Powertrain complaints and recalls from NHTSA
Summary
The 2016 Kia Optima has 69 NHTSA powertrain complaints and 1 powertrain-related recall.
69
Complaints
1
Recalls
0
Injuries Reported
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated October 14, 2026
16V705000
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with ...
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 14, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Severe engine defect (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Sudden total loss of power, metallic knocking, severe oil ... |
| Aug 4, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was re... |
| Jul 24, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The engine assembly completely seized and the vehicle is currently stored at an independent repair s... |
| May 27, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The Kia had a problem with the check engine light coming on and it gently went into limp mode. I had... |
| Apr 13, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Issue 1: High oil consumption in the engine due to poor engine design, according to the auto repair ... |
| Feb 1, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue ... |
| Jan 15, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The car starts and drives with other keys in ignition |
| Oct 30, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Hear the driveshaft clicking and doesn’t accelerate like it should |
| May 30, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The car is burning oil rapidly causing potential issues with the transmission and engine. The oil bu... |
| May 6, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (Theta II 2.4L GDI) failed due to... |
| May 2, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Engine failed at 52.350 miles due to excessive oil consumption confirmed by a Kia dealership. Car wa... |
| May 2, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | I went to the Garden Grove Kia to get my new 2016 kia optima repaired for their knock sensor settlem... |
| Mar 27, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the v... |
| Feb 4, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Was driving going 50mph and all of a sudden with traffic accelerator stopped working. The oil engine... |
| Aug 21, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Complaint Message – 2016 Kia Optima Engine Failure Without Oil Light Warning I am the owner of a 201... |
| Jul 8, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | [XXX] 6:30AM: 2016 Kia Optima Ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acc... |
| Jun 7, 2024 | POWER TRAIN | My 2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6 has been burning oil really fast. It also has been losing power when I try... |
| Apr 12, 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The Car has been to the dealer several times for a transmission judder update under TSB: TRA 083 and... |
| Mar 31, 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the passenger si... |
| Mar 7, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The Hybrid Battery continues to malfunction and, randomly shuts down at any speed (even after short ... |