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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2024
My back windows will not roll up and down with the buttons and now whenever I hit a bump and even shut my door, the windows fall down. The only way to get them back up is to physically pull them back up. I cannot get the stay up.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted each time. Additionally, a quart of oil needed to be added weekly due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred three years later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side windows and the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side windows were inoperable and would not open or close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the window regulators for each window had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The contact also stated that the exterior door handles on the front and rear passenger’s side doors had fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pipe and determined that the fuel pipe was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Engine, Aug 16, 2024
Vehicle is burning through oil at ridiculous rates. I am putting in a quart almost every week. From what I can tell; my engine has no recall but it absolutely should! There is no evidence of a leak whatsoever.
Engine, Aug 9, 2024
They are selling defective engines with out any leaks the car consumes a gallon per hundred miles , the acceleration of the car changes itself . the dealer has already informed that these engines are defective. I want to fix the issue from the company at their cost.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that prior to the engine failing, one quart of engine oil was being added every week. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 7, 2024
The car had engine failure. The same issue that 1000s of the same make and model had a lawsuit for. Apparently my VIN isn’t one of them covered even though the exact issues stated in the engine failure lawsuit are the same issues I had. It’s under 80,000 miles I get synthetic oil and all other maintenance done when recommended. I was driving one day and the car started jerking and the engine would just stall out there was also a lot of smoke and very loud noises. I have tried contacting Kia and they say that it’s not one of the VIN numbers covered. If it’s the same issue how could they know if it was going to happen to my specific VIN or not. This is a huge safety issue because I am concerned the engine will blow up or catch on fire. I have had a mechanic come look and he started the engine and said to immediately turn it off. This is clearly a safety issue that’s not being handled well at all.
Engine, Aug 7, 2024
Forgot to add invoice for new engine. This is regarding claim # 11606977
Engine, Aug 7, 2024
One day I'm driving on route 78 and when I reached 60 mph, my car began to spudder and jerk. This happens quite often as I'm driving on a dangerous road. I brought my car, 2016 Kia optima, to a local dealer where they diagnosed the problem of a blown head gasket! They said I needed a new engine at 108k miles in 4 years since I had the car. I had to get a second opinion and went to Bridgewater Kia and they to said I needed a new engine. Now this car had a GDI engine that burned off a lot oil. Heavy oil consumption and there was never a recall regarding the issue. I've read many similar incidents where owners of this exact make and model and year have experienced issues with their engine seizing, stalling, and just shutting off in the middle of traffic. This is clearly a safety issue that Kia continues to ignore. They say it's not their problem but yet you designed the defective and deficient engine so why should I have to pay for a brand new engine and not get fully reimbursed. I filled out claim form after claim form contacting Kia engine settlement.com help desk which were no help. I believe they're ignoring me for the obvious reasons. So now I'm on this smear campaign against KIA and trying to raise awareness. I'll do it alone if I have to but I'm not giving up.
Visibility, Traction control system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and auto high-beam warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the four windows failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Engine, Jul 30, 2024
I bought the vehicle used in 2022 and since then the vehicle has misfired on 2 separate occasions while driving requiring it to be towed. I’ve had to change the spark plugs and coil packs 4 different times due to the vehicle misfiring. I contacted Kia when the issue first began and was informed that my vehicle is one included in a class action lawsuit for engine failure, and was given a Case Number, but was told the only way they will cover repair/ replacement of the engine is if a specific error code was shown at the time of engine failure. The last 2 times I had to change my spark plugs were within a month of each other, so the vehicle was towed to Kia where they informed me that they recommended a combustion chamber cleaning and once again replacing the spark plugs. However, this was not a final diagnosis as to why the vehicle was misfiring, and they stated the vehicle may still misfire even with those services. Upon having the combustion chamber cleaned completed at a different location, and once again replacing the spark plugs, the engine locked up in the middle of the road and would not start again. the vehicle has been non-driveable since mid June and is currently in a shop awaiting repairs.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2024
I purchased a 2016 KIA Optima from eCars in Wichita Ks in November of 2022. The car had no major issues until the Optima was stolen this last March. I recovered the car quickly but it was damaged. Had ignition pulled out steering column broken, window broken and lots of cosmetic damage. Was towed twice and in the shop twice. All has been fixed with auto insurance funds. I am part of the KIA theft settlement and waiting for funds to be dispersed. Second part of my issue is that on 07/22/24 the check engine light came on while I was driving to work. It was blinking which indicates a serious engine issue. I turned around and went home and parked it. I started researching KIA engine issues and found that my car is also eligible for the KIA Theta II engine class action settlement but the submission deadline was 12/07/23. Since I was not the original owner, I was never notified of this class action settlement so could not submit a claim. I contacted Midwest KIA in Wichita KS to see about their "Buy Back program" I found online that KIA will sometimes buy certain vehicles back due to quality or safety issues. They want me to drive the car over 30 miles from my house to their lot so they can see the car in person, which I am not comfortable with. My question is what kind of legal recourse do I have with KIA? Am I still covered under Kansas Lemon Law? I still owe over $15k on the Optima. I ended up buying a new car on Saturday from Rusty Eck Ford but didn't trade the Optima in because they told me it had a salvage title, which I wasn't aware of when I bought it. It caught on fire apparently. All the damage was fixed, which could have been covered under the settlement as a qualifying fire.
