2016 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 754 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (424), Unknown Or Other (121), Electrical System (102).
Key takeaways
- 754 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 27 involve a crash, 19 a fire, 21 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 424 | 56% |
| Unknown Or Other | 121 | 16% |
| Electrical System | 102 | 14% |
| Power Train | 73 | 10% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 53 | 7% |
| Exterior Lighting | 47 | 6% |
| Structure | 40 | 5% |
| Visibility | 30 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | 4% |
| Service Brakes | 24 | 3% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 24 | 3% |
| Steering | 24 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train,electrical System,exterior Lighting - filed 2026-08-25
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. Kia advised at the time t...
Electrical System,service Brakes,engine - filed 2026-08-21
While driving at highway speeds on the freeway in San Diego, the engine of my 2016 Kia Optima catastrophically seized without warning. I instantly lost all power steering, brake assist, and electrical power, creating an immediate life-threatening emergency. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealer. Corporate Techline and ...
Electrical System - filed 2026-08-20
Blower motor is drawing excessive electricity, which in turn burns the fuse and junction pin, which in turn can start a fire in the car. Kia of Irvine suggested redoing all electrical wiring in the car, but that will not solve the issue. As soon as you turn on the AC, the blower motor will use so much electricity and ...
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More for the 2016 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.