2016 Kia Optima 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 problems
The 2016 Kia Optima has several common problems that have been reported by owners, which can lead to expensive repairs and inconvenience. One of the most severe issues is engine failures, which have been reported at around 90,000 miles. These failures are caused by internal engine bearings that wear out, leading to total engine failure. Replacing the engine can cost around $7,500, depending on local labor rates.
Another common problem is worn-out window regulators, which can cause the power windows to stop working. This issue has been reported at nearly 75,000 miles. Replacing the regulator can cost around $500 per window.
Hesitation while shifting between gears is another problem that has been reported on some 2016 Optima models at roughly 70,000 miles. This issue is usually caused by a transmission software issue, which can be fixed for around $100. However, internal transmission problems can cost over $1,000 to fix.
The 2016 Kia Optima has also had four recalls, some of which are more serious 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.
In addition to these problems, the 2016 Kia Optima has been reported to have engine problems, including stalling, oil consumption, and complete engine failure. Some owners report that they are on the second or third engine. Other common problems include oil leaks, bad window regulators, issues with the air conditioner, failing brake calipers, and electrical issues.
The service bulletin BOD 300 for the 2016-2017 Optima describes the problem with an inoperative window regulator, which can be fixed by replacing the window regulator drum gear. The service bulletin ENG 158 for the Check Engine light with the trouble code P200A00 recommends replacing the VCM Actuator and reprogramming the ECM if the failure is confirmed following diagnostic steps.
A bad starter motor can also cause the vehicle not to start, which can be intermittent and cost several hundred dollars to fix.
Overall, the 2016 Kia Optima has several common problems that can lead to expensive repairs and inconvenience. These issues include engine failures, worn-out window regulators, hesitation while shifting between gears, and recalls. It is essential to research these problems and warranty coverage before purchasing a 2016 Kia Optima.
Do 2016 Kia Optimas have engine problems?
Reliability 6/10 – There are still some engine problems found on the 2016 Kia Optima. Buyers should avoid models from 2011–2016. Optima models from 2017–2020 are more reliable. Performance 6/10 – Performance is worse than other midsize sedans from all three of the 4-cylinder engine choices available.
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.
What years did Kia Optima have engine problems?
Kia Optima engine problems are well known. The 2011-2014 Kia Optima is reported to have a severe engine manufacturing issue, which may cause its bearings to wear prematurely. This may trigger uncontrollable engine seizing, which may increase the risk of crashes or collisions.
How many miles per Litre does a 2016 Kia Optima get?
Kia Optima 2016 Fuel consumption
The Kia Optima currently offers fuel consumption from 8.3 to 8.5L/100km.
2016 Kia Optima car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Kia Optima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Kia Optima
The NHTSA has received 619 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Kia Optima. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Kia Optima vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5XXGT4L39GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud knocking sound and experienced reduced engine power. The contact stated that the engine failed to exceed 2,000 RPM. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-14
- VIN: 5XXGT4L37GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-14
- VIN: 5XXGT4L15GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The component that failed in my 2016 Kia Optima is the engine, specifically due to excessive oil consumption. After each oil change, my oil levels drop significantly within 1,000 miles. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue poses a safety risk to me and others because if the oil levels fall too low, the engine could seize or fail while driving, potentially leading to a dangerous situation. A sudden engine failure, especially at highway speeds, could result in a loss of control and increase the risk of an accident. The problem has been confirmed by both a Kia dealership and an independent automotive repair shop. The dealership performed an oil consumption test, which revealed that my car is consuming 1.3 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. An independent shop also acknowledged that this make and model are known for high oil consumption. The vehicle has been inspected by the Kia dealership during my 120,000-mile service. However, despite confirming the issue, Kia has not offered a resolution because my vehicle is no longer under warranty. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No warning lights, messages, or dashboard indicators alerted me to the issue. The only symptom was the rapid drop in oil levels, which I first noticed in October 2023 following a routine oil change.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 5XXGT4L38GG
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that both the driver’s side and passenger’s side windows opened independently without the driver or occupant input, and the windows failed to roll up while depressing the window switches. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,600.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-04
- VIN: 5XXGW4L22GG
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: All the window regulators continue to turn but the windows stay down and won't go up. Leading cause, the gear that connects to the motor and window regulator wires is plastic and erdes over time causing it to shred itself. Now my windows will not go up.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
