About average for the Optima
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Optima year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 91,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Optima years from 2012 to 2020. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 761 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Optima. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (444, 58% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the lights, wipers and visibility. That ranks 4th of 9 Optima years from 2012 to 2020 for complaints. It has 5 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2016 Kia Optima before you buy.
Engine and cooling
444 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 91,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
My engine is making a knock sound coming from the bottom end of motor I was driving it and no warning or anything it just started knockingOwner complaint, filed 2026
engine failure, i was driving home from work and i went to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles and the car hesitated and didn't want to move. I took the car to the dealer three days later and it was confirmed that i needed a new engine. I was told by the dealership i was outside of my warranty but i just found out that i was covered up to 120k…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
104 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Kia Optima, purchased from CarMax in 2024 and financed through CarMax Auto Finance. On or about October 5, 2026, I returned to my parked vehicle and discovered extensive black soot/smoke residue throughout the interior. Wiring and interior components appeared melted or burned. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Blower motor is drawing excessive electricity, which in turn burns the fuse and junction pin, which in turn can start a fire in the car. Kia of Irvine suggested redoing all electrical wiring in the car, but that will not solve the issue. As soon as you turn on the AC, the blower motor will use so much electricity and amperage, so the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
85 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 57,000 miles. Parts named most: Power window devices and controls (15).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Concerning my Optima KIA's OEM front windshield. At certain times of the day when the sunlight is shining on a certain angle it is difficult to see through the windshield due to the glare which creates a visual impairment. There were a quite a few instance's where I almost got into serious accidents. With my observation the glass looks…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Window falls into the door. The rear two windows have been repaired 3 times. They are currently both broken again along with the front drivers side. I currently have three windows being help up by tape. They are taped to the frame of the door to stop the window from falling into the door. I don't know why this wasn't a recall. I see…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk excessively, and the contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 112,260 miles
Was driving going 50mph and all of a sudden with traffic accelerator stopped working. The oil engine and battery light all came on. When I tried jump starting it it began to smoke.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Fuel system
62 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 73,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
In May of 2023, as I entered an intersection, my 2016 Hybrid Kia Optima suddenly did not feel right and gave me a hybrid system warning error. I pulled to the side of the road and shut it down. I restarted the car. The error light remained on, but the car seemed to drive okay. I finished my short distance into work, and shut it down. I…Owner complaint, filed 2024
I’m having oil consumption problems. I had this car since 2022 every time I get an oil change and drive 1000 or less miles my oil light comes on when braking or turning vehicle. As well as a knocking sound and the car runs very rough. I put more oil in every time even getting oil change done before I’m supposed to spending extra money…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Body, doors and structure
44 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (40).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My paint has begun bubbling up and feeling out of nowhere. I’ve always taken good care of my car yet spots are beginning to pop up along the passanger side. The paint continues to peel more as time goes on. I’ve found many complaints online of people saying they’ve had the same issue with their kia in the Snow White Pearl color I have…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Brakes and stability control
33 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 64,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at unknown speeds the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle did not respond and began to hydroplane. The vehicle swerved left and right, when the vehicle in front moved to the side, the contact's vehicle continued to roll until the brakes…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day and the dealer was not able to identify a failure with the…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 92,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
29 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 37,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Pulled into neighborhood, put foot on pedal to accelerate, and car took off. Would not stop. Went b/w 80-100 MPH on it's own, before my mother drove off an embankment, and flipped her car end over end. Nearly killing her, as well as her dog. Currently hospitalized.Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle had a few seconds delay in acceleration. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a sensor delay. The [VIN] was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 200.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 200 miles
Steering
24 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 35,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
MDPS failing when driving randomly. Steering locks up and vehicle is uncontrollable, while the vehicle is moving. This has occurred at varying speeds, while turning and while driving straight. Dealer has unsuccessfully got the issue to replicate, but independent service center was able to replicate it and found the extended warranty and…Owner complaint, filed 2025
