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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-KIA-OPTIMANHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2016 · Kia
Kia Optima problems
1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 742 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
5.8 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Optima?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Electrical system: 78 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,000–107,110 mi
Body: 33 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,000–53,200 mi
Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Optima· cruise control
While driving the car the fuel consumption in the motor would bog the engine down to where it would barely go over 40 MPH on the highway. At this time the engine trouble indicator light would come on and not go off. I immediately took it to the local Kia dealership in mt. Hope,…
In Sept the car oil light came on. The car was out of oil. Took it to shop and they could not find a leak. The car was filled with oil. Less than 1,000 miles later in Oct the same situation occurred again. The car was inspected an no leak was found but the oil was gone. In Dec…
While driving on the highway, the roof antenna assembly flew off our car. Inspection of the area shows that the screws that were supposed to hold the antenna on had all become sheared off. It looks like there is a recall for this exact issue covering 2016 Kia Optimas produced…
I had my car for about 2 years and it had 1 owner before me. At first it was a great car no issues, but soon it became a nightmare. First thing I noticed was my lights would turn off by themselves whiles driving at night. I usually kept them on auto and they would randomly go…
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Estimate your repair exposure
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Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle
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.
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
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.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 742 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Kia Optima has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Kia Optima?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Kia Optima is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Electrical system: 78 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,000–107,110 mi; Body: 33 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 14,000–53,200 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Kia Optima?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 312 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 93,269 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 31,852 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Kia Optima has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Kia Optima?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 742 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Kia/Optima.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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