2016 Kia Optima power train problems
72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Kia Optima — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 5, 2026
“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…”
filed May 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Right front axle driveshaft may crack and failCampaign 16V705000 · Oct 3, 2016
Power Train problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 25 | 18% |
| 2019 Optima | 16 | 8% |
| 2018 Optima | 18 | 8% |
| 2017 Optima | 20 | 8% |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 Optima | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 Optima | 64 | 5% |
| 2012 Optima | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 Optima | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 Optima | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% |
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.