This page covers 5 recalls, 739 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Kia Optima.
25–37 mpg combined
6.4–9.4 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2016 Kia Optima's complaint picture by a wide margin. The most common issue owners describe is excessive oil consumption, many report needing to add several quarts between oil changes, even after addressing external leaks, pointing to oil burning internally. Engine misfires are also frequently reported, sometimes accompanied by smoke from the exhaust and the check engine light coming on. The powertrain category adds complaints about hesitation and power loss, with a few owners noting the vehicle struggling to reach or maintain highway speeds. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three, with owners reporting premature bulb failures and moisture intrusion in headlight and taillight assemblies. The oil consumption pattern is the most persistent theme across complaints, with owners describing it as ongoing rather than a one-time event.
739
Total Complaints
25
Crash-Related
19
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Kia Optima has 5 recalls, with the most serious being a right front axle shaft that can crack and fail on 2.4L models, causing sudden loss of drive power and, if the parking brake is not set, allowing the vehicle to roll away on a slope.
Two recalls address the driver's frontal airbag. In certain vehicles, the airbag's second deployment stage was missing a required chemical enhancer and will not fully inflate in a crash. A separate issue affects one specific vehicle where the inflator's end seal may not have been properly installed, also resulting in reduced inflation during a crash. Both conditions raise the risk of injury in a collision.
There is also a fire-related concern affecting vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall or warranty repair. A fuel leak can develop in those replacement engines, creating a fire risk if an ignition source is present.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator end seal may not be properly installed, which could cause the air bag to inflate less effectively in a crash.
What the fix does
The vehicle was repaired on January 10, 2017. Contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542, recall SC143.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side axle shaft may break, causing loss of power to that wheel. This could disable the vehicle while driving or allow it to roll downhill when parked.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the right front axle shaft assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail, potentially causing loss of power to the right front wheel.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag lacks a chemical enhancer needed for second-stage deployment. In certain crashes, the second stage will not deploy.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
