2016 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
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Common 2016 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is related to the engine, with a high number of reported problems.
In addition to engine problems, the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid has also been reported to have issues with the window regulators. The window regulators tend to fail or malfunction, causing the windows to roll up or down improperly.
The steering coupler is another common problem area for the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid. The steering coupler tends to disintegrate, causing play in the steering and noises when the steering wheel is moved side to side
. This can be a safety concern and may require professional repair.
Many 2.4-liter GDI engines in the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid tend to burn engine oil, which can lead to engine failure if not addressed
. This problem is so prevalent that Kia has issued recalls for certain model years equipped with 2-liter and 2.4-liter GDI gasoline engines due to high-pressure metal fuel lines that are prone to develop field leaks, which could cause the engine to catch on fire.
The automatic transmissions in the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid are also prone to malfunction and premature failure, which can be a significant safety concern
Other common problems reported by owners of the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid include exterior paint that tends to chip and peel off easily, faulty headlights and window actuators, and blower motor resistor malfunctions that can cause the heater and AC blower to work only at one speed or not at all.
In summary, the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid has several common problems, with engine issues being the most significant. The window regulators, steering coupler, burning of engine oil, fuel line leaks, and automatic transmission malfunctions are all areas of concern for this vehicle. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
Are there any problems with a 2016 Kia Optima?
There are 4 recalls on the 2016 Kia Optima, some of which are worse than other midsize cars. The most serious recall covers the high pressure fuel pipe, which can leak, causing a fire. Kia will replace the fuel pipe on the affected models.
What is the life expectancy of the battery in a Kia Optima Hybrid?
150,000 miles
Hybrid car battery replacement should be performed every 150,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first). Bear in mind that this is not a guarantee, but an average figure for how often hybrid battery replacement should be performed.
Is there a recall on 2016 Kia Optima engine?
Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139. Summary: 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.
Is the Kia Optima Hybrid a good car?
#4 in Best Midsize Cars of 2020
The 2020 Kia Optima carries on as an attractive midsize sedan offering good fuel economy, technology, value and everyday ease of use. It's also available as a 45-mpg Optima Hybrid or an Optima PHEV that can run up to 28 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine is needed.
2016 Kia Optima hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Kia Optima hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2016 Kia Optima hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Kia Optima hybrid.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-21
- VIN: KNAGM4ADXG5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE RIGHT PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WON'T WORK I CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB AND IT'S COMPLETELY OFF. AT FIRST WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE BULB THE LIGHT FLICKERED AND I THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT'VE NOT BEEN PUT ON ALL THE WAY OR IT MIGHT'VE BECAME LOOSE. BUT THEN IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT CAUSING A ROAD HAZARD AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS LIGHTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. IT ALSO HAS CAUSED ME TO BE PULLED OVER BY MANY POLICE WHEN I SHOULDN'T BE GOING THROUGH THIS OR ANYONE'S ONE ELSE THAT IS GOING THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH KIA. THIS FIRST OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY COULD'VE BEEN A BAD SITUATION. IT COULD BE A BAD WIRING AS I READ FROM OTHER REPORTS BUT KIA HAS NOT DONE A RECALL. THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE COVERED BY KIA AND NO ONE SHOULD PAY AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ACCIDENTS COULD OCCUR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-03
- VIN: KNAGN4AD5G5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: FOR THE 2ND YEAR, MY KIA WOULD NOT START IN 32 DEGREE WEATHER IN BIG BEAR, CA. THIS IS AN ANNUAL TRIP & TOOK MY KIA.THE LIGHTS, RADIO ALL TURN ON BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NOON FOR THE SUN TO WARM UP THE CAR & THEN IT'S BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY CANNOT FIND ANY MALFUNCTION & NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE EXPERIENCE WHAT I HAVE. THERE ARE MANY FORUMS WITH KIA OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME, BUT CANNOT GET A FIX OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS. IT'S BEYOND FRUSTRATING WHEN THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 40K MILES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-15
- VIN: KNAGN4AD3G5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (1945 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT SOME WIRING INSIDE THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO POTENTIALLY REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Negative 2016 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
Positive 2016 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you got an awesome deal on your new car! It's great to hear that you love it even more than you thought you would, and that the people who have ridden in it have enjoyed it too.
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I've had this car for 2 years and it has been really reliable with good mileage. In everyday driving, I usually get over 28 miles per gallon and over 35 on highways. It's a solid and attractive car overall. The only downside is that the passenger seat is quite low and cannot be lifted, which can be a bit annoying. However, everything else about this car is great! I would definitely consider buying a Kia again in the future.
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Hi there! I noticed that you recently purchased a 2015 hybrid Kia Optima used. It's great to hear that you find it comfortable both in the front and back! Although the MPG may not be as high as some other hybrids, it's still impressive for a regular car. It's amazing that you've already put almost 100000 miles on it and it's still going strong. Keep up the good work!
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If you're interested in a hybrid but don't want the unattractive Prius, this is a car you should check out.
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This car is a fantastic deal! It's priced at only 60% of the cost of a new car, and it gets great gas mileage. Plus, it still has 50% warranty coverage.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Kia Optima hybrid problems:
2016 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2016 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 2016 Kia Optima Problems · Door Locks Malfunction Not Allowing Driver or Passanger to Open Their Doors. 457 people have reported this · Faulty Throttle ...
2016 Kia Optima's Recalls Cover Heavy Oil Consumption, Airbag ...
Jan 6, 2022 ... A failed starter, dead battery, or an alternator problem are the most common reasons why your 2016 Kia Optima won't start. With 38% probability, ...
2016 Kia Optima Transmission Failure | Kia Optima Forums
Nov 30, 2016 ... I have driven my hybrid in manual mode a lot on a long trip and after stopping for gas, the car would not shift manually any more until the next ...
2016 Kia Optima Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Nov 4, 2022 ... Common problems found on the 2016 Kia Optima include engine failures, worn-out window regulators, as well as hesitation while shifting between ...
Other years of Kia Optima hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2016 Kia Optima hybrid?
Royal Mraz 2024-05-27
I have taken my car to the dealership three times with documented mileage, but unfortunately, they were unable to provide any support or fix the issue. Despite getting 25mpg in the city and about 33 on the highway, the hybrid system does not seem to be functioning properly, as it is running mostly off the engine. The dealership's excuse was that the car is not broken in yet, but with 11k miles on it, I find this explanation unsatisfactory. In my opinion, it would be best to avoid purchasing the hybrid version. My sister's non-hybrid car, which gets 36/40 mpg, performs just fine.
Nasir Hermann 2024-03-06
Hi there! It seems like there might be some confusion around the term 'hybrid'. Have you considered looking into other options, like a 6 cylinder Honda sedan? I understand your frustration with the passenger seat and rear view, and I hope you're able to find a car that meets all of your needs!
Macey Feil 2024-02-19
I appreciate your honest review of the car. It seems like the hybrid powerplant is not meeting your expectations, and the mileage is not as good as you hoped. I understand that the car's slow start can be a safety concern. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and I hope you find a car that better suits your needs.