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2016 Kia Optima

The Verdict

11 Total Klunk

The 2016 Kia Optima has 745 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (450 complaints) and body (149 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 11/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Kia Optima, consider the 2010 model year which has 90% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2010 has 90% fewer complaints

View the 2010 Kia Optima dashboard →

11

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 4

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

23V594000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

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 ...

Risk

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 n...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

16V231000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 ...

Risk

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. ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

17V007000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE: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 r...

Risk

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.

Reported Jun 1, 2017

16V705000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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...

Risk

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. Eit...

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 numbe...

Reported Mar 10, 2016

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200167832279
2002521227154
200373538226
2004125663247
200573250163
2006530672312
2007347922310
2008306642815
20092014371629
2010123241217
20111383712627017
2012280628844334
20134397311770433
201418723413187
2015213487164912
2016149119945036
2017434261718
201829133014610
2019631820926
2020127101016

By Category

Engine
450
Body
149
Electrical
99
Transmission
36
Brakes
11

By Severity

1
327
2
372
3
1
4
44
5
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 1

Code was on and off for a cylinder 2 misfire was off at this point (intermittent misfire) ecl was off car stalled out at 3rpms while driving, tiny puff of smoke once came from between the air intake and the engine, and also no crank no start but car has power. I’ve kept up with the oil changes every 3000 miles car had fluids in it and nothing looked bad all 4 spark plugs were burnt and i replaced them and still no success.

15d ago
Body 4

I had just stopped at stop sign and I turned right. My speed was approximately 40 mph and there was a LOUD POP. I immediately hit the brakes and had NO BRAKES. I got car off road and smoke was already coming from under hood. It caught fire immediately and burned up. Total loss . About 6 months prior to it burning I had a good bit of front end work done on it with bearing issues. Also put a new set of tires at same time . The coils and plugs were changed often because it would misfire. I purchased car July 2025. All my documents were burnt also .

16d ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side windows lowered unintendedly. Neither the dealer nor an independent was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance since the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 107,000.

25d ago
Engine 1

My 2016 Kia Optima equipped with the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine began to experience progressive and severe oil consumption during the latter part of my ownership. The oil warning light began activating repeatedly, even after shortly getting the oil changed. Several certified mechanics and oil change service stations told me this was an ongoing issue with this car and engine and that there was nothing I could do but monitor it and keep it filled. At their instruction, I monitored and had it changed more frequently, often topping it off at the oil change station and at home when needed. Approximately 2 weeks after an oil change upon putting the car in reverse it started to shake uncontrollably. The car was towed to a mechanic who stated I needed an engine. I then towed it to an authorized Kia franchise dealership where the technician documented the oil consumption complaint, confirmed a Cylinder 2 misfire code, performed a borescope inspection, and found the Cylinder 2 exhaust valve burnt with a chunk missing. Engine replacement was recommended by the Kia dealership technician. Prior to my purchase, the engine had already been replaced at approximately 80,000 miles under recall-related circumstances. The replacement engine installed by a Kia dealership subsequently failed, exhibiting symptoms consistent with the documented widespread defect affecting the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine in 2016 Kia Optima vehicles, including severe oil consumption, cylinder misfire, and catastrophic internal engine damage confirmed via borescope at a Kia franchise dealership. Kia America denied the claim based solely on mileage despite the damage being confirmed by their franchise technician. My vehicle became unsafe to drive due to this engine instability shortly after starting before becoming fully inoperable. My vehicle has been non-operational for approximately 5 months. Kia has not provided a substantive written determination despite a formal written demand submitted in March 2026.

1mo ago
Engine 2

the engine. I was at a stop sign when the car stop responding to me pressing the accelerator and would not go. Upon further inspection it was noted that my car had no oil in it. I am diligent in getting my oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. My engine had "seized" and i am being advised to purchase a new engine or purchase a new car. While trying to get my car to acclerate i was almost hit 4 times in a matter of 10 mins.

1mo ago
Engine 1

The car returned P1326 and had multiple misfires and audible knocking, the dealers will indeed fight the already existing class action warranties. Was sent home and told to “drive the fuck out of it”, to which the car did not make it home and blew gasoline into my cabin while driving on the highway. Almost passed out, and am still fighting Kia to actually address the defective rod bearings. I personally would fight tooth and nail over a 5 dollar problem, but this is something they do nationwide and can cause serious injury or death. If it weren’t a 200 LB man driving the gasoline shooting into the cabin would absolutely cause a knockout. To the time of this report they are still trying to disregard the rod bearing issue and send me home with fixes to problems caused consequentially.

1mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owned a 2016 KIA OPTIMA. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH occupied with her husband the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle as you looked in the drive side rear view mirror and while depressing the brake pedal attempting to come to a complete at the traffic light, the brakes failed to work a intended. No warning light illuminated. The contact mention she kept trying to depress the brake pedal, however the vehicle kept accelerating causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch, go around a telephone poll, crashing into a rock garden which allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot call interstate towing then the vehicle was then towed by insurance company to a collision center. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,834.

