general problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

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 car starts and drives with other keys in ignition.

Hear the driveshaft clicking and doesn’t accelerate like it should.

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 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.

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.

Engine failed at 52. 350 miles due to excessive oil consumption confirmed by a kia dealership. Car was driving fine on 5/1/25, on 5/2/25, car started to stall with loud clicking noise, and wouldn't move fast, which then activated the check engine light.

I went to the garden grove kia to get my new 2016 kia Optima repaired for their knock sensor settlement repair. By their own terms of the agreement all original and subsequent ow ers can get vehicles repaired. They took my vehicle information, I gave them all details of my ownership of the vehicle and they said they would fix it. The next day I rented a trailer to take the vehicle to get repaired (vehicle still runs but don't think it's safe to drive like that) and upon arriving, a worker comes out and tells me that they will not repir the vehicle because I just purchased the vehicle. Craig, the manager, also refused to see ownership documents but gave me 2 things; legal advice saying that I should sue where I bought the vehicle from and a paper that said they will not fix cars owned by dealers and auctions. I am neither am neither nor. Craig, also stated that kia wont cover the repairs.

While driving vechile shakes violently between 35-45 mph. I was informed the right axle needed replacement. There is a recall for 2016 Optima axle replacement but kia says my car doesn’t fall under it even though is the exact issue as the recall.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 mph, the vehicle began to jerk excessively, and the contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors and valve cover gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,260.

Was driving going 50mph and all of a sudden with traffic accelerator stopped working. The oil engine and battery light all came on. When I tried jump starting it it began to smoke.

Complaint message – 2016 kia Optima engine failure without oil light warning I am the owner of a 2016 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated at any point to warn me. I am aware that kia previously recalled earlier model years (2011–2014) for similar engine issues under recall sc147 and others, related to the theta ii engine and oil pressure-related failures. Many owners reported the exact same symptom — catastrophic engine failure without oil light warnings — that I am now experiencing in my 2016 Optima. Although my model year is not included in the existing recall, the failure pattern appears identical. I believe this presents a significant safety issue that should be investigated. A critical warning system (oil pressure light) failed to function properly, which directly led to engine damage. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated by NHTSA and kia for potential expansion of the recall or warranty coverage to include the 2016 Optima. I have already contacted kia and am pursuing further review through the dealership and customer support. Please note that other 2016 Optima owners have reported similar complaints online and in forums, and this issue may affect a broader number of vehicles than currently acknowledged. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

[xxx] 6:30am: 2016 kia Optima ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acceleration and immediately attempted to get over to the side of the road. Which was pretty [xxx] scary being that it's a busy freeway that early in the morning so everyone is laying on their horn while trying to get out of my way. It was either be stranded in the middle of the freeway or get over as quick as possible. My electronics were all still on however; my whole dashboard went from no "check engine" light to everything that could light up was lit up. I own a obd2 scanner so I plugged that in and scanned it. I received a code that read "p0014: exhaust camshaft position timing - over - advanced (bank 1)". I then had my car towed to a mechanic that diagnosed my engine and claimed there was "metal shavings" in my engine. And my engine was not turning; it seized up. I didn't believe him so I got a ride over to the shop and sure enough he simply had me pull my dipstick out to see the shavings on there. He also manually turned my engine with a socket wrench and told me it was harder than [xxx] to turn which was not supposed to happen. I tried it myself and sure enough it was tough as [xxx] to turn. He claimed I needed a new engine! he said I have the option to get it towed somewhere else or he can try and find an engine for me. I then called a kia service center in visalia CA and explained to them what happened. They said they will not fix anything due to me not having a computer update recall fixed on my car. Yet I had never gotten a notice in the mail for it like they were supposed to do back in 2018. The only one I had gotten recently was a "safety recall" which was to fix my trunk latch. I knew that would not have any impact on my cars running condition so I did not get that fixed. However had I known I needed an update I would've gone in a heartbeat. I did not take it to the service center being that they told me they cannot fix my engine. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

My 2016 kia Optima lx 1. 6 has been burning oil really fast. It also has been losing power when I try to accelerate with know check engine lights on. Currently the engine has a shake to it & is un-drivable. Oil gets to the spark plugs. I previously took my car to a kia dealership before I had a check engine light. They told me they could not do anything because a check engine light was not on. Now that a check engine light is on I was told by a dealer that it has an engine misfire. It has been seen by a dealership. This problem could have been prevented now knowing that this is a problem for many kia automobiles.

