Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2016 kia Optima airbags problems

critical 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100

Complaints
18
Recalls
2
Crashes
11
Avg fix
$1,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V007000 06/01/2017

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.
critical NHTSA 16V231000 21/04/2016

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.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Common questions

How serious is the airbags problem on the 2016 kia Optima?

It's a serious issue. 18 complaints have been filed, including 11 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.

At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to airbags?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
Get a free warranty quote →