- VIN: KNAGT4L32G5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving the car will not accelerate past 49mph in turbo mode and 61mph in regular mode and rpm will not go above 1800. And it jerks and studders. Blinking check engine light and consumes a ridiculous amount of oil even though regular maintenance performed. I have read several engine issues with this model and cannot find recall info
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- VIN: 5XXGT4L39GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am experiencing window regulator failures on all four windows of my 2016 Kia Optima LX, which began in 2021 and continues to the present. The windows either do not stay up or operate irregularly. I have seen similar reports from other 2016 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Sportage owners. This issue poses a safety and security risk due to potential distraction while driving and inability to secure the vehicle.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 5XXGT4L35GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown, per kia website, P1326 engine code- bad engine, kia will cover all faults and cost associated to this code, including branded title vehicles. But, because my car has a branded title, kia dealership is saying no they won't do anything.. please help
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 5XXGU4L34GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Check Engine light on due to too much oil consumption of engine per mechanic
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 5XXGV4L21GG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: All 4 of my windows regulators went out within a week without any warning the two front windows went down and I can’t get them back up the two back windows are up but I have something holding them up which is dangerous because I can’t put the child lock on for my children because I can’t let the windows in case I have to get them out
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 5XXGT4L37GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Unknown
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-05
- VIN: 5XXGU4L34GG
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I apologize if this is not filed in the correct place. Issue: 2016 Kia Optima, peeling paint on the hood and quarter-panel. New areas are popping up and old areas are getting worse. Color Paint: Snow White Pearl
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
- VIN: 5XXGU4L3XGG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced due to fouling by engine oil. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, approximately 1 quart of engine oil was being added every week. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,434.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-25
- VIN: 5XXGU4L33GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My back windows will not roll up and down with the buttons and now whenever I hit a bump and even shut my door, the windows fall down. The only way to get them back up is to physically pull them back up. I cannot get the stay up.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- VIN: 5XXGU4L38GG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted each time. Additionally, a quart of oil needed to be added weekly due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred three years later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-01
- VIN: 5XXGT4L31GG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side windows and the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side windows were inoperable and would not open or close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the window regulators for each window had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The contact also stated that the exterior door handles on the front and rear passenger’s side doors had fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 5XXGV4L26GG
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pipe and determined that the fuel pipe was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 5XXGT4L31GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Vehicle is burning through oil at ridiculous rates. I am putting in a quart almost every week. From what I can tell; my engine has no recall but it absolutely should! There is no evidence of a leak whatsoever.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: KNAGT4L30G5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: They are selling defective engines with out any leaks the car consumes a gallon per hundred miles , the acceleration of the car changes itself . the dealer has already informed that these engines are defective. I want to fix the issue from the company at their cost.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-30
- VIN: KNAGT4L3XG5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that prior to the engine failing, one quart of engine oil was being added every week. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- VIN: 5XXGV4L24GG
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The car had engine failure. The same issue that 1000s of the same make and model had a lawsuit for. Apparently my VIN isn’t one of them covered even though the exact issues stated in the engine failure lawsuit are the same issues I had. It’s under 80,000 miles I get synthetic oil and all other maintenance done when recommended. I was driving one day and the car started jerking and the engine would just stall out there was also a lot of smoke and very loud noises. I have tried contacting Kia and they say that it’s not one of the VIN numbers covered. If it’s the same issue how could they know if it was going to happen to my specific VIN or not. This is a huge safety issue because I am concerned the engine will blow up or catch on fire. I have had a mechanic come look and he started the engine and said to immediately turn it off. This is clearly a safety issue that’s not being handled well at all.