general problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

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?.

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.

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

Engine oil light doesn’t work. Oil light flashed a couple of times in separate instances. Checking oil dip stick which smells like burning oil and dip stick hardly showed any oil left.

Engine light start blinking out of no where and speed started to reduce while on the highway. My fix finder gave me code p1326.

2016 kia Optima engine locked up, vehicle stalled on interstate,heard a rod bearing sound, left me in limp mode trying to get out the way of 18 wheelers traveling behind me. Towed into kia dealership which confirmed the engine locked up which has a recall #pi1802b ksds, but denied to cover it because I didn't have this recall done. I also called kia customer service, they denied me too and just gave me a case #[xxx]. I explained to them that I never received notice of this recall. So how could I prepare for something like this to happen while traveling from texas to louisiana to visit my grand kids. The dealership gave me a quote of $9735 for parts and labor, which I don't have, I am still making payments on this vehicle. Now I am stuck in louisiana with my vehicle, also it's going to cost me even more to have it towed back to texas. Please help me understand why the dealership won't stand behind a safety recall or what one person I spoke with called a campaign recall, which ever! that I never received notice about this recall. I hope the "president" or the "president of the company" will step up and help, after all we as citizens don't have a problem spending our hard working money on purchasing these vehicles from the dealerships, to have things like this to happen out of our control. Thanks for at least listening. God bless. . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway and contacted the highway patrol for assistance. The contact associated NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine); with the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the knock sensor needed to be installed prior to the failure for the engine replacement to be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue but they are not trying fix my car under that recall of the bad motor that they did recall.

The engine is a problem and all I’m ever told us “ this vehicle is know to have engine problems. This is dangerous to have in the road. Kia is aware of this. Why sale the vehicle knowing this and not disclosing this info to the consumer upon purchase. There is no truth in lending. It’s plain sight robbery. What if I’m far from home and stranded because vehicle set fire or broke down in hazardous condition weather. I constantly needing oil changes because of this engine. The dealership is aware. They tell me to trade it in or get rid of it because it’s going to go for a fact. I’ve never missed oil changes. I put oil every time the oil indicator light comes on. Now for the 3rd time the check engine light is on. 2 times for misfire code. The vehicle engine holds sludge no matter how much you get oil changes. The mechanic told me this year make and model is known for this very fact. I want my money back. Kelly blue book don’t give enough. I was scammed into this car but I managed to pay it off. A car the sales person scammed me and wouldn’t take the vehicle back. I complained to the general manager. They always act like he wasn’t available. They kept claiming new ones started. After almost a year of those games I had to move and the case never got solved. But even when I complained their maintenance person stole my rims. They told me prove it. Just all bad experience. I just want my money. Even if they gave me another engine. It’s still going to be the same problem. A bad engine. 2016 kia Optima’s should not have been continuously sold with them knowing it has bad engines. Even the headlights don’t work. Very dim. Car smells like burning fumes when driving. Please please help. This isn’t fair lending practice. People trust them and they are dishonest sellers.

The engine stalled without warning while I was pulling out of my driveway into the street, creating an unsafe condition due to sudden loss of power. After waiting briefly, the vehicle restarted and was moved back into the driveway. It was towed the following day due to loss of confidence in safe operation. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure consistent with known defects affecting kia Optima vehicles equipped with theta ii engines. Kia denied coverage under the extended engine warranty / class action settlement solely because the ksds (pi1802 ecu update) had not been installed prior to the failure. As the second owner, I was never notified of this update before the incident and had no opportunity to complete it. This failure was sudden, unanticipated, and safety-related. I am submitting this complaint to document an engine stall and loss of power condition posing a safety risk.

My vehicle’s engine was previously approved for replacement under the lifetime engine warranty associated with the settlement, confirming that my vehicle falls within the covered class. However, I am now experiencing significant difficulty obtaining assistance regarding secondary damage that directly resulted from the engine failure, specifically the failure of the starter and related operability issues. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter through the dealership and warranty channels, I have been repeatedly redirected without meaningful assistance or clear resolution. I have also encountered discrepancies within the online settlement VIN verification tool, which appears inconsistent with kia’s prior acknowledgment of my vehicle’s settlement-related coverage.

