CarBrief

NHTSA has 763 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Optima, and engine complaints are the biggest group[1][2]. The sedan earns 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash ratings, and every recall on file lists a remedy[3][4][5][6][7][8].

763owner complaints[1]
5recalls[9]
25–37MPG combined (EPA)[10]
5★NHTSA overall rating[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 763 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 21 a fire, 21 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. They are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Engine is the largest group with 445 complaints[2]. It includes 4 crashes and 16 fires, and the median mileage at failure is 91,041[2]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, at least 6 describe hesitation or shuddering when pulling away from a stop, and 5 describe stalling or losing power[2].

Power train has 76 complaints, with a median mileage of 45,958[11]. In a sample of 12 we read, 5 describe hesitation when accelerating from a stop, and 3 describe a harsh jerk or downshift when slowing down[11].

Electrical system has 105 complaints, including 7 fires[12]. In a sample of 12 we read, 2 describe a car fire and 3 describe stalling, shutting off, or dash lights and radio cutting out[12].

Fuel and propulsion has 53 complaints, including 6 fires[13]. In a sample of 12 we read, 4 describe a check engine light with lost power or stalling, and 2 describe heavy oil use[13].

Other groups are smaller: unknown or other (121), exterior lighting (48), structure (40) and visibility (30)[14][15][16][17]. The one death in the complaints falls in the structure group[1][16].

Small samples show what some owners describe. They do not tell you how common a problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year[9]. Newest first:

To check a specific car, ask a Kia dealer. Kia customer service is at 1-800-333-4542[4].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists seven versions of the 2016 Optima. Combined mileage runs from 25 to 37 MPG[18][10]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Hybrid, 2.4L[10] 35 / 38 / 37 $1,800
Hybrid EX, 2.4L[19] 35 / 38 / 36 $1,850
2.4L, Automatic (S6)[20] 24 / 34 / 28 $2,400
FE, 2.4L[21] 25 / 36 / 29 $2,300
1.6L turbo[22] 28 / 37 / 31 $2,150
2.0L turbo[18] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700
FE, 2.0L turbo[23] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700

All versions use regular fuel and front-wheel drive[10][19][22][18][23][20][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4-door front-wheel-drive Optima 5 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal, side and rollover[3]. Its rollover risk is 9.8%[3]. A second NHTSA entry for a 4-door front-wheel-drive Optima shows the same 5-star ratings, with a rollover risk of 9.6%[24].

Engine and size

EPA test car listings show three engines[25][26][27]:

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
LX, LX+, EX, LX Eco Turbo sedan[28] 191 in 73 in 58 in 111 in 3,225 lb
SX, SXL sedan[29] 191 in 73 in 58 in 111 in 3,594 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2001: 143 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 107 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 141 complaints, 2 recalls20032004: 225 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 144 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 155 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 167 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 144 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 116 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 75 complaints, 1 recalls2011: 628 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 1,029 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 1,441 complaints, 10 recalls20132014: 621 complaints, 7 recalls2015: 1,021 complaints, 4 recalls20152016: 763 complaints, 5 recalls76320162017: 306 complaints, 4 recalls20172018: 243 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 213 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 153 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Optima model year. The 2016 is highlighted[9].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20011433
20021073
20031412
20042251
20051440
20061552
20071672
20081443
20091161
2010751
20116286
20121,0296
20131,44110
20146217
20151,0214
20167635
20173064
20182433
20192131
20201530

NHTSA has 763 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2016 Optima[9]. Three model years have more complaints: 2013 with 1,441, 2012 with 1,029 and 2015 with 1,021[9]. Four model years have more recalls: 2013 with 10, 2014 with 7, and 2011 and 2012 with 6 each[9].

Later years have fewer complaints on file. The 2017 model year has 306 and 2018 has 243[9]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2016 Optima?

The crash ratings are strong at 5 stars[3]. All five recalls list a remedy, and four of them say dealers do the work for free[4][5][7][8]. Ask the seller whether the recall work was done. Engine complaints number 445 and include 16 fires[2], and in the samples we read, owners describe hesitation when pulling away and some stalling[2][11]. Ask for service records, test drive from a stop and on the highway, and choose the engine and version that fit your fuel budget[18][10].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Optima?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 445 of 763 NHTSA complaints[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe hesitation when pulling away[2].
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year, covering the trunk latch, fuel pipe, two air bag issues and the front axle shaft[4][5][6][7][8].
What is the gas mileage of a 2016 Kia Optima?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 MPG for the 2.0L turbo to 37 MPG for the hybrid[18][10].
Is the 2016 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gives the sedan 5 stars overall[3]. The 2016 model year also has 5 recalls on file[9].
Is 2016 a good year for the Kia Optima?
Three model years have more complaints (2012, 2013 and 2015), and 2017 and 2018 have fewer[9]. Counts are not adjusted for sales. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 763 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Optima (27 mention a crash, 21 a fire, 21 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 445 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 16 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,041). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 23V594, filed August 24, 2023: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V907, filed December 19, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 17V007, filed January 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 16V705, filed October 3, 2016: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 16V231, filed April 21, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  9. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Optima model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  10. EPA rating for Optima Hybrid, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 35 city / 38 highway / 37 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. 76 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,958). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 105 complaints name the electrical system component group (7 crashes, 7 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 53 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,708). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 121 complaints name the unknown or other component group (5 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 48 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 40 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 30 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA rating for Optima, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Optima Hybrid EX, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 35 city / 38 highway / 36 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Optima, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Optima FE, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Optima, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Optima FE, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Optima with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 178 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Optima with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 245 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Optima with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 159 to 185 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OPTIMA LX/LX+/EX/LX ECO TURBO 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,225 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OPTIMA SX/SXL 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.