2016 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2016: 747 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	143
2002	107
2003	141
2004	225
2005	144
2006	155
2007	166
2008	143
2009	116
2010	75
2011	589
2012	916
2013	1371
2014	576
2015	998
2016	747
2017	252
2018	227
2019	200
2020	136

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 56%

56% of complaints: engine — 421 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I brought the car may 13 2023 and July 11th the car caught fire on the eway around 9-10am. I was trapped in the car due to the doors not unlocking and had to get help by others around. The car didn't have any problems.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230930

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE RPMS DRASTICALLY INCREASED TO 6 OR 7.

NHTSA ODI report, 20161223

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 96 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The body shop later informed me that there is a recall for engine fire recently,but my year/make is not listedin the info obtained online. The car started stalling while driving down the off. Smoke started coming through the vents.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231023

WHEN. I'M DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF BUT COMES RIGHT BACK ON AND SOMETIMES THE RADIO JUST SHUTS OFF AND COMES BACK ON PLUS ALL THE LIGHTS INSIDE GOES OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180316

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 70 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 53 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 43 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2016 — complaint volume: 747

R 20160506 — air bags

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016.

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.

Campaign 16V231000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20161130 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 16V705000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170110 — air bags

Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle.

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.

Campaign 17V007000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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)...

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.

Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20231019 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

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.

Campaign 23V594000 — check if this car was fixed