CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Kia Optima has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 760 complaints with NHTSA, including 27 crashes, 20 fires, 21 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (426 reports).
2016 Kia Optima recalls
Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants
The trunk latch base can crack, which may stop the trunk from being opened from the inside.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Driver Airbag May Not Fully Inflate in a Crash
A 2016 Kia Optima may have a driver's frontal airbag inflator with an end seal that was not properly installed.
Front axle driveshaft can crack and separate, risking a crash
Certain 2016 Optima vehicles with the 2.4-liter engine, built between November 2015 and April 2016, may have a right front axle driveshaft that cracks and fails.
Driver airbag may not fully deploy in a crash
Some 2016 Kia Optima vehicles built between November 10, 2015 and February 12, 2016 may have a driver's frontal airbag that is missing a chemical enhancer needed for its second-stage deployment.
Most common 2016 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 760 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 426 |
| Unknown Or Other | 121 |
| Electrical System | 105 |
| Power Train | 74 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 53 |
| Exterior Lighting | 47 |
| Structure | 41 |
| Visibility | 30 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 |
| Air Bags | 24 |
What owners report
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 at the time of the first failure. This is a known design defect, not wear-and-tear. Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin BOD300 (March 2021) specifically addressing "Window Regulator Drum Gear Replacement" for 2016-2017MY Optima (JFa) vehicles produced September 1, 2015 through July 31, 2016. The bulletin confirms t
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 pits like a light sandblasting embedded within the lamination and not the surface of the glass. It seems prominent at night also. This seems like a manufacture defect. This puts a safety risk for me and others. The dealer and manufacture will not do anything about it do to out of warranty. This appeared about a year ago
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)
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. Wiring and interior components appeared melted or burned. The vehicle had not been involved in a collision. Based on the damage, I believe an electrical or wiring failure may have caused the fire, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle was inspected by police and the tow operator, and it was determined to be a total loss. An insurance claim has been filed, and the vehicle should be available
3 times windows different ones has stopped rolling up/down. 3 motors purchased and installed.
2016 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2016 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima: Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire; Driver Airbag May Not Fully Inflate in a Crash; Front axle driveshaft can crack and separate, risking a crash; Driver airbag may not fully deploy in a crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?
Based on 760 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (426), Unknown Or Other (121), Electrical System (105).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Kia Optima has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.