While driving my 2016 kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was door dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 wolf creek dr sw, atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness for over an hour while multiple oncoming vehicles passed by, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be left on the roadside overnight. The following day, the vehicle would only start briefly when jump-started, ran for approximately 15 seconds, and shut off again. It could not move and was towed to an authorized kia dealership. At the dealership, technicians jump-started the vehicle, performed diagnostics, added engine oil, cleared codes, reset adaptive values, and conducted a test drive. During that test drive, the engine seized again, and the vehicle had to be towed back. Kia approved a full engine replacement under its extended engine warranty, acknowledging engine failure consistent with known defects. However, after the engine replacement, the vehicle would not start at all. Kia stated oil intrusion from the failed engine damaged electronic components, leaving the vehicle non-operational. Kia denied coverage for the resulting damage and issued an estimated $6,000 repair bill for engine harness, injector sub-harness, and ecu replacement. The vehicle remains inoperable following an approved warranty repair. This incident involved sudden loss of propulsion while driving, occurred without warning, resulted in repeated engine seizure, and left the vehicle disabled in traffic at night. This appears consistent with known kia engine defects and presents a serious safety concern that warrants investigation.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment was heard, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact further stated that while driving at approximately 80 mph, with the cruise control mode engaged, the vehicle started to stall and failed to exceed 30 mph. The contact stated that the cruise control became inoperable, and the check engine warning was flashing. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle continued to hesitate and failed to exceed 30 mph while driving. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Car is burning a lot of oil, took to dealer went through several tests and they claim burning 1. 5 quarts was within limit for 1000 miles. Then started getting misfire codes and car went into limp mode a couple of times. They said to replace spark plugs because they were fouled and clean injection. Performed those requested actions, then 45k later getting misfire codes again, took to another dealer they said plugs are fould and clean injection again. Asked them to provide a permanent fix for the issue so the car does not keep fouling out the plugs and they said the only way to fix was to replace the motor. I asked, since you have no guaranteed fix why don't you replace the defective motor under warranty. They said because it is not locked up or throwing a specific code detecting a knock in the motor. So I said the motor will have to completely fail before a replacement would be approved they said yes (basically suggesting I somehow blow up the motor). This is wrong, a product under warranty from manufaturer and cannot be fixed without replacing the part should be covered. I do not know what my options are at this point, the milage warranty has run out and they will not do anything to fix it, just bandaids until it dies. The dealers would not put it in writing only verbally telling me.

The engine lost cylinder 3, piston came loose and broke the spark plug. This happened because the rod bearing came loose which has been a known issue with kia. There’s already been a class action law suit, and recall with warranty. Now the kia dealership in lynchburg has refused to honor this warranty. Stating they can’t do the required rod bearing clearance test because the engine doesn’t have compression. The engine has no compression because the rod bearings came loose and shoved the piston into the head.

Vehicle: 2016 kia Optima lx turbo – approx. 114,155 miles** this complaint concerns ongoing systemic defects affecting the electrical, braking, and engine management systems of the referenced vehicle. Despite multiple documented repair attempts, the failures persist, creating continuous and significant safety hazards. The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical system malfunctions, including multiple battery failures (three replacements within one year), sustained low-voltage conditions, and intermittent lighting loss. Notably, the headlights and exterior lighting have shut off unexpectedly during extended highway operation. The brake control system is also compromised. The electronic emergency brake has engaged spontaneously while the vehicle was in motion, causing abrupt deceleration without driver input. Additionally, the vehicle exhibits continuous fuel vapor and engine performance defects. The purge valve has been replaced four times, yet the failure recurs. The vehicle frequently hesitates upon acceleration, exhibits delayed throttle response, and jerks during takeoff, creating hazardous conditions when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Given the repeated nature of these defects and the lack of resolution through standard repairs, I believe the vehicle may contain inherent design or manufacturing defects affecting the electrical charging system, ecu, fuel vapor management components, and electronic braking controls. I request that NHTSA conduct an investigation into these safety-related defects.

While driving, the vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise from the engine. Within one block the vehicle began smoking heavily from under the hood. I pulled over, opened the hood, and flames were visible. This is a 2016 kia Optima with the 2. 4l theta ii engine. Approximately one year ago the original engine seized and was replaced by a kia dealer under the theta ii engine recall (sc172/sc147) and class-action settlement. This is the second catastrophic failure of a theta ii engine in this vehicle. The replacement engine has now failed in the exact same manner as the thousands of other documented cases — rod bearing failure leading to knocking, overheating, and engine compartment fire. The dealership (fowler kia of windsor, CO) inspected the vehicle and quoted over $6,000 in repairs (melted engine wiring harness, ecm connector, battery cables, airbox, intake boot, etc. ) while claiming the fire was “unknown cause/not the engine,” despite the clear knocking immediately preceding the fire. Kia consumer affairs has an open case but has not yet resolved coverage. This is a known, ongoing safety defect covered under multiple NHTSA investigations (pe21004, ea22002) and kia recalls. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle and am requesting immediate investigation and inclusion in any expanded recall or remedy.

