2016 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 1,072 complaints about the 2016 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 39.5% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 9.3%.
Complaints1,072
Crashes45
Fires37
Injuries36
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Engine 39.5% · 423
Unknown or other 11.3% · 121
Electrical system 9.3% · 100
Power train 6.7% · 72
Fuel/propulsion system 4.9% · 53
Exterior lighting 4.3% · 46
Structure 3.7% · 40
Visibility 2.8% · 30
Severity
Of those complaints, 45 describe a crash, 37 describe a fire, 36 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2016 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 336 in the last three years against 466 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 68,000 miles.
In owners' own words
So I got the software update for the engine recall. On the 24th, engine light cane on. Waited for an engine replace for 2 months, then they told me it was the knock sensor wire harness. They replaced that and gave me back my car. 1 Week later, same engine light. Took it in they wiped off the engine light, drove it for a week and tild me nothing was wrong with the car. Speakless on the way KIA has handled this. Engine · reported at 59,000 miles
Even following recall procedures, our 2016 Kia Optima EX is experiencing all of the issues outlined by other owners with massive oil consumption, all four windows failing, along with our antenna fin flying off on a highway post inspection. No recall on a 2000$ repair job to replace the window motors? Kia letting everyone pass 100k on their Optimas before claiming no warranty to fix the engine they broke? Help! Engine
Car burns oil before oil changes, no warning light comes on. Technician at jiffy lube stated that this model vehicle has issues burning the oil with no warning light coming on. Have taken the car several times to get oil change services and they warn me of the same issue every time. no oil leaks coming from the engine itself. Car engine burns the oil which can cause issues with the engine if left unchecked. Engine · reported at 96,454 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…