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- VIN: 5XXGT4L33GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: One day I'm driving on route 78 and when I reached 60 mph, my car began to spudder and jerk. This happens quite often as I'm driving on a dangerous road. I brought my car, 2016 Kia optima, to a local dealer where they diagnosed the problem of a blown head gasket! They said I needed a new engine at 108k miles in 4 years since I had the car. I had to get a second opinion and went to Bridgewater Kia and they to said I needed a new engine. Now this car had a GDI engine that burned off a lot oil. Heavy oil consumption and there was never a recall regarding the issue. I've read many similar incidents where owners of this exact make and model and year have experienced issues with their engine seizing, stalling, and just shutting off in the middle of traffic. This is clearly a safety issue that Kia continues to ignore. They say it's not their problem but yet you designed the defective and deficient engine so why should I have to pay for a brand new engine and not get fully reimbursed. I filled out claim form after claim form contacting Kia engine settlement.com help desk which were no help. I believe they're ignoring me for the obvious reasons. So now I'm on this smear campaign against KIA and trying to raise awareness. I'll do it alone if I have to but I'm not giving up.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- VIN: 5XXGT4L33GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Forgot to add invoice for new engine. This is regarding claim # 11606977
VISIBILITY,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 5XXGV4L21GG
- Components: VISIBILITY,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and auto high-beam warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the four windows failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
- VIN: 5XXGU4L34GG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I bought the vehicle used in 2022 and since then the vehicle has misfired on 2 separate occasions while driving requiring it to be towed. I’ve had to change the spark plugs and coil packs 4 different times due to the vehicle misfiring. I contacted Kia when the issue first began and was informed that my vehicle is one included in a class action lawsuit for engine failure, and was given a Case Number, but was told the only way they will cover repair/ replacement of the engine is if a specific error code was shown at the time of engine failure. The last 2 times I had to change my spark plugs were within a month of each other, so the vehicle was towed to Kia where they informed me that they recommended a combustion chamber cleaning and once again replacing the spark plugs. However, this was not a final diagnosis as to why the vehicle was misfiring, and they stated the vehicle may still misfire even with those services. Upon having the combustion chamber cleaned completed at a different location, and once again replacing the spark plugs, the engine locked up in the middle of the road and would not start again. the vehicle has been non-driveable since mid June and is currently in a shop awaiting repairs.
2016 Kia Optima recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2016 Kia Optima.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- 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. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
- Consequence: If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
- Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Negative 2016 Kia Optima car reviews
Positive 2016 Kia Optima car reviews
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I've driven my Optima SXL for over 700 miles in the first week, which is average for me. Although one week may seem too early for a review, I think I have a good sense of the car. If you don't like long reviews, I'll keep it short and sweet: I REALLY like this vehicle and find new reasons to love it every day! I won't go over all the systems and surprises I've found (there are too many), but I will say that this car has exceeded my expectations. Let me give you a little background on what I was looking for in a car. I'm 6'3 and 235 lbs, so I needed a vehicle with ample legroom and amenities to make my 75-minute commute comfortable and fun. Gas mileage was important, but I was willing to lower my expectations there for the right mixture of features, comfort, cost, and reliability. I looked at a ton of vehicles before going with the Avalon (Avalon Limited, Avalon Hybrid, Lincoln, Fusion, Camry, Accord - all higher trim models). Unfortunately, the Lincoln/Fusion (basically the same vehicle), Camry, and Accord didn't have the legroom I needed. The Avalon had the legroom, but the tilt steering didn't have much range and it felt like it was in my lap (although I was willing to ignore that before I found the Optima). The Camry had a My initial impression of Kia was not positive, but I was proven wrong. After conducting research and reading reviews, I discovered that the 2016 model is an excellent vehicle. When I saw the white SXL vehicle with chrome rims and white nappa leather interior, I was blown away. The pictures do not do it justice. The interior looks and feels great, and the audio system sounds fantastic. Although I spend almost three hours a day in the seats, I find them very comfortable. The LED interior lights are a minor but cool feature that looks great at night against the white leather. Overall, the vehicle looks great and has all the features I could want. The SXL drives as well as it looks, with a smooth and quiet ride and excellent acceleration. While the steering doesn't inspire control when taking curves through the mountains, switching to sport mode elevates the problem. The only thing I'm having difficulty adjusting to is the nameplate: Kia. However, that's fast becoming a non-issue! I purchased my SXL for $29,500 (USAA TrueCar) price the dealer honored, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
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The car is definitely worth the price! Make sure to shop around for the best pricing. Don't settle for less, get the options you want.
