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.
Power train, Jul 22, 2021
2016 kia Optima will not go in reverse. It will only work in drive. Tried to drive out of my driveway today. 07.22.2021 and the car would not go in reverse. Pulled back in the driveway and will not drive due to safety hazard.
Visibility, Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated the passenger's side and rear driver's side window became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact removed the door panels and noticed that the power window regulator was corroded. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Seats, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2021
I have a flashing check engine light while driving my vehicle was not trying to give gas or anything
Engine, Jul 14, 2021
Burns oil, worn piston rings, bad gaskets! Engine replacement
Engine, Jul 12, 2021
My 2016 KIA was consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles in 2021. Called KIA dealer about oil consumption issue and they started 3-1000 mile oil consumption tests on 4/6/21 (miles 92,053). On the 1st 1000 mile test, 2 qts of oil were consumed. 2nd 1000 mile test 1.2 qts of oil were consumed. 3rd 1000 mile test 1.5 qts of oil were consumed. All results were reported to KIA. The 3rd oil consumption test was completed on 5/27/21 (miles 95,065) and I went home and checked the oil level on the dipstick, which was filled correctly to the full mark. On 5/28/21 the service mgr called to schedule an engine compression test on 6/8/21. On the morning of 6/8/21, I checked the engine oil and it was more than a qt low (miles 95,510) with only 445 miles since the oil was topped off. Delivered car to KIA for the engine compression test on 6/8/21, told service mgr of the 1 qt oil consumption in 445 miles, and he informed me that if the compression test is good, KIA will direct an engine cleaning procedure per KIA TSB 222. When TSB 222 was completed, they stated another 1000 mile oil consumption test had to be completed. On 6/9/21 I returned to the KIA dealer to pick up my car. Requested to check the engine oil level with the mechanic since this was the start of the 1000 mile test. The car was returned to the service floor, time was allowed for oil draindown, and the mechanic pulled the dipstick which indicated the oil was overfilled by approx 1/3 quart. Took a picture of the dipstick level. The service manager was told of the situation. No action was taken. They sealed the dipstick and I departed. Printed TSB 222 from NHTSA website. On 6/24/21 returned for 1000 mile check. I witnessed (took picture) mechanic check the oil and he said it was less than a qt. I showed service mgr the overfill picture. He change the consumption to 1 qt. Spoke with KIA mgr. He said another 1000 mile check was to be performed. Since TSB 222 states oil is to be filled to full mark, their test is invalid.
Engine, Jun 17, 2021
In August 2020, my check engine light started blinking which means my engine went into limp mode. I had it towed to the Kia dealership in Birmingham Alabama. They did a reset due to knock sensor detection. In October 2020, the engine light came in again. I took it to the Kia dealership in Murfreesboro and they had to replace a head in my engine. My engine has been burning oil so much so that I can’t even make it 3,000 miles between oil changes without having to add more oil. In June 2021, engine light is on again. This is the vehicle I use to transport my children to and from school and myself back and forth to work, this vehicle is unsafe due to the fact that an engine should not have this many issues and with a known recall Kia should replace the engines to prevent someone from being hurt or killed due to engine failure.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2021
The cars headlights turn off while driving under normal conditions. This has happened at least four times in a one month period. This is extremely dangerous as some areas are not well lit or an oncoming car may not see us. I have looked online and I see that this very same issue is occurring with this make and model dating back 6 or more months. It makes no sense that the bulbs would be defective since all lights go off and come back on randomly.
Engine, Jun 6, 2021
My 2016 Kia is burning excessive oil. After, each oil change; 400-500 miles later; the oil dipstick show the oil is at, the low Mark on the dipstick. I took the vehicle into the Kia Dealership; where they performed an oil compression test. On, 05-028-2021. We were told to drive the vehicle for a thousand miles; and, return it back to the dealership to complete the oil compression test. The dealership claimed I need a new engine. Because, there's a problem with the barring in the engine. I was told a new engine would cost $8,000 to replace. Since; there's no extended warranty. We have mantain regular oil changes between 2-3 weeks. Or, every 300-400 miles. The vehicle was purchased at about,54000 miles. And, now has 71000 miles. To our knowledge; there are other Kia vehicles under recall; which, shared the same problem; and, is deem unsafe. Because of,a defect in the engine's design cause, metal shavings to build up and, circulate through the engine, causing; a blown engine. And, a potential safety issue.