The car has been to the dealer several times for a transmission judder update under TSB: tra 083 and recently TSB tra 098 - both times they have done a anti-judder logic improvement. The car still judders and its a big safety concern. Many times I will go to pull out into oncoming traffic and the judder can be so bad the car wont take off. This happens several times a month. I have complained about this since I bought the car and primarily they blamed it on being a dual clutch transmission. Years later they have now 2 TSB and the issue is not solving the problem. The imparticular dealer that I use has told me they have never had to change out the clutch on this car and dont have the tools. They also said the way that kia uses software to monitor the judder never warrants a change in the dual clutch. I believe that kia should take responsibility and install their new updated transmission into this car.

The hybrid battery continues to malfunction and, randomly shuts down at any speed (even after short engine block was "repaired" by kia dealership). Also, an odor of burnt oil happens often while driving the car. It is available for inspection, if need be. Safety of all drivers at risk because car shuts down on freeways and highways. It's dangerous where cars driving at speeds of 65 mph are unable to break and avoid collision. Kia calls their recalls "campaigns". The kia dealer has acknowledged this problem and has performed maintenance, however the problem still persists. I have the recent receipt of service/ maintenance on my 2016 kia Optima hybrid on hand. The first time it happened was on September 25, 2021. There were no warning lights or messages, the car simply shut down and had no power and was not drivable. I took it to a hybrid mechanic who ran a diagnostic test. The hybrid mechanic repaired my car. 6 months later, while I was driving my car seized on me while I was driving on the freeway going 65 miles an hour. This time a warning on my dashboard showed that there was a problem with the hybrid control system on the car. We took it to a kia dealership and they performed a diagnostic test and said that I needed a new short engine block and hybrid battery replacement. (I have the receipts for the maintenance performed by kia dealership) it took 3 months for the kia dealership to rebuild the engine block and replace the hybrid battery. On March 7, 2024, my 2016 kia Optimal hybrid seized on me while I was driving 40 miles an hour. The message/ warning now says "battery management system failure" "possible bms condition. " "check hybrid system". Kia does not acknowledge that there is a problem with the hybrid system in the kia Optima hybrids. I've called and tried to file a complaint, however they tell me there are no problems with the kia Optima hybrids. Please investigate. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

The high voltage battery and the ability to drive or turn on completely.

My car has been consuming oil and has locked up and will not operate. This issue has been reported to the manufacturer by several other customers, and my car is not a part of the recent recalls. This issue could have caused me serious harm, had I been on a highway, or busy intersection. My car engine now doesn't work.

Vehicle dash check engine light came on 08/31/2023 code p200a was found. Several weeks went by and vehicle started to hesitate pretty bad vehicle was towed to kia dealership on 10/04/2023 : was told engine failure which needed replacement along with intake and several other required parts. Covered under powertrain warranty, vehicle was completed and ready for pick up on 10/17/2023 on 10/24/2023, on my way home from work, dash warning "engine has overheated" has came on. Vehicle was towed back to original dealership. Kia reportedly found "air pocket" in cooling system. Vehicle was ready for pickup same day. On 10/30/2023, on my way to work, dash warning "engine has overheated" has once again came on. Luckily I was able to get off the interstate and happened to be by a kia dealership in the area. At this time, info is pending.

