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, Mar 20, 2022
The car engine suddenly started making a lot of noises, so we immediately pulled over and stopped the car. The engine wouldn't start back up, and started smoking. We had it towed to an independent service center, where they confirmed that the engine had a crack in it and would need to be replaced. There was still oil (we had just topped it off 1 week prior as it used a large amount of oil). There weren't any warning lights on until the same minute it started making noises, at which time the oil and engine light came on.
Power train, Engine, Mar 15, 2022
The engine is burning about a half a quarter of oil every 1000 miles. The transmission studers when trying to take off and sometimes lags when you accelerate harder.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the highway, the engine was shaking and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and was assisted by her son who poured three quarts of oil into the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove it to her residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Mar 6, 2022
My steering wheel will randomly lock in the middle of road while driving. I have to forcefully turn wheel to be able to pull of off the road meanwhile the there is on coming traffic. I have been told my car is having misfire and an engine knock code P1326 I have also got other codes and was told it could be a factory malfunction.
Structure, Mar 3, 2022
I have a 2016 Kia Optima Pearl White and the paint on the hood just started peeling! It looks awful. What should I do to get this problem fixed?
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2022
I have a pearl white vehicle paint is pealing on passenger back seat door
Other/i am not sure, Feb 7, 2022
Window regulator in the car 4 of them went out Oil light is flashing when but there is no leaks and just got a oil change
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 29, 2022
Suddenly, the warning lights on my dashboard resembled that of a christmas tree. I was seeing warning lights for the passenger airbag, blind spot warning/assist, auto-hold, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, etc - were all suddenly offline. After finally getting an appointment scheduled with my local dealership, I was told that the airbag module had gone bad and needed replaced. With that module out, the car could not communicate with the other systems and thus was the cause of the errors/warning lights.
Engine, Jan 23, 2022
The main problem with the car is the error p1326 is the knock sensor. I have this car for almost 5 or 6 months. The error has never been inspected by any insurance or police. The only warning about this problem was the "engine light" on the car.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
In November of 2021 at about 18500 miles the right rear window regulator drive gear disentigrated and the entire regulator had to be replaced. In Decemeber of 2021 at about 19700 miles the right front window regulator disintigrated and had to be replaced. The first 2 photos are the December failure the 3rd is the December failure I found it interesting that the same year model Kia has a recall for the exact same problem. Here is the link. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176915-0001.pdf I am attaching photos of both failures. I have in my posession the front regulator if you want to examine it I will not dispose of it until I hear from you.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 16, 2022, crash
When starting to move from traffic light, engine revved to full throttle, brakes would not stop the vehicle. I swerved right to avoid the vehicle in front of me, then went over a sidewalk and struck a tree. Car still would not stop. Finally came to rest in a ( luckily empty) bowling alley parking lot. Vehicle sustained heavy right side front damage and had to be towed from the scene.
Power train, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2022
#1Headlights & break lights going out often. Bulbs can’t be replaced anymore due to wiring burnt ( 1 headlight ) Took it in and they didn’t even look at it. Have do Documents to back that up #2 Engine light coming on, diagnostic testing indicated spark plugs need to be replaced . Had to do this two times with oil on plugs Took it in and they NEVER look at the spark plugs #3 car burning excessive amount of oil anywhere from 1 quart a week to 3 1/2 quarts after driving 600 miles. Took it into the shop for oil consumption testing only to be told that their warranty would not cover it and it needs a new engine. I have a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on my car! and at the present time I only have 88496 miles on my car I have documentation to back up my claim, I have been a loyal Kia owner for 18 years and they have absolutely treated me horrible in regards to this saying that it was lack of maintenance and they never checked the issues that led up to their findings. They indicated that there was sludge in my engine but could never prove or show me anything that they did to document the sludge and trying to blame it on me. This car is a safety hazard as I am aware of mini other Kia optima’s dad have either caught fire or repaired to have their motors replaced due to the same issues. Anything you can do to help me with this issue ! I’m 60 years old and know how to take care of my car
Visibility, Jan 3, 2022
The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the rear driver’s side window inadvertently fell. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and pulled up the window manually. She then inserted a piece of paper in the upper right corner of the window to keep it in place. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The front and rear driver’s side windows and the rear passenger’s side window also inadvertently fell. The contact inserted pieces of paper in the upper right corner of each window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,500.
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
In Sept the car oil light came on. The car was out of oil. Took it to shop and they could not find a leak. The car was filled with oil. Less than 1,000 miles later in Oct the same situation occurred again. The car was inspected an no leak was found but the oil was gone. In Dec after going 2 500 miles the same situation occurred again and another shop inspected and could not find out why. In all 3 situations the driver had to pull over immediately and be stranded until oil came.
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2021
All four of my window regulators/and or motors have died within months of each other. First it was my back two, now my front two have gone and don’t stay up. I don’t have children nor frequent passengers. I find it mind boggling that all four of my windows have to be repaired. It is completely unsafe that my windows just drop at any given moment, especially if it’s pouring raining or even at night when it’s locked my personal stuff isn’t safe inside.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and checked the oil level of the vehicle with the assistance of her son. The contact stated that her son noticed that the vehicle did not have oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys who had previously refilled the oil and the oil was refilled; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The dealer also advised the contact to not open the oil cap per the manufacturer's instructions. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that oil was leaking in the engine compartment and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000. Consumer stated mechanic put new oil valve gasket. Paid 300+ to put new gasket.
