MYRModel Year Report

2016 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2016 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
756
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

56% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2016 756 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2016 756 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 756 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2016: 756 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

56% · 424 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2023-09-30

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, 2016-12-23

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

The engine assembly completely seized and the vehicle is currently stored at an independent repair shop .

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05

Also filed under Power train

Electrical system

14% · 105 reports

Most commonly citing key/sender and speedometer/odometer.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Kia Optima, purchased from CarMax in 2024 and financed through CarMax Auto Finance.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-07

Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was repaired by PepBoys.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-25

Also filed under Power train and exterior lighting

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, 2023-10-23

Also filed under Structure

Power train

10% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing driveshaft.

CRASH

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 53 reports
FIREINJURY

Exterior lighting

6% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

CRASH

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2016Complaint volume 756 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2016-05-06Air bags16V231000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2016-11-30Power train16V705000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2017-01-10Air bags17V007000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  7. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  8. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  9. R
    2023-10-19Latches/locks/linkages23V594000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 424 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 105 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 73 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V231000 · Air bags
  • Recall 16V705000 · Power train
  • Recall 17V007000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V594000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia Optima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.