I’m financing my car from drive time and I got my car this year not to long ago, I say a couple months ago. I recently had a vehicle inspection done to keep up with maintenance. Upon arrival Firestone did a vehicle inspection and noted my roots needs to be replaced witch I’m currently working on getting that replaced and they also noted…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Air bags
24 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 29,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The dashboard has a crack around the edge of the passenger airbag. I am trying to find out if this is a safety issue for airbag deployment.Owner complaint, filed 2024
I got into a frontal car accident the other car hit the front of my vehicle and no airbags deployed. I’ve researched today and seen people are having many issues with airbags on this vehicle and that there were many recalls regarding airbags from years ago. I was never informed of any issues with any of that when I got this vehicle.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Seats and seat belts
12 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
My seat back has been automatically going back all by itself WHILE I'M DRIVING!! It happened 4 times yesterday while driving on the highway!! This has happened a number of times while driving.Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the driver's side seat would inadvertently lower without driver input. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 50,249 miles
Driver assist systems
9 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle went into emergency mode while in the highway system completely locked could not drive lost power and was forced to pull over and have vehicle towed, mechanic took a look indicated new alternator was required there for we purchased new alternator and new battery car turned on and same issue happened with in 20 minutes of test…Owner complaint, filed 2025
On [XXX] I was proceeding to come up to the stop sign when out of no where the car started rapidly accelerating and when I proceeded to step on the brakes it wouldn't stop it only sped up more. And caused a server accident that left me with serious injuries. And I cause of the defect they found me at fault said I failed to yield at a…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Wheels and tires
7 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
My son had a blow out of his cooper cs5 ultra touring tire. 2 weeks later he finds a bubble in his other cooper cs5 tire. Both tires have only been on his car for about 6 weeksOwner complaint, filed 2020, at 81,569 miles
I brought this car [XXX] and the next day it broke down didn’t start at all I been saying I wanted my money back from day he didn’t take no for answer basically held me hostage until I paid everything. I brought this car and been without a car since this is totally unfair . The Clean state motors is a bad service communication place to…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Suspension
3 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
I'll start with the windows. Prior to covid my right rear passenger window motor and regulator went out. Citrus kia fixed it. Right after covid was announced my front right passenger window went out and I couldnt get my car in. 2 weeks later my front left driver window went out. When I finally got my car in they told me I was 200 miles…Owner complaint, filed 2020
Driving at highway speeds the car has very tight steering and car drifts all over lane. I am always making corrections. Feel like rack and pinion is failing. Car only has 31,000 miles on it.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 31,000 miles
Hybrid and EV system
1 complaintLoss of power, warning messages and battery problems on hybrid or electric versions.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Ask for a hybrid battery health report from a dealer or hybrid shop.
- Watch for warning messages at startup and on the test drive, and confirm the car switches between gas and electric smoothly.
Tools that help
What owners said
On Sept. 21, 2021, my Kia Optima Hybrid ex shut down and would not start. I took it to King of Hybrid EV Auto Repair where they ran a diagnostic test and found that there was an issue with the Hybrid System affecting the transmission and the High-voltage system. I paid $3,000.00 out-of-pocket. On October 26, 2022, while driving 75mph on…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Kia Optima complaints by year
Compare the 2016 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2016 midsize cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Optima | About average | 5 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | One of the better years | 2 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | About average | 4 |
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata | About average | 6 |
2016 Kia Optima recalls
Doors, hood and latches
- 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.
Full recall summary
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."
Fuel system
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator module
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Axle shaft
- Risk
- If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
2016 Kia Optima questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?
The most reported problem areas on the 2016 Kia Optima are the engine and cooling (444 complaints), the electrical system (104 complaints) and the lights, wipers and visibility (85 complaints).
Is the 2016 Kia Optima a good year to buy?
About average for the Optima. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Optima year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 91,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Optima years from 2012 to 2020. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima. The most recent, from Aug 2023, covers the doors, hood and latches. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 91,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 66,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Kia Optima years should I avoid?
The Optima years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2013. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2016 Kia Optima?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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