2016 Kia Optima Owner Complaints

The engine assembly completely seized and the vehicle is currently stored at an independent repair shop . While traveling at high speed on Interstate 4 on July 24, 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of power and stalled in live traffic, creating an immediate threat of a high speed rear end collision. An independent service center officially confirmed the engine seizure after a dealership failed to perform an inspection during an eight hour wait, and no law enforcement or insurance inspections have occurred. Prior symptoms included severe, recurring oil loss requiring constant manual additions of oil between regular service intervals (most recently serviced in June 2026 at a kia dealership), and eventually the car completely shutoff on July24.

NHTSA ID

11754979

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

engine failure, i was driving home from work and i went to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles and the car hesitated and didn't want to move. I took the car to the dealer three days later and it was confirmed that i needed a new engine. I was told by the dealership i was outside of my warranty but i just found out that i was covered up to 120k miles. No lights came on at the time and there wasn't any prior warnings to this happening. I had just put oil into the car two days earlier as i know in between oil changes that i have to put oil into the car and or check the oil to see if it is low.

NHTSA ID

11753609

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

NHTSA Bulletin TSB BOD300 My KIA 2016 Optima Turbo has all four windows impacted by the defective gear. I've opened a case with KIA and it's case number 25563361. None of my windows roll up or down. This presents several very serious safety issues. The dealer has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks. Why has KIA not been forced to issue a recall on these defective gears?

NHTSA ID

11750007

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

Code was on and off for a cylinder 2 misfire was off at this point (intermittent misfire) ecl was off car stalled out at 3rpms while driving, tiny puff of smoke once came from between the air intake and the engine, and also no crank no start but car has power. I’ve kept up with the oil changes every 3000 miles car had fluids in it and nothing looked bad all 4 spark plugs were burnt and i replaced them and still no success.

NHTSA ID

11748217

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

I had just stopped at stop sign and I turned right. My speed was approximately 40 mph and there was a LOUD POP. I immediately hit the brakes and had NO BRAKES. I got car off road and smoke was already coming from under hood. It caught fire immediately and burned up. Total loss . About 6 months prior to it burning I had a good bit of front end work done on it with bearing issues. Also put a new set of tires at same time . The coils and plugs were changed often because it would misfire. I purchased car July 2025. All my documents were burnt also .

NHTSA ID

11747946

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side windows lowered unintendedly. Neither the dealer nor an independent was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance since the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11745895

Incident

May 23, 2026

Mileage

107,000 mi

My 2016 Kia Optima equipped with the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine began to experience progressive and severe oil consumption during the latter part of my ownership. The oil warning light began activating repeatedly, even after shortly getting the oil changed. Several certified mechanics and oil change service stations told me this was an ongoing issue with this car and engine and that there was nothing I could do but monitor it and keep it filled. At their instruction, I monitored and had it changed more frequently, often topping it off at the oil change station and at home when needed. Approximately 2 weeks after an oil change upon putting the car in reverse it started to shake uncontrollably. The car was towed to a mechanic who stated I needed an engine. I then towed it to an authorized Kia franchise dealership where the technician documented the oil consumption complaint, confirmed a Cylinder 2 misfire code, performed a borescope inspection, and found the Cylinder 2 exhaust valve burnt with a chunk missing. Engine replacement was recommended by the Kia dealership technician. Prior to my purchase, the engine had already been replaced at approximately 80,000 miles under recall-related circumstances. The replacement engine installed by a Kia dealership subsequently failed, exhibiting symptoms consistent with the documented widespread defect affecting the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine in 2016 Kia Optima vehicles, including severe oil consumption, cylinder misfire, and catastrophic internal engine damage confirmed via borescope at a Kia franchise dealership. Kia America denied the claim based solely on mileage despite the damage being confirmed by their franchise technician. My vehicle became unsafe to drive due to this engine instability shortly after starting before becoming fully inoperable. My vehicle has been non-operational for approximately 5 months. Kia has not provided a substantive written determination despite a formal written demand submitted in March 2026.