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Firstly, I must say that I absolutely love the Engine/Transmission combo that I chose. Although driving in Standard or Eco mode can be a bit dull, I always drive in SPORT mode. I find the way it shifts, both up and down, to be very satisfying, and I've always used the auto/manual mode for downshifting. After 16 months and 2 road trips of 3,000+ miles, I can confidently say that it has proven to be both responsive and reliable. I was even able to exceed 100 mph over the mountains of Tennessee and the hills of Kentucky and Ohio without any issues. The 1.6T is more than adequate and I was pleasantly surprised to get no less than 34 mpg on both trips. I made an excellent choice with the Tech Package (now the Convenience Pkg). The cabin was incredibly quiet at high speeds, thanks to the thicker windows, and the seat positions were very comfortable on long drives, especially with the 12-way power seat. The added lumbar function allowed me to adjust it to mimic a
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I've had my 2016 Kia Optima LX for almost 2 years now and I absolutely love it! The only thing I've had to do is change the tires. I haven't had any engine or mechanical problems at all!
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It's great to hear that you find it roomy and that it runs well! It's also fantastic that you haven't had any major issues in the past 4 years, and that the maintenance has been simple with just oil changes and tire rotations. It's always reassuring to have a good warranty, and it's great to hear that you love the one on your Kia.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Kia Optima problems:
2016 Kia Optima's Recalls Cover Heavy Oil Consumption, Airbag ...
Jan 6, 2022 ... Per the NHTSA, complaints about excessive oil consumption and engine knocking sounds are common. Owners report heavy oil consumption, about a ...
2016 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2016 Kia Optima? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2016 Kia Optima.
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 ...
2016 Kia Optima Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Kia Optima? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Is the 2016 Kia optima sxl turbo reliable? : r/kia
Jul 7, 2023 ... The second is catastrophic engine failure, these cars (engines) eat oil. This causes a myriad of issues leads to catastrophic engine failure. Go ...
Other years of Kia Optima
Are you having problems with your 2016 Kia Optima?
Jovani Deckow 2024-09-17
Hi there! I wanted to share a recent experience I had while driving my KIA on 89A, a twisting mountain road. Unfortunately, my car suddenly stopped and I couldn't restart it. After having it towed to the nearest KIA dealership, I found out that the engine needed to be replaced under warranty. On the bright side, KIA is covering the towing bill and rental car expenses while my car is in the shop. Despite this setback, I still think my KIA is a great little car with the turbo. It only has 37,000 miles and all service records are up to date. Thanks for listening!
Narciso Medhurst 2024-06-26
I'm 5'5 and even with the seat all the way up, I still struggle to see over the hood and judge where the front of the car is. The seats are quite hard and long trips can be uncomfortable. Unfortunately, when it snows, the ice tends to stay on the windshield no matter how I adjust the defrosters. Unlike my other cars, it doesn't have a compass. While the trunk is spacious, the trunk lid is quite small and larger items won't fit. On the bright side, it has great acceleration and has always been reliable. It's a great car for running errands, but I wouldn't recommend it for long distance trips.
Mason Russel 2024-05-19
I rented a car for a week and found it to be an interesting experience. As someone with long legs, I did find that the console had a sharp edge that rubbed against my right shin, which was a bit uncomfortable. While the ride and handling were fairly good, I did notice that the engine and 6AT were not a good match. Smooth acceleration was not easy, especially in sport mode. In regular and eco modes, the transmission was reluctant to downshift, so I had to force it a little, which made the car lurch a bit. Additionally, the tendency to want to hang around 1300 RPM when I wanted it to downshift made the engine a little buzzy and noisy in that range. However, the brakes worked well, even though they were a bit touchy for my liking. Overall, I was glad to get back to my Camry SE after a week in the rental car. The Camry's 4-banger is quieter and torquier in the lower RPM, and the drivetrain is smoother and easier to work for mild acceleration increases. Additionally, the center console is better designed for those with long legs like myself.