Engine, Jul 29, 2024
Driving approx. 65 mph on highway when car started shaking, then engine light came on, then car went into limp mode. Safety was at risk due to the fact this happened in the fast lane on highway, had to maneuver vehicle onto right side of road for emergency parking. Dealership and independent auto shop diagnosed problem to be misfire on cylinder #4, performed compression test, found intake valve and piston damage. Estimated repairs to be between $6,000 to $8,000 to rebuild engine. Mileage 82,826. We still have the vehicle for inspection.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2024
Mya paint is bubbling , chipping and peeling all over my car.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 26, 2024
My vehicle has been having engine & electrical issues, I originally took the vehicle to a secondary mechanic after Kia Baltimore stated it would be a couple months before they could diagnose the issue. The secondary mechanic was changed spark plugs, and other fixes but advised the vehicle engine was still shutting down and he believe it was related to the Kia engine recall issues. Thereafter, I had the vehicle towed to Kia Towson on 5/22/23..they have had the vehicle ever since I call daily, leave messages with managers, and essentially pay car insurance and car note, and use ride share services while getting no response about my vehicle. The rental manager at the dealership doesn't return my calls, no one. This is unacceptable.
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
Complete engine failure on July 13th. While driving at on the interstate the car lurched and began to smoke. Oil light, engine light and battery light all came on. We turned on hazard lights and pulled off the freeway onto the off-ramp. As we stopped at the light the car completely died in traffic. Smoke was coming from the hood and the car wouldn’t no longer start. We were in traffic and had to wait for help to get our car safely pushed off the road. We had the car towed to a car lot. The engine had a recall but we were never informed of this or sent any letters about it. We received a recall About a trunk safety issue so we know they had our correct address. We have owned the car less than a year so previous owners never took care of the problem and we were not informed. Kia is denying helping pay for a new engine even though they have a lawsuit and have admitted to engine problems.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle was shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that a message "Do not drive - Tow to Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a loosened turbo hose needed to be tightened. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on four occasions while the vehicle was parked and the window switches were depressed on all the windows, the windows failed to roll up or roll down as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's side window regulator had become dismantled, allowing the glass to move up and down. The contact was informed that the window regulator and panel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired each time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2024
I got on the Highway after work, particularly hot day so I had the a/c running. Following nobody, and not next to any cars I hear a loud "crack," followed by yet another loud crack, glass flying to the back of my car, sunroof cover starts rattling back and fourth. I pull over after being jump scared, and come to find my sun roof to be blown upwards.
Engine, Jul 15, 2024
Excessive oil consumption, loss of power. Went in for a tune as previous owner never did one and car would not crank back up. In fact it didn’t respond to the key turn at all. SENSOR read wouldn't read a problem. Later found out engine was basically gone. Burned excessive oil, started coming out the tail pipe. Dash was not illuminating when there was insufficient oil. Has not been fixed
Power train, Engine, Jul 12, 2024
[XXX] 6:30AM: 2016 Kia Optima Ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acceleration and immediately attempted to get over to the side of the road. Which was pretty [XXX] scary being that it's a busy freeway that early in the morning so everyone is laying on their horn while trying to get out of my way. It was either be stranded in the middle of the freeway or get over as quick as possible. My electronics were all still on however; my whole dashboard went from no "check engine" light to everything that could light up was lit up. I own a OBD2 scanner so I plugged that in and scanned it. I received a code that read "P0014: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over - Advanced (Bank 1)". I then had my car towed to a mechanic that diagnosed my engine and claimed there was "metal shavings" in my engine. And my engine was not turning; it seized up. I didn't believe him so I got a ride over to the shop and sure enough he simply had me pull my dipstick out to see the shavings on there. He also manually turned my engine with a socket wrench and told me it was harder than [XXX] to turn which was not supposed to happen. I tried it myself and sure enough it was tough as [XXX] to turn. He claimed I needed a new engine! He said I have the option to get it towed somewhere else or he can try and find an engine for me. I then called a Kia Service center in Visalia CA and explained to them what happened. They said they will not fix anything due to me not having a computer update recall fixed on my car. Yet I had never gotten a notice in the mail for it like they were supposed to do back in 2018. The only one I had gotten recently was a "safety recall" which was to fix my trunk latch. I knew that would not have any impact on my cars running condition so I did not get that fixed. However had I known I needed an update I would've gone in a heartbeat. I did not take it to the service center being that they told me they cannot fix my engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 11, 2024
UNKNOWN ISSUE: Car shut off while driving and would not crank back up. In fact it didn’t respond to the key turn at all. SENSOR reads the code p0014 which can mean costly repairs.
Power train, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before gaining motive power. The vehicle was also shuddering and vibrating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. Additionally, the gear shift lever was difficult to shift into reverse(R). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and then the gear shifter was able to be shifted into reverse(R). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2024
All four windows are not operational and ceased function. All 4 of the windows are currently propped up. I spoke to Kia Dealership and they are familiar with the problem they are having alot of complaints with this issue. They can repair all 4 windows for a cost of $2000.00 +. I really don’t have the money for this. I got pulled over by the cops and was so scared because I couldn’t roll my windows down. This is very unsafe. I’m in a very difficult situation. Kia vehicles are defective and dangerous because the power window regulators fail and cause the windows to fail. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Kia for this Issue, [XXX] et al. v. Kia America Inc., Case No. [XXX] filed in California. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)