Severe Issues

2016 KIA OPTIMA Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima. This model year has 733 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

733
Complaints
25
Crashes
18
Fires
20
Injuries
1
Deaths
5
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2016 Kia Optima Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
435
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:4
Fires:16
Injuries:5
#2
113
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:4
Fires:3
Injuries:1
#3
98
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:6
Fires:5
Injuries:1

Considering a 2016 Kia Optima?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Kia Optima. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems435416β€”
Uncategorized Issues11343β€”
Electrical Faults9865β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain691β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System51β€”6β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures461β€”β€”
Structural Problems3933β€”
Visibility29β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration2821β€”
Steering Defects242β€”β€”
Brake System2222β€”
Airbag Malfunctions2212β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues92β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)9β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System8β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline8β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper8β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB51β€”β€”
Wheel Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues32β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention2β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”
Hybrid Propulsion System1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Other/I Am Not Sure1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 733 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Structural ProblemsApr 22, 2026

I am submitting a defect complaint regarding the paint on my vehicle, which has been progressively deteriorating. The issue begins as small bubbles in the paint, which eventually lead to peeling and complete paint loss in affected areas. This condition is currently present on the…

Engine ProblemsApr 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire coming fr…

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 17, 2026

The car starts and drives with other keys in ignition

Uncategorized IssuesApr 15, 2026

The Kias have been recalled for a failure to adhere the shark fin antenna. This has been recalled in some models. My 2016 has fallen off and is not on the recall list. Please include.

Uncategorized IssuesApr 15, 2026

For a second time, the window goes off the runner and will not operate. This happened to the drivers side window and the rear drivers side window. The only option is to return to the dealership and have the part replaced to allow the window to move up and down, This is a safety h…

Brake SystemApr 14, 2026

FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS, IVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS RELATING TO MY ENGINE BURNING OIL TO FAST, ENGINE SHAKING AND NOT ACCELERATING LIKE ITS SPPOSE TO... YOU HAVE A RECALL ON 2016 OPTIMAS BUT ONLY THE HYBRID (HEV). WHICH WE ALL KNOW ITS NOT RIGHT. WHY ONLY DO IT FOR CERTAIN OPTIMAS KNO…

Electrical FaultsApr 7, 2026

My rear passenger side window would not go up or down & the motor would run when the button was pressed. That was in January 2026. Now April 2026, my driver's side rear window will not go up or down.

Engine ProblemsMar 27, 2026

Car is not holding oil it acts like it's gonna cut off while driving and it jerking was diagnosed with colitic converter p0604

VisibilityMar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was loud banging sound coming from the vehicle and there were shards of glass on the right elbow of the contact. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the co…

Steering DefectsMar 11, 2026

I purchased a vehicle from Banter Auto here in Wichita, Kansas. I reviewed the Carfax beforehand and nothing stood out that scared me so I signed off and purchased the vehicle. I have had nothing but problems since buying which was 7 months ago and have spent 9000 on repairs. I’v…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 9, 2026

These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue but they are not trying fix my car under that recall of the bad motor that they did recall

Engine ProblemsMar 5, 2026

2016 Kia Optima engine locked up, vehicle stalled on interstate,heard a rod bearing sound, left me in limp mode trying to get out the way of 18 wheelers traveling behind me. Towed into Kia dealership which confirmed the engine locked up which has a recall #PI1802B KSDS, but denie…

Engine ProblemsMar 3, 2026

Engine oil light doesn’t work. Oil light flashed a couple of times in separate instances. Checking oil dip stick which smells like burning oil and dip stick hardly showed any oil left.

Engine ProblemsFeb 21, 2026

engine light start blinking out of no where and speed started to reduce while on the highway. my fix finder gave me code P1326

Fuel SystemFeb 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway and contact…

Engine ProblemsFeb 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicl…

Engine ProblemsFeb 10, 2026

My vehicle’s engine was previously approved for replacement under the lifetime engine warranty associated with the settlement, confirming that my vehicle falls within the covered class. However, I am now experiencing significant difficulty obtaining assistance regarding secondary…

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 4, 2026

In order to repair the recalled equipment on the vehicle the dealerships and Kia want us to pay for them to open the trunk ($280/hour service fee to remove the back seat to gain access to the trunk and then return the back seat once completed). If the trunk latch was NOT broken …

Engine ProblemsFeb 3, 2026

The engine stalled without warning while I was pulling out of my driveway into the street, creating an unsafe condition due to sudden loss of power. After waiting briefly, the vehicle restarted and was moved back into the driveway. It was towed the following day due to loss of co…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresFeb 1, 2026

The engine is a problem and all I’m ever told us β€œ this vehicle is know to have engine problems. This is dangerous to have in the road. Kia is aware of this. Why sale the vehicle knowing this and not disclosing this info to the consumer upon purchase. There is no truth in lending…

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Kia Optima.

Recalls for 2016 Kia Optima

5 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Optima. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

18V907000Invalid Date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

17V007000Jun 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V705000Mar 10, 2016
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

16V231000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

23V594000Invalid Date
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

2016 Kia Optima β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2016 Kia Optima has 733 NHTSA owner complaints, 25 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (435 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (435 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (113 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (98 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Optima?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Optima?β–Ύ

The 2016 Kia Optima has 25 crash-related complaints and 18 fire reports out of 733 total NHTSA complaints. 20 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Kia Optima have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Kia Optima. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Kia Optima?β–Ύ

The 2016 Kia Optima has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2016 Kia Optima

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.