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2016 Kia Optima: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

5Safety recalls
744Owner complaints
5★NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2016 Kia Optima has 5 open NHTSA safety recalls and 744 owner complaints on file, with an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether the work was done and to verify mileage and title.

Safety record reviewed June 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2016 Kia Optima has 5 open safety recalls and 744 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Below is the public safety record. To see whether a specific Optima had its recalls repaired and how its mileage and title check out, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign 18V907000 · 19/12/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.

RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
RemedyKia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
2

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign 17V007000 · 06/01/2017

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.

RiskIn the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
RemedyThe 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.
3

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign 16V705000 · 03/10/2016

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 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.

RiskIf 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.
RemedyKia 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.
4

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign 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. 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.

RiskIf the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
RemedyKia 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.
5

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Campaign 23V594000 · 24/08/2023

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."

RiskA person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
RemedyDealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

What owners complain about

The systems 2016 Kia Optima owners report most often to federal regulators:

Engine421
Unknown Or Other118
Electrical System99
Power Train71
Fuel53
Propulsion System53

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Overall★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes. The 2016 Kia Optima has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Check your specific VIN to see whether the work was completed.

What problems do 2016 Kia Optima owners report?

Owners have filed 744 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Optima, most often about the engine, unknown or other, electrical system.

How do I check a specific Optima's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

Check a specific 2016 Kia Optima

This page covers the model. For one exact car, run its 17-character VIN to confirm its recalls, mileage and title.

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