10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 12
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,767 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2016 Kia Optima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2016 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 8 of 18)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #213

May 012021

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle has 64155 miles. Sense about 40000 miles the car cannot make it 3000 miles without needing oil with dry dip stick. I see there is alot of complaints of this. NTSA please issue a recall.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #212

Jan 012023

Optima

  • miles
My vehicle is a 2016 Kia Optima, I keep regular oil changes. In between oil changes I have to add 5 to 8 quarts of oil because of loss. There is no dripping, no smoking. I am told it is a engine problem in all Kia models. But this is getting expensive and tiresome. I hope someone can resolve this issue.

- Greer, SC, USA

problem #211

Jun 062021

Optima

  • miles
Even following recall procedures, our 2016 Kia Optima EX is experiencing all of the issues outlined by other owners with massive oil consumption, all four windows failing, along with our antenna fin flying off on a highway post inspection. No recall on a 2000$ repair job to replace the window motors" Kia letting everyone pass 100k on their Optimas before claiming no warranty to fix the engine they broke" Help!

- Melbourne Beach, FL, USA

problem #210

Mar 032023

Optima

  • 99,340 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode and decelerated with the check engine warning light activated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the knock sensor code was present. The code was cleared and later while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 99,340.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #209

Jan 012023

Optima

  • miles
This car we still owe $20000 on and the rings are no good we took the car to kia who said the engine is no good but our extended warranty place denied the claim. The oil consumption is a problem in all kia's. I know we are not the only owners complaining about this issue.

- Las Vegas , NV, USA

problem #208

May 112023

Optima

  • miles
Several times, while driving, the vehicle light panel starts flashing, the car looses power & starts shutting down. The car was taken to the dealer and they said it has to do with oil being low, it a way to protect the engine. This has happened several times, they have done an oil consumption test & they SAY it is within specs. However, the last time the DEALER completed the oil & it was "full" it was at 77121. Now, the mileage is 78360 and the oil it 2 quarts low. This oil issue has been going on for 2 years & they refuse to accept any responsibility and will not repair or replace anything.

- West Covina, CA, USA

problem #207

Sep 102020

Optima

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic found no failure. The contact stated that the shuddering had been an issue for the past three years. The contact stated that most recently the vehicle had been shuddering with an abnormal ticking sound upon starting the vehicle, and while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was an internal engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that the manufacturer advised them to call the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Rosamond, CA, USA

problem #206

May 282022

Optima

  • miles
The engine on my vehicle failed while driving it. I was in the middle of the freeway when it seized up. It was also around a bend so it put my life and others at risk. It is sitting out front of my house and can be inspected at anytime. It has been confirmed by an independent service center that my vehicle is not drivable until the engine is replaced. There was no warning lamps until the vehicle was seizing up while driving. It first appeared that day only.

- Gwynn Oak, MD, USA

problem #205

May 102020

Optima

  • miles
2016 kia optima lx 2.4l 4cyl got car brand new started using a qt.of oil at about 50000 miles at every 800-1000 miles took to dealership they did there testing and said it needed a new motor free because it was under 100000 warrant now with new motor same problem about 65000 a qt. or more every 1000 miles i take very good maint. on my car on time by the book including oil changes every 4000 mile.I think is a waste money when i' adding a qt. every 1000 mile. being they all ready replace the motor once do i still fall under a new warrant or lemon law being its the same problem any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #204

Dec 152022

Optima

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was consumer 3 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #203

May 092023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle is using excessive amounts of oil and only has 80000 miles and KIA dealership says it is probably due to bad rings.

- Denniston, KY, USA

problem #202

May 052023

Optima

  • miles
1. The engine seized and went into Limp Mode. I was driving and randomly the power to my vehicle was low and had to drive slowly to my house (1 mile) going 20mph. It is available for inspection upon request. 2. I was driving off the highway going 40mph off the ramp at the time with cars in front and behind. I was truly scared and worried that I would end up in an accident due to the vehicles performance. 3. KIA Dealership confirmed the issue is the engine, but is trying to blame me for the issue due to oil issue with the car. This doesn't make sense as I have had the car serviced at 79k miles for an oil change, and the dealership is saying that there wasn't oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was at 82k miles at the time of this incident. How did the car go through all the oil in 3k miles" On top of that, the oil light never went off once, as a consumer I should be able to rely on the vehicle to tell me when issues are coming up so I can do this to fix said issue. 4. If KIA Dealership counts as manufacturer, then yes, if not, then no. 5. No, the first issue of warning lamp was when the Check Engine Light started flashing the same time my car seized and went into Limp Mode. With all this happening, KIA is saying that it is not their responsibility and not covered under the warranty of the engine of the vehicle and want me to pay $13k for a new engine. This is ridiculous. The car is worth the same as a new engine"