NHTSA ID

11744531

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

the engine. I was at a stop sign when the car stop responding to me pressing the accelerator and would not go. Upon further inspection it was noted that my car had no oil in it. I am diligent in getting my oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. My engine had "seized" and i am being advised to purchase a new engine or purchase a new car. While trying to get my car to acclerate i was almost hit 4 times in a matter of 10 mins.

NHTSA ID

11744474

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The car returned P1326 and had multiple misfires and audible knocking, the dealers will indeed fight the already existing class action warranties. Was sent home and told to “drive the fuck out of it”, to which the car did not make it home and blew gasoline into my cabin while driving on the highway. Almost passed out, and am still fighting Kia to actually address the defective rod bearings. I personally would fight tooth and nail over a 5 dollar problem, but this is something they do nationwide and can cause serious injury or death. If it weren’t a 200 LB man driving the gasoline shooting into the cabin would absolutely cause a knockout. To the time of this report they are still trying to disregard the rod bearing issue and send me home with fixes to problems caused consequentially.

NHTSA ID

11742694

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

The contact owned a 2016 KIA OPTIMA. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH occupied with her husband the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle as you looked in the drive side rear view mirror and while depressing the brake pedal attempting to come to a complete at the traffic light, the brakes failed to work a intended. No warning light illuminated. The contact mention she kept trying to depress the brake pedal, however the vehicle kept accelerating causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch, go around a telephone poll, crashing into a rock garden which allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot call interstate towing then the vehicle was then towed by insurance company to a collision center. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,834.

NHTSA ID

11741833

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

Mileage

166,834 mi

The Kia had a problem with the check engine light coming on and it gently went into limp mode. I had it repaired at Darlings Ford and it worked for about 600 miles. I had it repaired again and it worked for about 7,000 miles. The light recent came on and the car immediately hard banged andwent into limp mode. My wife was driving and shaking when she got home. The light went out and everything was fine. A couple of days later, on 5/27/26, we were on the interstate in traffic travelling 70 mph and it Violently hard bumped, the Cel came on and it went into limp mode. It was as if we hit deep pot holes with both front tires which we didn't as we were on a smooth highway. The light is still on and it's in limp mode.

NHTSA ID

11740798

Incident

May 27, 2026

This vehicle is eligible for Theta II class action settlement, and I cannot seem to get the Kia dealerships, or the Kia Corporate to honor the engine failure issue that I was told by the AAA mechanic should have been replaced. I have also been told by others, including another mechanic at a nationally recognized mechanic that it needs to be taken care of, and that they had the same vehicle and had there's taken care of without any issues.

NHTSA ID

11740644

Incident

Jul 29, 2025

While accelerating onto the highway in my 2016 Kia Optima 2.4L, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without warning. The vehicle would no longer accelerate and I was forced to coast and brake to safety. Immediately after the engine shut off, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light illuminated on the dashboard. After the incident, the vehicle would not restart or crank at all. The electrical systems, dashboard lights, and chimes still function normally, and the battery is new. The vehicle had proper oil level at the time of failure. No warning signs were present prior to the sudden loss of power. This failure created a serious safety hazard because it occurred during highway acceleration and left the vehicle unable to maintain speed or move out of traffic safely. Based on the symptoms and sudden engine shutdown, I am concerned this may be related to the known Theta II engine issues associated with Kia Optima vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11739772

Incident

May 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking and rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11739444

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

UNKNOWN THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR HIT OTHER DRIVER FROM BEHIND.

NHTSA ID

11738585

Incident

May 9, 2026

Issue 1: High oil consumption in the engine due to poor engine design, according to the auto repair center. 5 quarts of oil are added to the engine once every 2-3 weeks. All oil leaks were previously repaired, but oil is still burning off. Issue 2: The engine has misfired more than once, with a puff of smoke coming out of the exhaust. Issue 3: Twice in the past 1.5-2 years, multiple spark plugs have failed, causing a breakdown. This is a Theta II engine, but it is not in the class action settlement.

