Worst 2016 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Kia Optima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 411 | 4 | 15 | 80,922 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 94 | 5 | 5 | 67,336 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 67 | 1 | — | 44,694 mi | |
| Fuel System | 51 | — | 6 | 76,485 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 43 | 1 | — | 56,761 mi | |
| Body Structure | 37 | 3 | 3 | 103,667 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 27 | 2 | 1 | 42,584 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | 2 | — | 48,793 mi | |
| Airbags | 22 | 12 | — | 28,376 mi | |
| Brakes | 21 | 2 | 2 | 49,367 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 16 | — | — | 108,670 mi | |
| Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls | 15 | — | — | 80,790 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 9 | — | — | 73,562 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | 2 | — | 38,350 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 8 | — | — | 61,333 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 6 | — | — | 92,871 mi | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | 75,678 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Side/Rear Glass | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Immobilizer/Proximity:Key/Sender | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Kia Optima
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~403,321 vehicles.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Kia Optima Years
2016 Kia Optima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Optima?
How safe is the 2016 Kia Optima?
Does the 2016 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Optima?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Kia Optima
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