Every 2016 Kia Optima recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · NHTSA 23V594000
Aug 24, 2023Latches/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.
Full recall details for 23V594000 →Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 18V907000
Dec 19, 2018Fuel 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.
Full recall details for 18V907000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 17V007000
Jun 1, 2017Air 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.
Full recall details for 17V007000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 16V231000
Apr 21, 2016Air 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.
Full recall details for 16V231000 →Power Train · NHTSA 16V705000
Mar 10, 2016Power 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.
Full recall details for 16V705000 →
2016 Kia Optima complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 761 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Optima, reporting 27 crashes, 21 fires, 21 injuries, 1 deaths. Kia has issued at least 226 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Engine427
- Unknown Or Other121
- Electrical System106
- Power Train75
- Fuel/Propulsion System53
- Exterior Lighting48
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (114)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (86)
- Equipment (72)
- Engine (37)
- Power Train (36)
- Steering (35)
Read Kia Optima owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2016 Kia Optima
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in 4 investigations. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
- Loss of Motive Power
DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023
- Throttle control system vulnerabilities
DP21003Opened Nov 12, 2021Closed Jun 20, 2023
- Electrical overstress
EA19001Opened Apr 19, 2019Closed Sep 19, 2024
What people reported
Owners have filed 761 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Optima. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Fire
“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.”
2016 KIA OPTIMAOct 7, 2026 · NC
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11769490
Fire
“Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025.”
2016 KIA OPTIMA HYBRIDOct 21, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11694645
Crash
“Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was repaired by PepBoys. On 4/2/2025 the ve3hicle had an active recall event when the engine seized on the highway because of a faulty oil pump/filter, Engine was replaced 4/17/2025 under that recall.”
2016 KIA OPTIMAAug 25, 2026 · FL
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11759385
“THE RIGHT PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WON'T WORK I CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB AND IT'S COMPLETELY OFF. AT FIRST WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE BULB THE LIGHT FLICKERED AND I THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT'VE NOT BEEN PUT ON ALL THE WAY OR IT MIGHT'VE BECAME LOOSE.”
2016 KIA OPTIMA HYBRIDMay 23, 2019
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11209586
Fire
“I had just stopped at stop sign and I turned right. My speed was approximately 40 mph and there was a LOUD POP. I immediately hit the brakes and had NO BRAKES. I got car off road and smoke was already coming from under hood. It caught fire immediately and burned up. Total loss .”
2016 KIA OPTIMAJul 2, 2026 · GA
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11747946
Check your Optima by VIN
Not every 2016 Kia Optima is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Kia dealer.
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