1mo ago
Engine 1

The Kia had a problem with the check engine light coming on and it gently went into limp mode. I had it repaired at Darlings Ford and it worked for about 600 miles. I had it repaired again and it worked for about 7,000 miles. The light recent came on and the car immediately hard banged andwent into limp mode. My wife was driving and shaking when she got home. The light went out and everything was fine. A couple of days later, on 5/27/26, we were on the interstate in traffic travelling 70 mph and it Violently hard bumped, the Cel came on and it went into limp mode. It was as if we hit deep pot holes with both front tires which we didn't as we were on a smooth highway. The light is still on and it's in limp mode.

1mo ago
Engine 2

This vehicle is eligible for Theta II class action settlement, and I cannot seem to get the Kia dealerships, or the Kia Corporate to honor the engine failure issue that I was told by the AAA mechanic should have been replaced. I have also been told by others, including another mechanic at a nationally recognized mechanic that it needs to be taken care of, and that they had the same vehicle and had there's taken care of without any issues.

1mo ago
Engine 2

While accelerating onto the highway in my 2016 Kia Optima 2.4L, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without warning. The vehicle would no longer accelerate and I was forced to coast and brake to safety. Immediately after the engine shut off, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light illuminated on the dashboard. After the incident, the vehicle would not restart or crank at all. The electrical systems, dashboard lights, and chimes still function normally, and the battery is new. The vehicle had proper oil level at the time of failure. No warning signs were present prior to the sudden loss of power. This failure created a serious safety hazard because it occurred during highway acceleration and left the vehicle unable to maintain speed or move out of traffic safely. Based on the symptoms and sudden engine shutdown, I am concerned this may be related to the known Theta II engine issues associated with Kia Optima vehicles.

1mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking and rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.

1mo ago
Electrical 4

UNKNOWN THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR HIT OTHER DRIVER FROM BEHIND.

2mo ago
Engine 2

Issue 1: High oil consumption in the engine due to poor engine design, according to the auto repair center. 5 quarts of oil are added to the engine once every 2-3 weeks. All oil leaks were previously repaired, but oil is still burning off. Issue 2: The engine has misfired more than once, with a puff of smoke coming out of the exhaust. Issue 3: Twice in the past 1.5-2 years, multiple spark plugs have failed, causing a breakdown. This is a Theta II engine, but it is not in the class action settlement.

2mo ago
Engine 2

I purchased a Kia Optima 2016, in December of 2025. At the time the car wouldn't go over 60 mph. I hauled the car to Kia to have it inspected. The Kia dealership informed me that there is a recall on that particular car for an engine replacement. They tested the car and later informed me that they believed I purchased the car knowing it had a recall and wanted the engine replaced for free so I could sell the car. The car is not for sale, and I had/have no intentions on selling the car. I went ahead and paid $6100 for the engine to be replaced. I later did research and learned that if a car has a recall, it doesn't matter my intentions with the car. I felt that Kia denied a replacement engine because of their opinion of me and not for the recall. The car is registered and insured in my name and is being driven daily. At this time, I feel that I deserve a refund of the $6100. Can you guide me on which steps to take on this matter?

2mo ago
Body 1

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 trunk, roof, and rear sides of the vehicle, and early signs are now appearing on the hood. This defect is more than cosmetic. As the paint peels, it exposes the underlying metal panels to environmental elements, increasing the risk of corrosion and rust. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Additionally, significant peeling—particularly on surfaces like the roof or hood—can create glare or release debris, posing a potential safety hazard and distraction to both myself and surrounding drivers. I initially brought this issue to a Kia dealership, where the manager advised me to contact Kia Customer Affairs. Upon doing so, I was informed that the issue falls outside the warranty timeframe. However, after speaking with other Kia owners experiencing similar problems—especially with the same paint color—it appears this may be a widespread manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. Furthermore, a professional paint specialist evaluated the condition and indicated that the bubbling and peeling are consistent with poor paint adhesion or a defective clear coat/mid-coat application during manufacturing.

2mo ago
Engine 1

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 from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

2mo ago
Transmission 2

The car starts and drives with other keys in ignition

3mo ago
Body 2

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.

3mo ago
Body 1

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 hazard and fails state inspection if the windows will not move up and down. This is a safety recall.

3mo ago
Engine 1

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 KNOWING WE ARE ALL (ALL OPTIMAS) ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING!! SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS AND AUTO SHOPS AND NOW IM MENTALLY DRAINED , UPSET, CONFUSED AND OVERALL FEEL MANIPULATED BY KIA... NICE CARS BUT DOES NOT KEEP ITS VALUE.. CAN SOMEONE FIX THIS PROBLEM

3mo ago

745 total

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