Elmo Pfeffer 2024-03-24
The antenna on my 2016 Optima broke off in slightly high winds. Despite my attempts to seek support from Kia, Tom - program manager and others, they did not stand behind the Kia brand/product. This experience has led me to question the reliability of Kia's products and warranties. It is disappointing that a simple antenna cover and repair cost $365.82, especially considering the factory warranty. Kia should take responsibility for their products and provide better support for their customers.
Lukas Gleichner 2024-01-22
After purchasing my car, I noticed a creaking sound when the rear tires went into dips in the road. Unfortunately, one dealership was not willing to diagnose the issue properly, so I had to contact KIA corporate and take it to a different dealership. It turned out that there were defective welds in the rear. While the dealership mechanics did not do a great job with the warranty work, I still appreciate the KIA 100,000 miles warranty. However, I do worry about taking my car to them for any additional repairs, as I fear they may break something else while attempting to fix something under warranty. In my experience, I have had issues with weld defects, headlights, a/c control, a/c actuator, electric folding mirror, and transmission shifter, all within 50k miles of highway driving. As a demanding customer who previously owned Toyotas, I found them to be excellently built and functioning cars. However, after my ten-year-old Toyota was totaled in a crash with an unlicensed driver, I decided to try a different brand. I needed an all-around sedan type vehicle without a 40 grand price tag, and my SX Turbo with tech package cost 32 thousand including tax and fees. At first, I had some issues with the steering, as it felt numb and/or stiff, which caused me to park incorrectly. Additionally, despite having expensive Michelin tires, I felt like the suspension didn't allow me to take full advantage of the tires on curves. However, I can report that the automatic emergency braking works very well with the sensors and tires to avoid accidents, even on wet surfaces. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and believe that the Michelin tires are worth it!The turbo engine is very powerful, especially in highway passing (40-70) and at above-legal speeds (watch out for tickets). However, there are some issues with steering and road feel, as well as visibility (even with blind spot monitor), which can make quick maneuvers through highway traffic feel unsafe. In crowded conditions, it's best to stay in the left lane and use brute speed to efficiently go from place to place. A car with more road feel and visibility, like the Honda Accord, might allow for safer and quicker maneuvering between cars. Additionally, the car has three drive modes (eco, sport, and normal). In normal mode, the turbo engine can be somewhat inconsistent on certain slightly hilly up and down roads, making it difficult to accelerate predictably when passing or merging into traffic. To ensure maximum acceleration at those times, it's best to have the car in sport mode. However, once you are off the highway in more urban traffic, starting from a dead stop in sport mode can be extremely noisy and difficult to control, calling unnecessary attention to yourself. It's best to switch out of sport mode in town to avoid drawing attention. Overall, the turbo engine is a great feature, but it's important to be aware of its limitations and adjust your driving accordingly.Finally, I noticed some details that were poorly tested, such as one-touch windows that are very difficult not to activate, a defogger that takes more than 15 minutes to do the job, and automatic locking keyless entry that I couldn't figure out how to unlock the other doors once I had unlocked the front one. There was also a one-click gas cap that had a weird feel, cheap carpeting on the rear shelf when I had leather seats, dry leather on the steering wheel, paint that chipped with the tiniest stone, a navigation system that couldn't find the local bus station, and voice recognition that didn't recognize. Minor problems under warranty that dealerships should be repairing easily were also a problem: service reps couldn't duplicate the concern, and techs couldn't fix something or broke something new when fixing it. Finally, I had to get a manufacturer field rep to repair the auto head and rear lamps, which would go off for no reason in the middle of the night. Also, generally, the materials of the interior and exterior seemed brittle, easy to break/scratch, and of poor quality. Look, it's a beautiful looking car for sure (in this version), and most everybody agrees it is, but if you're a demanding, detail-oriented customer who likes quality above all else (and I don't mean name brand, but years of flawless service), look elsewhere. I've maintained this car extremely well.