NHTSA ID

11738122

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

I purchased a Kia Optima 2016, in December of 2025. At the time the car wouldn't go over 60 mph. I hauled the car to Kia to have it inspected. The Kia dealership informed me that there is a recall on that particular car for an engine replacement. They tested the car and later informed me that they believed I purchased the car knowing it had a recall and wanted the engine replaced for free so I could sell the car. The car is not for sale, and I had/have no intentions on selling the car. I went ahead and paid $6100 for the engine to be replaced. I later did research and learned that if a car has a recall, it doesn't matter my intentions with the car. I felt that Kia denied a replacement engine because of their opinion of me and not for the recall. The car is registered and insured in my name and is being driven daily. At this time, I feel that I deserve a refund of the $6100. Can you guide me on which steps to take on this matter?

NHTSA ID

11736596

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

I am submitting a defect complaint regarding the paint on my vehicle, which has been progressively deteriorating. The issue begins as small bubbles in the paint, which eventually lead to peeling and complete paint loss in affected areas. This condition is currently present on the trunk, roof, and rear sides of the vehicle, and early signs are now appearing on the hood. This defect is more than cosmetic. As the paint peels, it exposes the underlying metal panels to environmental elements, increasing the risk of corrosion and rust. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Additionally, significant peeling—particularly on surfaces like the roof or hood—can create glare or release debris, posing a potential safety hazard and distraction to both myself and surrounding drivers. I initially brought this issue to a Kia dealership, where the manager advised me to contact Kia Customer Affairs. Upon doing so, I was informed that the issue falls outside the warranty timeframe. However, after speaking with other Kia owners experiencing similar problems—especially with the same paint color—it appears this may be a widespread manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. Furthermore, a professional paint specialist evaluated the condition and indicated that the bubbling and peeling are consistent with poor paint adhesion or a defective clear coat/mid-coat application during manufacturing.

NHTSA ID

11733116

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11732716

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

Mileage

160,000 mi

The car starts and drives with other keys in ignition

NHTSA ID

11731973

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

For a second time, the window goes off the runner and will not operate. This happened to the drivers side window and the rear drivers side window. The only option is to return to the dealership and have the part replaced to allow the window to move up and down, This is a safety hazard and fails state inspection if the windows will not move up and down. This is a safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11731435

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The Kias have been recalled for a failure to adhere the shark fin antenna. This has been recalled in some models. My 2016 has fallen off and is not on the recall list. Please include.

NHTSA ID

11731430

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS, IVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS RELATING TO MY ENGINE BURNING OIL TO FAST, ENGINE SHAKING AND NOT ACCELERATING LIKE ITS SPPOSE TO... YOU HAVE A RECALL ON 2016 OPTIMAS BUT ONLY THE HYBRID (HEV). WHICH WE ALL KNOW ITS NOT RIGHT. WHY ONLY DO IT FOR CERTAIN OPTIMAS KNOWING WE ARE ALL (ALL OPTIMAS) ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING!! SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS AND AUTO SHOPS AND NOW IM MENTALLY DRAINED , UPSET, CONFUSED AND OVERALL FEEL MANIPULATED BY KIA... NICE CARS BUT DOES NOT KEEP ITS VALUE.. CAN SOMEONE FIX THIS PROBLEM

NHTSA ID

11731203

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

My rear passenger side window would not go up or down & the motor would run when the button was pressed. That was in January 2026. Now April 2026, my driver's side rear window will not go up or down.

NHTSA ID

11729768

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

Car is not holding oil it acts like it's gonna cut off while driving and it jerking was diagnosed with colitic converter p0604

NHTSA ID

11727436

Incident

Mar 20, 2026