I have already had to have motor and transmission replaced once under warranty. The replaced transmission was worse than the original problem. The original problem was hard shifting. Now I have intermittent hard shifting, occasional lunging forward, occasional shuddering while pressing accelerator, and feeling like there is hesitation to change gears. I have not taken it back to the dealer yet. I always get the excuse that they cant replicate the problem. It took me 2-3 years to get it acknowledged the first time.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before gaining motive power. The vehicle was also shuddering and vibrating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. Additionally, the gear shift lever was difficult to shift into reverse(r). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and then the gear shifter was able to be shifted into reverse(r). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

The vehicle hesitated to move after a stop. I have escaped hitting the incoming vehicles when taking a left turns as my car drives very slow after a stop and there are chances of hitting with the vehicles coming from other direction.

Driving along the interstate approximately 70 mph, the vehicle jerked with knock sound then lost acceleration speed. At the same time, the check engine light started blinking. I pulled over to the side of the interstate put the car in park. I put it back in drive and slowly attempted to accelerate again. I was able to make it home because I was only about a mile and a half away, but I the acceleration was very slow and there wasn't much power behind it. At a speed of about 45-50, the vehicle barely seemed to have much power.

2016 kia Optima was towed to kia dealer after it became inoperable; on 10/22/22 diagnostic done and found engine failure. Kia motors denied claim for repair/replacement. Not sure why not covered under class action settlement, and/or extended warranty, or subsequent technical bulletins regarding kia's defective engines.

My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking and shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car jerking on the road.

Every 2000 miles I need to put in a quart of oil. When car down shifts to 35mph the oil light flickers. At downshift of 10mph there is a slight shutter and the oil light flickers.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated upon activating the heater while driving, she smelled an abnormally strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to kia independent recall campaign number sc172 (high pressure fuel pump outlet inspection). Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and then lunged forward abruptly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay for a diagnostic test and the repair cost because the VIN was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Despite maintaining the vehicle and replacing the battery, the car will have weird acceleration jumps during highway and city travel. It will also not start properly on occasion where it will idle rough and stall when trying to shift into drive or reverse.

In April, 2022, while driving on a major highway enroute to work, my 2016 kia Optima started knocking and completely shutdown in the middle of high-speed traffic. I had the vehicle towed and was told that the recall for the engine knock sensor replacement hadn't ever been done which resulted in the engine to shutdown.

Got an oil change bout a month ago. 2 weeks ago my oil light started flickering. Miles on vehicle is 119842 next oil change due at 122,000 miles. Just 2 days ago as I was coming to a stop at a stop sign my check engine light came on and my oil light came on and stayed on and car shut off. Car comes on but no longer starts. At the kia dealership now.

The engine is burning about a half a quarter of oil every 1000 miles. The transmission studers when trying to take off and sometimes lags when you accelerate harder.

My steering wheel will randomly lock in the middle of road while driving. I have to forcefully turn wheel to be able to pull of off the road meanwhile the there is on coming traffic. I have been told my car is having misfire and an engine knock code p1326 I have also got other codes and was told it could be a factory malfunction.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

#1headlights & break lights going out often. Bulbs can’t be replaced anymore due to wiring burnt ( 1 headlight ) took it in and they didn’t even look at it. Have do documents to back that up #2 engine light coming on, diagnostic testing indicated spark plugs need to be replaced . Had to do this two times with oil on plugs took it in and they never look at the spark plugs #3 car burning excessive amount of oil anywhere from 1 quart a week to 3 1/2 quarts after driving 600 miles. Took it into the shop for oil consumption testing only to be told that their warranty would not cover it and it needs a new engine. I have a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on my car! and at the present time I only have 88496 miles on my car I have documentation to back up my claim, I have been a loyal kia owner for 18 years and they have absolutely treated me horrible in regards to this saying that it was lack of maintenance and they never checked the issues that led up to their findings. They indicated that there was sludge in my engine but could never prove or show me anything that they did to document the sludge and trying to blame it on me. This car is a safety hazard as I am aware of Mini other kia Optima’s dad have either caught fire or repaired to have their motors replaced due to the same issues. Anything you can do to help me with this issue ! I’m 60 years old and know how to take care of my car.

Pearl white paint peeling in chunks of hood. All four window regulators went out within six months. Transmission had to be replaced hard shift rear end motor replaced.