Kia Optima 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Kia Optima 2016 and 757 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Kia Optima between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Optima 2016? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Optima 2016
Latches and locks
NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 2023-08-24
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018-12-19
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 17V007000 · 2017-01-06
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 16V705000 · 2016-10-03
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 16V231000 · 2016-04-21
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
757 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
27 with a crash · 20 with a fire · 21 injuries · 1 deaths
Most reported problems on the Kia Optima 2016
- Engine: 425 (56% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 101 (13% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 73 (10% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 53 (7% of complaints)
- Exterior lighting: 46 (6% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Optima 2016
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Kia Optima recalls by year
- 2016 : 5 recalls · 757 complaints
- 2017 : 3 recalls · 256 complaints
- 2018 : 2 recalls · 232 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recalls · 211 complaints
- 2020 : 0 recalls · 150 complaints
- 2021 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
- 2022 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
- 2023 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Optima 2016 have?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Kia Optima 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Optima 2016?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (425 of 757 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).