My engine blew up and started smoking while driving.

Car stop accelerating when I went to get my oil change the shop reported my engine eating up my oil found out kia have a recall on engine.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 kia Optima hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025. Incident summary: while driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, I noticed that the vehicle was not entering hybrid mode, which is abnormal for its typical operation. I reduced my speed to 45 mph, then down to 35 mph as I began to observe smoke coming from the vehicle. At no point did the vehicle show signs of overheating, and there was no check engine light until shortly before I was able to safely pull over. Within moments of stopping the vehicle and exiting with my passenger, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and ultimately burned to the ground. Fortunately, both occupants escaped unharmed. The vehicle has been inspected by my insurance provider; however, I have been waiting over two weeks for kia to inspect the vehicle or provide any official response regarding a possible cause. This delay is concerning, especially given the severity of the incident and the potential safety risk to other drivers. Vehicle details: make/model: 2016 kia Optima hybrid VIN: [xxx] mileage: 54,300 date of fire: October 5, 2025 location: us-60 noncard & mp-118 morristown, az I am reporting this incident in hopes that NHTSA will investigate whether this is an isolated case or potentially part of a larger safety defect within this vehicle model or hybrid system. The lack of adequate warning and the total loss due to fire raises serious safety concerns. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is required to support an investigation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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 determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Engine sludge and failure. Engine part failure p0010 began happening within 1 year of kia engine replacement. It is available for inspection. This creates a problem with acceleration in the vehicle, putting my family's and my safety at risk. This problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The check engine light is one. This part failure and engine sludge (despite consistent maintenance) has caused engine failure again, just 3 years after replacement.

Engine is knocking that happened when I took my car 3 times to emission test and my car didn't pass after that I took it to my mechanic for the diagnostic and he told me you have to take it to kia dealer but I was shocked the way how they treated me and they completely refuse to replace my engine they came up with too many excuses and I have recall repair active I have right to fix my car but they didn't with bad attitude.

The engine is starting to fail causing issues such as being able to accelerate. When driving on the freeway it caused a safety issue it began slowing down on the interstate. The vehicle has been inspected by mechanics. No warnings prior to problem. They appeared day before due for an oil change. The car also burns oil really fast sometimes causing car to smoke. I have a gdi turbo engine and have been told that the engine I have has been recalled a few times on different models cars.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure due to piston rings failure, causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the ignition coil, cylinder #1, and spark plugs were replaced. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Engine began jumping during driving and loss power. No dashboard illumination warning lights and the temperature gage showed normal operating temperature. Car was not accelerating properly. Had to maneuver carefully to prevent being ran over. Engine light illuminated showing misfire. Replaced ignition coil pack and spark plugs. Driving again, car stalled. No dashboard warning lights. No high temperature on gauge. Narrowly missed being hit by a semi as there was absolutely no warning and we were on an interstate bypass ramp with nowhere to pull over!! towed car to dealership for diagnosis. Results: engine blown, turbos gone, and the catalytic converter is holding oil. Dealer is stating this is not covered under the extended warranty from kia as its not connector rod bearing issues and that the piston rings failed. However, they stated the turbos got "too hot" and they failed. The gauges have never shown that the car was running hot. I have a sworn statement from my mechanic stating this is absurd and a valiant attempt to not pay for what would be the second warranty replacement of my engine. The piston rings failed as a result of the connector rod bearing failure. The "too hot" temperature that damaged the turbos was likely caused by the same bearing issue. The heat from the bearings unseated the piston rings and allowed the engine to dump its oil causing the engine to fail. I highly recommend that you open an investigation into these issues. The car not accelerating and losing power at interstate speeds is a very serious and dangerous issue.

