Structure, Jun 18, 2022
The paint is peeling or delaminating from the car. It is happening in many places. The paint is Snow White Pearl. The car now has about 110,000 miles. The paint warranted for only for 36 months. But it is obvious that this is a quality issue and latent defect. The paint shop says he has seen this a lot with Kias. The paint is not sticking to the primer. I keep hoping there will be a recall on the paint. Even the dealer says it is a problem but Kia corp will not pay to fix the cars with this issue.
Engine, Jun 13, 2022
On May 30 2022 this incident happened. I have 160,000 miles on my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid and was running just fine in the morning and later in the day motor seized up with no warning no lights from the dash. I heard while driving a quick squeal and puff of smoke from the belt breaking it was done. I was able to drive under the Electric motor side back to my house. I did not look under the hood until the next day and that is when I found the belt was broken. I did not know the motor has seized up until the dealership informed me and was told this motor is now discontinued.
Engine, Jun 9, 2022
I purchased a used 2016 Kia Optima EX (89,000 miles) from a dealership in NC on March 12, 2022. On April 11, 2022, the car had to be towed to a Kia dealership due to misfiring. It turned out the sparkplugs needed to be replaced. The Kia dealership refused to cover any costs but the dealership I purchased the car from covered the bill. It was later confirmed that the oil was spilling into the sparkplugs. The car is burning/using oil at a rapid rate. I can confirm there are no leaks noticed under the car. I was told by a local mechanic as well as a service representative from Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh that this is a known issue. The only way to fully fix this issue is to replace the engine but because the car is no longer under warranty, I'll need to pay to have a new engine installed in a car that I've had less than 3-months. I feel like this is a manufacturer's issue and should be considered a recall.
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine seized and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the power steering, brakes, and accelerator pedal became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a warranty repair however, parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,798. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired at the owners expense but remains unsafe. Also, the consumer stated she was guaranteed reimbursement by Kia over 7 months ago, and consistently trying to recoup the cost of the repairs, but to no avail.
Electrical system, Engine, May 23, 2022
Car was stolen off of the street. No alarm went off, keys were with my person. Back window was busted on the ground and all that was left. From video evidence, we can see that all it takes to steal a Kia is a screwdriver and a usb cord. Kia’s stolen are driven recklessly and harmfully to pedestrians (see #kiaboyz on tik tok or instagram). Problem has NOT been acknowledged by Kia or Hyundai. Insurance providers are aware of the situation.
Engine, May 19, 2022
Car has been burning an excessive amount of oil, first reported by my oil tech. Took to the dealership and they requested an oil consumption test, which I had to pay for. This is at 85000 miles. Drove for a little over a 1000 miles and returned it for a second round, the dealership said it had used a considerable amount of oil and would be escalated directly to the manufacturer. It has no leaks, smokes considerably, and hesitant upon acceleration. We will see where it goes from here, have been told that this is common in these vehicles. No oil light or check engine light ever came on. Just glad it didn’t lock up or blow up with my family in the car.
Engine, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The contact indicated that on several occasions the engine oil light was displayed even though the engine oil had recently been changed. After taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine oil levels were extremely low and additional oil was needed. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 30, 2022
Four times in less than one year, car stutters, or stalls completely, check engine light flashes, and I have to maneuver to highway shoulder or slow lane to get towed. Very unsafe. Kia keeps it for a week , forces a software update repeatedly, sends me on my way and a few months later the sane thing again. Error codes always indicate engine knock amongst other things/an issue they know is theirs but “have to exhaust all options before they will approve replacement” according to service mgr. I have a car that I don’t feel safe driving because I drive alone and can’t trust it to get home home so I end up in the highway at 4am every time.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2022
There is a known issue with this motor burning oil in the engine at an excessive rate. This caused my car to shut down on the California freeway from 65 mph. Warranty wont cover, dealership says its a manufacturer issue that is known and the manufacturer isn't replacing the problem engines. This is a life safety matter
Engine, Apr 19, 2022
Oil consumption
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
Got an oil change bout a month ago. 2 weeks ago my oil light started flickering. Miles on vehicle is 119842 next oil change due at 122,000 miles.just 2 days ago as i was coming to a stop at a stop sign my check engine light came on and my oil light came on and stayed on and car shut off. Car comes on but no longer starts. At the kia dealership now.
Seats, Apr 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the driver's side seat would inadvertently lower without driver input. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,249.
Engine, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2022
My 2016 Kia Optima EX with the 2.4L GDI I4 engine has been ticking for roughly a year. The ticking coincides with acceleration (the harder you accelerate, the faster the tick). I took it my local Kia dealer where I've gotten my service done since purchasing the car. They simply stated, "these cars tick, don't worry about it." So I continued changing my oil regularly and monitoring it. Shortly after this, I noticed my oil levels would be lower than normal midway through an oil change cycle (I check my oil periodically because I do not trust the dealership). I took it back in with a concern and they did an oil consumption test, stating my car is burning excessive amounts of oil. After this service, the dealer said it "passed" and that it would no longer be an issue. Still, ticking persisted and I took it back in and forced them to do a full diagnostic on the vehicle (with a hefty charge on my part) to get to the root of the problem. They then recommended a valve deep cleaning service as the next step in the oil consumption service as my car was "still burning oil". There were never warning lights or any other cause of concern of a failure to indicate something was wrong. This is a HUGE issue with Kia and they will not accept the blame for manufacturing faulty engines. My car is no longer covered under warranty and the dealership states that if the engine blows from an oil consumption issue, Kia will not cover the cost. I expect Kia to issue a recall on these engines as hundreds of thousands of customers across the USA are experiencing the same issue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2022
Egiene consum oil 1 quarter in 1000 miles
Engine, Mar 28, 2022
Starting around 57,000 miles the engine started consuming excessive oil and occasionally experienced some knocking upon acceleration. I took it to the dealership and they put me on an oil consumption check every 1000 miles. After 3 rounds of checks they determined it was an issue with the GDI fuel system needing to be flushed which was performed by the dealership service department. The engine appeared to no longer consume excessive oil after I checked at about 1000 miles. After approximately 2000 miles, before my wife left for a long trip, I checked oil and it was down 1 quart. I topped off the oil and after about 750 miles, I checked the oil level and it was about 1 quart low again. The car is currently at the dealership and I'm told I will have to start the whole 1000 mile consumption check AGAIN! Based on other reports of engine seizing and fires I consider this a very possible hazard.
Engine, Mar 25, 2022
Over the last year I’ve noticed my car burning a lot of oil, around 1qt every 1000 miles. I’ve also noticed the transmission slipping some. I’ve checked thoroughly for leaks and have found none and the place that changes my oil has said they see no leaks also.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 24, 2022
My car keeps running out of oil. I've taken it to kia and my mechanic. Both said I need a new engine. My car is hard to drive. I'm putting oil in my car after 200 miles because it's almost empty after having oil changes. I use 8 quarts of oil every time . My car drives horrible. I'm afraid it's gonna shut off on me when I'm driving and it's gonna cause an accident. I'm scared to drive it anymore and I owe 2 yrs left on it. I need a new engine and it's all been happening to my car after 1 yr of having it