Engine, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, May 12, 2021
MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA IS USING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES.THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND CONFIRMED THE CAR WAS USING THAT MUCH OIL AND IT WAS NORMAL OIL USE ACCORDING TO KIA.I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T AGREE THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MAN AGREED IT WAS A LOT OF OIL TO USE BUT SAID HE HAD TO GO BY KIA'S GUIDELINES AND I COULD FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE KIA WEBSITE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA AND WAS CONTACTED 3 WEEKS LATER AND TOLD THE SAME THING THAT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES WAS WITHIN KIA SPECIFICATIONS.THE CAR IS STILL UNDER THE 100,000 MILES EXTENSION WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE ALL OIL CHANGES
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2021
VEHICLE CONSUMES OIL AT HIGH RATE. APPROXIMATELY 5 QTS PER 3000 MILES DRIVEN SOMETIMES MORE OFTEN. AFTER NEW OIL IS ADDED, ACCELERATION WILL DELAY AT TIMES, USUALLY WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS MOVING FORWARD A CLOUD OF BLUISH/WHITE EXHAUST WILL BE CREATED. THE CLOUDS OF EXHAUST OCCURS MORE OFTEN JUST AFTER AN OIL CHANGE OR OIL IS ADDED. WILL CONTINUE FOR THE FIRST 1000 MILES THEN WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT AS MORE OIL IS CONSUMED AND THE AMOUNT REMAINING IN THE OIL PAN IS LESSENED. HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
BURNING OIL
Engine, Apr 22, 2021
REQUIRES NUMEROUS OIL CHANGES, LOSS OF OIL. ENGINE SMOKES IF DELAYS. CAR HESITATES OFTEN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 15, 2021
MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 3 TIMES IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS. I'VE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. THIS CAR IS S 2016 KIA OPTIMA AND HAD LEFT ME WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS .I NOTICE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THIS SAFETY ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED . VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITHOUT HEADLAMPS. SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THIS SERIOUS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2021, crash
PULLED INTO NEIGHBORHOOD, PUT FOOT ON PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, AND CAR TOOK OFF. WOULD NOT STOP. WENT B/W 80-100 MPH ON IT'S OWN, BEFORE MY MOTHER DROVE OFF AN EMBANKMENT, AND FLIPPED HER CAR END OVER END. NEARLY KILLING HER, AS WELL AS HER DOG. CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED.*DT*DT*DT*DT*DT
Power train, Apr 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER BOWIE KIA LOCATED AT 16620 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD, BOWIE, MD 20716 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2021
2016 KIA OPTIMA HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS. THEY ARE TURNING OFF BY THEMSELVES WHILE DRIVING. TODAY WAS A CLOSE ONE FOR ME, IT WAS 9:10PM AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 50MPH AND ALL THE SUDDEN MY LIGHTS WENT OUT AND I HAD TO BREAK RAPIDLY, I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE FOR OTHER OWNERS. I ASKED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT FIXING THE HEADLIGHTS, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO COST $400 AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS BEING A DEFECTIVE ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS. I AM NOT GOING TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS ISSUE, EVERY EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO MAKE THIS A NATIONAL RECALL ISSUE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE MOTIVE POWER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Structure, Mar 18, 2021
THE ANTENNA COVER ON MY CAR FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE NOTICED AS I WASH(HANDWASH ONLY) WHEN I WIPE AROUND THE ANTENNA IT MOVES. THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD, BUT ASSUMED IT WAS NORMAL. I WAS DRIVING BACK TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY(03/17/21) THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT(65MPH)WHEN A TRACTOR-TRAILER PASSED ME CAUSING A WIND GUSH. I HEARD SOMETHING HIT THE HOOD OF MY CAR. