2016 Kia Optima engine and engine cooling problems
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2016 Kia Optima — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed May 22, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet…”
filed Nov 20, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 8 | 6% |
| 2019 Optima | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 Optima | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 Optima | 7 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 30 | 3% |
| 2014 Optima | 14 | 2% |
| 2013 Optima | 41 | 3% |
| 2012 Optima | 19 | 2% |
| 2011 Optima | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 Optima | 5 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.