2016 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Kia Optima: 5 recalls, 757 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V231000 · 2016 · 17 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V705000 · 2016 · 12,214 vehicles
What's wrong: 4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft May crack and fail.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V007000 · 2017 · 1 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The fix: The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017.
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #23V594000 · 2023 · 319,436 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A person inside the trunk compartment May become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 20 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (425): the most common themes are warning light on (142), noise or vibration (108), excess oil use (102).
- Other / unknown (121): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (16), warning light on (14).
- Electrical (104): the most common themes are electrical failure (34), stalls / loses power (17), warning light on (16).
- Transmission & drivetrain (73): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (30), warning light on (18), stalls / loses power (15).
The 2016 Kia Optima has 757 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (2.0× the average Optima year). Complaints peaked in 2023 (162 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 68,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (1009 complaints, 4 recalls), 2017 (256 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Kia Optima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 757 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (425), other / unknown (121), electrical (104).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.