VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,079 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.0 times the median Optima year — the 2016 model ranks #4 of 20 Optima years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 36 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (448 of 1,079), far ahead of other at 122. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,079

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

3

Investigations

48

Crash-involved

37

Fires reported

36

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,885 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 778 complaints2012: 1,263 complaints2013: 1,885 complaints2014: 787 complaints2015: 1,403 complaints2016: 1,079 complaints2017: 355 complaints2018: 333 complaints2019: 318 complaints2020: 203 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine44842%
Other12211%
Electrical System11310%
Transmission737%
Fuel System626%
Lighting474%
Body & Structure404%
Visibility & Wipers394%
Speed Control293%
Brakes242%
Steering242%
Airbags232%
Driver Assistance101%
Seats91%
Tires & Wheels71%
Seat Belts30%
Suspension30%
Latches & Locks30%

Does the 2016 Kia Optima have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V594000Latches & LocksAugust 24, 2023 · 319,436 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

17V007000AirbagsJanuary 6, 2017 · 1 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

16V705000TransmissionOctober 3, 2016 · 12,214 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

16V231000AirbagsApril 21, 2016 · 17 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“On July 4th, my vehicle lost engine power and flashed a quick prompt of "engine warning" before turning off completely, smoke from under the hood which resulted in a fire. I was able to extinguish it fortunately. I have since discovered there are three open recalls, which I received no notification…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 4, 2023 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 16, 2022 · crash

“On July 4th, my vehicle lost engine power and flashed a quick prompt of "engine warning" before turning off completely, smoke from under the hood which resulted in a fire. I was able to extinguish it fortunately. I have since discovered there are three open recalls, which I received no notification…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 4, 2023 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, STOPPED, IN THE WEST CONSHOHOCKEN MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY BUILDING PARKING LOT, 112 FRONT STREET, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. I WENT TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I PRESSED THE IGNITION BUTTON, A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND CAME FROM UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 22, 2018 · crash

“On July 4th, my vehicle lost engine power and flashed a quick prompt of "engine warning" before turning off completely, smoke from under the hood which resulted in a fire. I was able to extinguish it fortunately. I have since discovered there are three open recalls, which I received no notification…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 4, 2023 · fire

2016 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,079 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 20 Optima years. It is one of the Optima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (448 complaints), other (122 complaints), electrical system (113 complaints).

Does the 2016 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Optima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Kia Optima earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.