2016 Kia Optima Safety Report
2016 KIA OPTIMA SAFETY ANALYSIS
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Kia Optima
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Kia Optima. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (725) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 43 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Kia Optima with 127 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Kia Optima before buying across this generation. |
Kia Optima Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Optima years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Optima | 244 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Kia Optima | 983 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Kia Optima | 220 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Kia Optima | 190 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Optima | 127 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Kia Optima Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Kia Optima, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
265 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
65 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyExterior Lighting
29 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Kia onlyPower Train
26 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyStructure
23 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Kia onlyElectrical System
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Kia Optima
Reliability Score
The 2016 Kia Optima receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Kia Optima
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Kia Optima
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Kia Optima:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Recalled for rod bearing sounds and catastrophic engine failures. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System, Gasoline Recalled for fuel hose and fitting issues. |
Medium | Rare | 2011-2018 miles |
| Air Bags, Frontal, Driver Side Recalled for inflator module issues. |
Low | Rare | 2016 miles |
| Structure Recalled for latches and locks issues. |
Medium | Rare | 2016-2018 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Kia Optima:
Engine issues are a significant concern, with multiple recalls related to engine and power train components.
Recalled for fuel hose and fitting issues.
Recalled for frontal air bag issues.
Recalled for latches and locks issues.
Recall Details for the 2016 Kia Optima
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Kia Optima by NHTSA:
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."
Consequence: 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 number for this recall is SC278.
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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 number for this recall is SC139.
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.
Consequence: 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. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Kia Optima
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Kia Optima with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was loud banging sound coming from the vehicle and there were shards of glass on the right elbow of the contact. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that the sunroof glass panel had shattered outward. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not dia...
I purchased a vehicle from Banter Auto here in Wichita, Kansas. I reviewed the Carfax beforehand and nothing stood out that scared me so I signed off and purchased the vehicle. I have had nothing but problems since buying which was 7 months ago and have spent 9000 on repairs. I’ve been told by several mechanics the last 5 times I’ve been in and out of mechanic shops it’s evident my car sat in deep...
These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue but they are not trying fix my car under that recall of the bad motor that they did recall
2016 Kia Optima engine locked up, vehicle stalled on interstate,heard a rod bearing sound, left me in limp mode trying to get out the way of 18 wheelers traveling behind me. Towed into Kia dealership which confirmed the engine locked up which has a recall #PI1802B KSDS, but denied to cover it because I didn't have this recall done. I also called Kia Customer Service, they denied me too and just ga...
Engine oil light doesn’t work. Oil light flashed a couple of times in separate instances. Checking oil dip stick which smells like burning oil and dip stick hardly showed any oil left.
engine light start blinking out of no where and speed started to reduce while on the highway. my fix finder gave me code P1326
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the knock sensor needed to be installed...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway and contacted the Highway Patrol for assistance. The contact associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, EN...
My vehicle’s engine was previously approved for replacement under the lifetime engine warranty associated with the settlement, confirming that my vehicle falls within the covered class. However, I am now experiencing significant difficulty obtaining assistance regarding secondary damage that directly resulted from the engine failure, specifically the failure of the starter and related operability ...
In order to repair the recalled equipment on the vehicle the dealerships and Kia want us to pay for them to open the trunk ($280/hour service fee to remove the back seat to gain access to the trunk and then return the back seat once completed). If the trunk latch was NOT broken to begin with they would not have to remove and replace the back seat of the car at $280/hour you would be able to push ...
The engine stalled without warning while I was pulling out of my driveway into the street, creating an unsafe condition due to sudden loss of power. After waiting briefly, the vehicle restarted and was moved back into the driveway. It was towed the following day due to loss of confidence in safe operation. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure consistent with known defects affecting Kia O...
The engine is a problem and all I’m ever told us “ this vehicle is know to have engine problems. This is dangerous to have in the road. Kia is aware of this. Why sale the vehicle knowing this and not disclosing this info to the consumer upon purchase. There is no truth in lending. It’s plain sight robbery. What if I’m far from home and stranded because vehicle set fire or broke down in hazardous c...
My 2016 Kia Optima experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure in July 2025. The failure is consistent with widely reported Theta II engine rod bearing defects that cause engine seizure and stalling. The vehicle did not receive the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update prior to my ownership, and I was never notified of this critical safety-related update. The engine failure occurred w...
While driving my 2016 Kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was Door Dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 Wolf Creek Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness f...
Car is burning a lot of oil, took to dealer went through several tests and they claim burning 1.5 quarts was within limit for 1000 miles. Then started getting misfire codes and car went into limp mode a couple of times. They said to replace spark plugs because they were fouled and clean injection. Performed those requested actions, then 45k later getting misfire codes again, took to another dealer...
Engine brocked the pistones brock stock engine and pay for new engine
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment was heard, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact further stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, with the cruise control mode engaged, the vehicle started to stall and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that th...
My 2016 Kia Optima is experiencing severe internal engine oil consumption that matches known issues Kia has recalled and extended warranties for. The vehicle loses 1–3 quarts of oil every few days with no external leaks. A repair shop found a P0304 cylinder 4 misfire, P0010 cam actuator code, and spark plug damage caused by oil entering the combustion chamber. They confirmed internal engine damage...
The engine lost cylinder 3, piston came loose and broke the spark plug. This happened because the rod bearing came loose which has been a known issue with Kia. There’s already been a class action law suit, and recall with warranty. Now the Kia dealership in Lynchburg has refused to honor this warranty. Stating they can’t do the required rod bearing clearance test because the engine doesn’t have co...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer w...
Showing 20 of 725 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Kia Optima
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Component: Vehicle Speed Control:Throttle
Opened 2021-11-12 · Closed 2023-06-20
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of t...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Kia Optima
Has the 2016 KIA OPTIMA been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 KIA OPTIMA has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 KIA OPTIMA have?
The 2016 KIA OPTIMA has 725 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 25 involved crashes. 20 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
The 2016 KIA OPTIMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 KIA OPTIMA involve engine (265 complaints), unknown or other (65 complaints), exterior lighting (29 complaints). Other affected components include power train, structure, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 KIA OPTIMA have?
There are 25 crash reports associated with the 2016 KIA OPTIMA out of 725 total complaints (3.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 KIA OPTIMA have?
There are 18 fire reports for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA out of 725 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
20 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 KIA OPTIMA is extreme caution advised. It has 725 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 KIA OPTIMA are: 1. ENGINE (265 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (65 complaints), 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (29 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (26 complaints), 5. STRUCTURE (23 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 265 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
Be cautious of engine and power train issues, as multiple recalls have been issued. Ensure thorough inspection and maintenance. The 2016 KIA OPTIMA has 725 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
The 2016 KIA OPTIMA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 725 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 43 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Fuel System, Gasoline.
What are the known issues with the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
Known issues with the 2016 KIA OPTIMA include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline, Air Bags, Frontal, Driver Side, Structure. These are based on patterns found across 725 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
Yes, there are recalls for engine, fuel system, air bags, and structure issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 KIA OPTIMA?
Engine and power train issues are the most common, followed by fuel system and air bag issues.
Is the 2016 KIA OPTIMA safe to drive?
While generally safe, be aware of potential engine and power train issues, and ensure regular maintenance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and power train issues, as multiple recalls have been issued. Ensure thorough inspection and maintenance.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Kia Optima
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Kia Optima. The data includes 725 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 25 reported crashes, 18 fire incidents, 20 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Kia Optima an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16