2016 Kia Optima recalls and problems
The 2016 Kia Optima has 5 safety recalls and 763 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Kia Optima recalls
Recall 23V-594: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-007: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Recall 16V-705: Power Train
Problem: 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.
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. 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. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Recall 16V-231: Air Bags
Problem: 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 the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
Risk: 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. 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.
2016 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 429 | |
| Unknown or Other | 121 | |
| Electrical System | 105 | |
| Power Train | 75 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 53 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 47 | |
| Structure | 41 | |
| Visibility | 30 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | |
| Air Bags | 24 | |
| Steering | 24 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 24 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 40
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 15
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication — 3
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 3
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Optima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima: 23V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline), 17V-007 (air bags), 16V-705 (power train), 16V-231 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Kia Optima?
Owners report engine problems most often (429 reports), followed by unknown or other (121). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.