Recall Radar

2016 Kia Optima recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2016 Kia Optima. The most recent was reported on August 24, 2023.

Check your own car by VIN. A recall applies only to certain vehicles, built in certain periods. NHTSA’s recall lookup checks your 17-character VIN against open recalls and is free.

Recalls at a glance

DateCampaignPartVehicles
August 24, 202323V-594Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch319,436
December 19, 201818V-907Engine71,653
January 6, 201717V-007Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module1
October 3, 201616V-705Power train: axle assembly, axle shaft12,214
April 21, 201616V-231Air bags: frontal17

Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

August 24, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · Campaign 23V-594

What is wrong: 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."

Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

Engine

December 19, 2018 · Kia America, Inc. · Campaign 18V-907

What is wrong: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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.

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

January 6, 2017 · Kia America, Inc. · Campaign 17V-007

What is wrong: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

Power train: axle assembly, axle shaft

October 3, 2016 · Kia America, Inc. · Campaign 16V-705

What is wrong: 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.

Risk: 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.

The fix: 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.

Air bags: frontal

April 21, 2016 · Kia America, Inc. · Campaign 16V-231

What is wrong: 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.

Risk: If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Other model years of the Kia Optima

All Kia Optima recalls · All Kia recalls

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Kia Optima have recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2016 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on August 24, 2023. A campaign covers only certain vehicles, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected.

What parts have been recalled on the 2016 Kia Optima?

Air bags (2), Latches/locks/linkages (1), Engine (1), Power train (1).

Are recall repairs free?

In 4 of the 5 campaigns listed here, the remedy states that the repair is free of charge. Read the remedy in each recall for the details.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data for passenger vehicles, recalls since 2013, shown as published. This site is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and follow your manufacturer’s notice. Terms and disclaimer.