Car Yearsto Avoid

2016 Kia Optima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2016 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Optima. Owners have filed 758 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

758 complaints 5 recalls, 1 fire risk 4th worst of 13 Optima years

Top 2016 Kia Optima problems

1

Engine problems

443 complaints (58%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and oil cooler.

Complaints 443 · Usually at 67,000–111,000 miles · Recall 18V907000

2

Electrical problems

104 complaints (14%) name the electrical system, most often the key / sender and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.

Complaints 104 · Usually at 37,000–103,000 miles

3

Transmission problems

74 complaints (10%) name the transmission, most often the driveshaft.

Complaints 74 · Usually at 18,000–87,000 miles · Recall 16V705000

4

Fuel system problems

62 complaints (8%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump.

Complaints 62 · Usually at 63,000–110,000 miles · Recall 18V907000

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 58%
Unknown or Other 16%
Electrical 14%
Transmission 10%
Fuel System 8%
Lights 6%
Body 5%
Wipers and Visibility 5%
Acceleration 4%
Brakes 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (272 of 758). The amber line is the middle value, about 70,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2016 Kia Optima recalls

Trunk latch can crack, trapping occupants

Injury risk

The trunk latch base can crack, so the trunk may not open from inside. A person trapped in the trunk could be seriously injured, and the vehicles also fail federal safety standard 401 for internal trunk release.

Fix: The dealer will replace the trunk latch base subassembly free of charge.

Recall 23V594000 · Aug 2023

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018

Inflator module

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.

Fix: The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017.

Recall 17V007000 · Jan 2017

Axle shaft

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge.

Recall 16V705000 · Oct 2016

Frontal

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.

Recall 16V231000 · Apr 2016
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Optima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Optima 1,386
2015 Optima 1,009
2012 Optima 920
2016 Optima 758
2011 Optima 594
2014 Optima 589
2017 Optima 256
2018 Optima 232
2019 Optima 212
2020 Optima 151
2008 Optima 144
2009 Optima 116
2010 Optima 75

2016 Kia Optima problems by system

Engine (443)Electrical (104)

Common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Optima a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Optima. Owners have filed 758 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

What are the most common 2016 Kia Optima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and fuel system. 443 complaints (58%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and oil cooler.

At what mileage do 2016 Kia Optima engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 67,000–111,000 miles, with a middle value near 91,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima have?

5. Trunk latch can crack, trapping occupants (23V594000); Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk (18V907000); Inflator module (17V007000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2016 Kia Optima?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.