2016 Kia Optima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima and 764 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (428), unknown or other (121), electrical system (105). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–31 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2016 ranks #6 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with more complaints than the average year (644). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Kia Optima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch
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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
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.
Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
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.
Air bags · frontal
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Component: Power Window / Door Description: All four power window regulators failed on my 2016 Kia Optima SXL within 16 months - from June 2025-Oct 2026. The failure mode is identical on all four doors: the plastic drum gear in the regulator separates or breaks, causing the window glass to drop into the door and become completely inoperable. The vehicle had 113,867 miles on it…
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 like there are thousands of microscopic pi…
Severe engine defect (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Sudden total loss of power, metallic knocking, severe oil consumption, and imminent catastrophic failure while driving, creating a high safety risk. Vehicle is currently out of service in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Safety ratings
2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Kia Optima.
Optima
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima FE
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima FE
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch (08/24/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?
Based on 764 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (428), unknown or other (121), electrical system (105).
Is the 2016 Kia Optima safe?
The 2016 Kia Optima earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Kia Optima?
The 2016 ranks #6 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with more complaints than the average year (644). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Kia Optima range from 25 to 31 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2016 Kia Optima in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID, Optima.