I purchased a vehicle from banter auto here in wichita, kansas. I reviewed the carfax beforehand and nothing stood out that scared me so I signed off and purchased the vehicle. I have had nothing but problems since buying which was 7 months ago and have spent $9000 on repairs. I’ve been told by several mechanics the last 5 times I’ve been in and out of mechanic shops it’s evident my car sat in deep water for a long period of time. I finally took it to an electrical auto specialist here in town and while he said it is evident my vehicle sat deep water for a period of time and while the corrosion hasn’t quite started to cause an electrical problem that it very well could down the road. I’ve given the man who owns the dealership and opportunity to make this right however he stopped responding. I believe that is illegal and I’ve been told it should’ve been a “flood title”. I will know for sure after seeing a I will know for sure after seeing an attorney this week. That was not disclosed to me or I would definitely would have not purchased the car. When I first got the car, the locks and windows were going insane flickering all over the place and kia dealership told me it was quite crazy and nothing they had seen before, however, they were able to fix it. I strongly believe that when my car was flooded it caused something to happen that I’m only going to have to keep paying for overtime. I’m already in debt from the $9000 I’ve had to getting personal loans. This is causing me enormous emotional distress. Please help.

I’m experiencing severe oil consumption and spark plug fouling, which are known problems with the gdi engine. This is affecting driveability and may indicate piston ring or valve seal failure.

Engine issue, it’s knocking loud and misfires. Engine light flashing and car went into limp mode , will not go over 60 mph . I have changed the spark plugs, knock sensor, and had an oil change nothing has fixed my issue.

My 2016 kia Optima experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure in July 2025. The failure is consistent with widely reported theta ii engine rod bearing defects that cause engine seizure and stalling. The vehicle did not receive the knock sensor detection system (ksds) update prior to my ownership, and I was never notified of this critical safety-related update. The engine failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in loss of power while driving, creating a serious safety risk. This vehicle model year has a documented history of engine defects and class action settlements related to premature engine failure. I believe this represents an ongoing safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure as part of its investigation into kia Optima engine defects.

The vehicle went into limp power mode while driving.

The car is burning oil rapidly causing potential issues with the transmission and engine. The oil burns and does not leak after a few hundred miles and has to be refilled continuously causing alot of money and potential issues with other components of the car. I notice jerking when accelerating and smoke if dont fill every 1 to 2 weeks.

My 2016 kia Optima ex (VIN [xxx] , 2. 4l i4 di) suffered sudden engine bearing failure and complete engine seizure after approximately three months of use. After inspection, the kia scottsdale dealership confirmed that my vehicle’s VIN was eligible under the engine replacement warranty and submitted a request for assistance. However, kia America denied the request. This defect is identical in nature to the known dangerous defect covered under kia safety recall sc147 (NHTSA 17v-224) and related recalls for earlier Optima model years, involving connecting rod bearing wear leading to engine seizure. In my case, the defect caused a total loss of motive power, posing a serious crash risk. Kia motors America has refused to repair or replace the engine, claiming my vehicle is ineligible due to being purchased from an auto auction (sierra auction) and having multiple prior owners. This refusal ignores that the defect is a safety-related manufacturing flaw identical to those already acknowledged by kia and subject to federal recalls. I request NHTSA investigate kia’s refusal to extend the same safety remedies to my VIN and consider whether the scope of sc147 and related recalls should be expanded to include vehicles with the same defect pattern. Supporting documentation available upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (theta ii 2. 4l gdi) failed due to rod bearing wear, causing sudden power loss on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, once at 50 mph in 2018 and again at 70 mph in 2025, and had to be pulled over quickly to avoid collision. Additional issues: all four windows failed at different times, leaving them stuck open and creating safety risks in weather or emergencies. The trunk latch failed, causing unsecured cargo risk. Abs, tpms, and traction control warning lights illuminated repeatedly, indicating possible loss of critical safety systems. A loose wiring harness caused the turn signal bulb to burn out repeatedly, reducing visibility and signaling. The dealership performed the ksds software update after I reported engine trouble but did not resolve the issue. The engine soon failed completely while driving. Other issues, such as the fuse box blowing fuses from a standard usb charger have also been documented by a kia dealership but not always fully repaired. The most recent engine failure and electrical defects are being inspected by a kia dealership, and kia consumer affairs is reviewing the warranty claim. Prior to the engine failure, I smelled burning oil and topped it off monthly due to excessive consumption. The oil level light and check engine light only appeared during limp mode right before the failure. These repeated safety-critical defects, particularly sudden engine failure at highway speed, created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road. At the time of this report, I am in the process of seeking warranty coverage for the catastrophic engine failure through kia. The failure behavior (limp mode, flashing check engine light, and rod knock) is consistent with the safety defect described in the theta ii engine settlement. I am concerned that despite this being a known issue, there may be delays or denials in honoring the safety-related warranty repair.