2016 KIA Optima Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 KIA Optima, 10% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 50,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “oil consumption” (8% of reports).
- 74power train complaints
- 50,000median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 6 of 74 complaints (8%)
- Take off: mentioned in 5 of 74 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 31 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 74 complaints, 2 mention a crash.
KIA Optima power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 27 | 18% | — |
| 2019 Optima | 17 | 8% | 19,600 |
| 2018 Optima | 18 | 8% | 26,475 |
| 2017 Optima | 21 | 8% | 36,500 |
| 2016 Optima | 74 | 10% | 50,000 |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% | 82,794 |
| 2014 Optima | 20 | 3% | 93,242 |
| 2013 Optima | 64 | 5% | 64,837 |
| 2012 Optima | 54 | 6% | 78,993 |
| 2011 Optima | 25 | 4% | 36,000 |
| 2010 Optima | 24 | 32% | 73,000 |
| 2009 Optima | 33 | 28% | 62,000 |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% | 130,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 13 | 8% | 72,000 |
| 2006 Optima | 14 | 9% | 61,100 |
| 2005 Optima | 3 | 2% | 34,000 |
| 2004 Optima | 8 | 4% | 22,100 |
| 2003 Optima | 8 | 6% | 33,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 6 | 6% | 86,020 |
| 2001 Optima | 12 | 8% | 11,750 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
Risk: If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Severe engine defect (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Sudden total loss of power, metallic knocking, severe oil consumption, and imminent catastrophic failure while driving, creating a high safety risk. Vehicle is currently out of service in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION…
Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was repaired by PepBoys. On 4/2/2025 the ve3hicle had an active recall event when the engine seized on the highway because of a faulty oil pump/filter, Engine was replaced 4/17/2025 under that recall. Kia…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 KIA Optimas have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 74 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 KIA Optima (10% of the 758 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 KIA Optima power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 50,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “oil consumption”, in 6 of 74 complaints, followed by “take off” (5).
Other 2016 KIA Optima problems
See all 2016 KIA Optima problems or power train problems across all Optima years.