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK, I SAW THAT THE ANTENNA COVER WAS COMPLETELY GONE. NOTICED THE PLASTIC AROUND THE MOUNTING SCREWS WERE ALL BROKEN OFF PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY. I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO FIND A REPLACEMENT ANTENNA. I FOUND A GROUP CHAT WITH MANY KIA OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE EXACT ISSUE. ONE OWNER POSTED A TSB(SA272) FOR 2016 KIA OPTIMA BEING RECALLED FOR DEFECTS IN THE ANTENNA FIN ASSEMBLY FOR SCREWS LOOSENING OR BREAKING. THE BULLETIN STATED THAT OWNERS OF SAID KIA OPTIMA COULD BRING THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THE ANTENNA WOULD BE REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE BY KIA MOTORS FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I CALLED TWO KIA DEALERSHIP AND LATER KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE CSR SAID THAT SHE DID NOT PULL UP A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I GAVE HER THE TSB NUMBER. A POSTER SAID HIS KIA DEALERSHIP REPLACED HIS 2016 KIA OPTIMA BROKEN ANTENNA WITHOUT CHARGE. THE CSR SAID THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION WOULD HAVE TO INITIATE/ORDER THE RECALL AND LIST MY MODEL OF THE 2016 KIA OPTIMA IN ORDER FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ANTENNA AT NO COST. I HAVE THE EXPENSIVE MODEL, THE 2016 KIA OPTIMA(SXL TURBO) W/TECHNOLGY PACKAGE WHY WASN'T MY 2016 MODEL NOT LISTED WITH THE OTHER 2016 KIA OPTIMA? THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COSTS OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE ANTENNA. SAID THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED. A CHEAP PLASTIC ANTENNA COVER FOR $600? YOUR QUICK REPLY AND SOLUTION TO RESOLVE THIS SERIOUS ISSUE WITH KIA ANTENNA WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU [XXX] CELL : [XXX] WORK: [XXX](MON-THU) EMAIL : [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Mar 17, 2021
VEHICLE STARTED BURNING OIL, COMPLETED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT I HAVE TO GET A NEW ENGINE DUE TO COMBUSTION RINGS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2021
THREE OF THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME AND THE FORTH TWO WEEKS LATER. I HAD THEM REPAIRED FOR A ALMOST $ 2000 SINCE THE THE VEHICLE HAS 62K MILES AND THE WARRANTY WAS GOOD TILL 60K MILES.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 11, 2021
WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY, CAME TO A STOPLIGHT, AND AS CONTINUING WITH DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE, AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING. CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER AROUND 30 MPH UNTIL FEELING THE CAR NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. I USED A CODE READER AND GOT CODE P1326, WHICH I HAD LOOKED UP AND SAYS IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM. HAD BRING MY CAR IN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD MY CAR HAD LOW OIL, ABOUT 2 QUARTZ. I DO REGULAR OIL CHANGES THOUGH AND HAD DONE AN OIL CHANGE A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. THE SHOP I WENT TO TOLD ME THERE MAY BE A SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THE CAR. WAS TOLD SPECIFIC YEARS HAVE HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH OIL, LOSING OIL ALTHOUGH NO LEAKS OR SIGNS.
Engine, Mar 4, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN CHANTILLY KIA (4105 AUTO PARK CIR, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, (703) 263-2500) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT SHE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.*DT
Visibility/wiper, Feb 19, 2021
THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SUDDENLY ROLLED DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CHECKS REVEAL THAT THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE UPWARD/DOWNWARD MOVEMENT WAS INOPERABLE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRM THE MOTOR NEEDED CHANGING. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I AM THE ONLY USER OF THE CAR AND THE BACK SEAT HAS NEVER BEEN USED, THEY STILL CHARGED $650 TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. SIX MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE REAR LEFT WINDOW. I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO PAY ANOTHER $650, SO I TRIED TO PLACE PAPER IN THE SPACE TO HOLD THE GLASS IN PLACE. NOW TODAY THE RIGHT FRONT GLASS JUST ROLLED DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I SPOKE WITH A KIA DRIVER I SAW IN THE PARKING LOT AT WALMART AND HE STATED THAT HE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
Engine, Feb 8, 2021
PUT GAS IN CAR AND NOW ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING AND MY CAR IS MISFIRING GEARS AND JERKING.