Electrical system, Dec 19, 2021
First my driver side back window wouldn’t roll up or down. It just sags and falls down everytime I drive so I duck taped it until I could afford to get it fixed. Now a month later, the passenger back seat is doing this exact same thing. There is over 100 articles of people talking about this exact problem with 2016-2017 Kia Optimas and I read apparently Kia is even aware as they sent out an alert to dealerships about it or something along those lines? Well that’s all great and dandy but what about the people who already have the car and are dealing with the problems? I have 2 kids under 2 and it’s a tough financial time. Even with the duct tape, it doesn’t always hold and the window will fall down on the highway and my son starts screaming crying cause its loud and the hard wind hits his face. This should be resolved. It shouldn’t take more than like 5 people complaining about the same thing for it to be deeply looked into and fixed. There’s well over 100 people talking about online like I said.
Engine, Nov 15, 2021
my engine started making a knocking noise so i get off the freeway and had my car towed to the dealership and they Confirm that the engine is making a knocking noise but they denied the engine replacement just because it didn’t have the software update done i have only had this car since july i had no idea of this or it would have been taken care of i make sure all my cars are up to date on every repair that it may need
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2021, crash
I experienced sudden acceleration while attempting to park our car. The car was double parked waiting for my husband to move a car so I could park in that space. I put my foot on the brake to put the car in drive. I start to pull forward and the car takes off and I eventually crashed into my apartment building. I remember having my foot on the break to stop the car and could not. The sudden acceleration caused damage to the building inside and out. I did do some research and saw there are others who have experienced the same thing across different models of Kia.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2021
Oil light comes on after oil change. Check engine light comes on and the car feels like it going to quit or stall when going down high way.
Engine, Nov 4, 2021
My car has been burning oil and progressively got worse. The oil lamp light would only blink for a few seconds and turn off to indicate the oil tank was low. I would be around 3 quarts of oil low every 2,000 miles. I have taken my vehicle to the KIA dealership and started the process of a oil consumption test to build a case. After some maintenance work and coming due to check back with the dealer for the 3rd engine oil test, the engine light illuminated. I checked my oil level to make sure there was oil in there and after restarting my car the light turned off. 4 days later my car stalled when coming to a stop. After a few minutes I was able to power my car back on and drive it safely home. The car was taken to the Dealership I have been going to in San Bernardino. I let them know I had checked the oil dipstick after the engine light was on before the stall and they told me I would have to start the engine consumption test over for taking out the dipstick, altering the test. My car has been at the dealership for 4 days with no word on why my engine stalled but I can pick up my car today after they do an oil change to begin the oil consumption test again. They asked that I drive 1,000 miles and bring it back for a final check on the oil per KIA's instruction. In the meantime I have to hope that my car will not stall again possibly causing a wreck harming myself and others or that my engine will not fail before the 1,000 miles are up. If I make it to 1,000 I am hoping KIA will honor the powertrain warranty and fix the engine, but my hope is fading. Although a settlement for similar issues has been made in favor of KIA owners, my problems are occurring after the settlement date.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 1, 2021
Misfire– oil on the spark plug caused misfire. check engine light came on. OBDII scanner show a P0302 trouble code. Eventually the engine misfired enough and lead to a backfire. This also led to Decreased Fuel Mileage, Catalytic Converter Damage, and Blue Exhaust Smoke.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
Rear passenger window failed in June 2021 and cost $700 to fix, not under warranty per dealer. Replaced the window regulator unfortunately, I did not ask for the old part. One week later the rear window on the driver side failed in the same manner. Motor can be heard running and window drops down on it's own. My first fear was I was ripped off and dealer only switched the two parts because what are the chances? Having just spent $700 I did not return immediately but within 2-weeks, before making the appointment the passenger front window breaks! So at that point I start thinking a there must be a recall and start checking. I don't learn the cause of the issue until last month, Sept when the final window gave up as well. Not having the driver door window in FL where I drive on bridges is a hazard. I learned that a "plastic on plastic gear mechanism" fails over time. I am single and rarely have anyone in the rear seats so those gears crumbled from lack of use! KIA changed the design in 2018 due to failures but is failing to take care of earlier models costing owners thousands in repairs. I am the original owner, the car was 5-years old Feb 2021 and the car is garaged at work and home. These should be recalled no one should have to pay thousands in repairs when clearly this is defective and dangerous. All of the windows broke while the car was driving down the road. I live in Florida and this happened during storm season. Very luckily for the interior it wasn't raining as the windows were in the down position when they would not return to closed. I drive over Tampa Bay every day for work so not having working windows is dangerous. Someone should hold KIA accountable they know they are defective. I heard from a Hyundai owner they have the same problem, no surprise KIA owns Hyundai! I bet they changed that design too! My car is garaged work & home so likely helped mine from crumbling under warranty. Please recall window regulators!
Electrical system, Air bags, Lane departure, Oct 17, 2021
Air bag light came on after I also began having issues with blind spot detection warning lights. ABS lights on as well. Took vehicle to Kia Dealer in Gainesville GA and they told me it was the left rear wheel sensor. Wanted $800 to repair ( no longer under warranty). Took vehicle to my mechanic, who ordered the part and replaced sensor. ABS lights & BSD lights went off for almost 2 weeks, then came back on. Air bag light has not gone off.