- Milton, GA, USA

problem #201

Oct 102022

Optima

  • miles
I have been having problems with my vehicle since 2020 (when it was still under warranty). My engine is burning oil and there has always been carbon build up on the engine parts. I followed their recommendation and did the combustible engine clean and was never given a pass or fail result. Since 2021, I have replaced cylinder 4 spark plug 7 times. My warranty was up in December 2021 and now the problems are just getting worse. I have been told that I have a bad engine but until a knock sensor comes on or my engine fails, Kia will not do anything about it. I am driving an unsafe car as I have no way of knowing when the engine will fail. When my spark plug fouls, I am unable to drive the vehicle and have to have the car towed to the dealer (which has now been five times). I am now replacing the same spark plug (cylinder 4) every three days because of carbon buildup. The dealership has no solution or fix for this problem besides replacing the engine. My engine is still burning oil and they have no solution for that either, besides replacing the engine. Kia is doing nothing about this problem, when they know that these engines are bad.

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #200

May 022023

Optima

  • miles
Burning oil at a rate of 4 quarts per 300 miles. The vehicle has had all the required oil changes and has even had a $400 top clean to help the oil burning problem, nothing has helped. Now the car is malfunctioning while driving wo codes.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #199

Apr 282023

Optima

  • 53,000 miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact's daughter that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #198

Oct 152022

Optima

  • miles
I was driving at night when both of my lower beam headlights went out at the exact same time. My high beams work but not the low beams and it wasn't a blown fuse. Also, my engine has been consuming 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles since it hit roughly 58,000 miles. The excessive oil consumption started about 2,000 miles before my next oil change was due. The oil indicator light never came on to indicate my engine was low on oil. The oil indicator light flashed on and off one time as I was slowing down to turn which is what prompted me to check my oil because I knew something wasn't right that the oil indicator only flashed but didn't stay on.

- Norton Shores, MI, USA

problem #197

Jan 042023

Optima

  • miles
I got the car oct 2022, car drove fine for months. Got oil changes regularly. On or about late Dec my car started getting this code "check active air flap" it didn't stay on it was quickly flashed on my dash and went away. So I thought it wasnt important, then it came on again really quick and disappeared again. So then I start to worry and start searching what exactly was a air flap. I found out it was something that allows air flow to the engine. So I parked my car and didn't use it so I could get them money to take it in to have it looked at. On Jan 4h me and my 2 sons were on our way to have it looked at and while on the way there my car was making a weird like ticking noise which I didn't know what it could be so I am still driving just being more cautious and Bam my car is on fire! Freaking out cause no one would let me over to safely pull off the road. No check engine light ever came on no oil light nothing but air flap check.

- Sierra Vista , AZ, USA

problem #196

Apr 202023

Optima

  • miles
I have been continuously having the car checked because it burned oil and all mechanics even outside of dealership brushed it off. turns out it was a cylinder leak from the exhaust valve and now a new engine is needed. given Kia's history with Engine problems on the Optima i wanted to report this as this seems like it could have been a caused because of engine block, crankshaft, and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons issues that then ultimately led to the exhaust valve issue. But of course my issue falls right out of the lifetime warranty

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #195

Apr 142023

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
The engine failed as I was driving and the car stopped accelerating and slowed to a stop on a busy road at night. I purchased the vehicle from Parkside Kia in Knoxville in December 2020. I was notified in March 2021 by my personal mechanic to take the car to Kia for high oil consumption rates and future engine failure but Kia told me nothing was wrong with it. I had the KSDS update in June 2022 after it went into creep mode/stopped accelerating on the highway when I was out of town in Asheville, NC, and the spark plugs went bad a few months later because of the same faulty oil consumption issue. Kia is manufacturing bad engines and putting their customer-??s safety at risk. They ignore when asked and act like they don-??t know anything about the engine settlements. They are playing dumb and not being forthcoming with information or safety notices. Parkside Kia in Knoxville sold me a lemon which was a safety risk from the moment they sold it to me in December 2020, after the recalls and updates were issued to the first owners. I never was notified and found out by an unsafe situation driving alone on a busy highway.

- Oak Ridge, TN, USA

problem #194

Dec 242022

Optima

  • miles
After just purchasing this car from dealer. I was driving on Christmas Eve to my mother-in-law's. I noticed the car was smoking. I had checked the oil before we left been about a 45-40 minute drive. Went to pull off the road and it would had to be towed back to my house. I had both my children in the car and my fiance and the smoke was coming through the cabin. It had not been running correctly for a while and went to take it to the mechanics to find out that the engine had seized.

- Corona , CA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?