2016 Kia Optima Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 3%of 760 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,588miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2016 Kia Optima, 3% of the 760 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,588 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oil started leaking from the car and checking underneath it looked as though it was leaking from the plug so i replaced the plug, which did not fix the issue, and accidentally forgot to put the gasket back on. took it to the local shop was given a gasket and an oil change. the car started leaking oil worse than before so i took the car back. The oil pan had a little over an inch long crack on the corner/edge where the oil pan plug is. Mechanic told me he’d never seen or heard of a steel oil pan cracking before. $400 for a new oil pan made from below par steel.”
NHTSA complaint #11541989, filed 2023-08“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo booster sensor and turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11572379, filed 2024-02, 114,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking and rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed 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 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11739444, filed 2026-05, 150,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,175.”
NHTSA complaint #11594007, filed 2024-06, 102,175 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11700553, filed 2025-11, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10252085Mar 22, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 10220346Sep 16, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10219692Sep 13, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special…
- 10217677Aug 4, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to…
- 10217678Aug 2, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA 2.0L T-GDI ULEV LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR EMISSIONS (SC205) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic…
- 10217676Aug 2, 2022Sc205_poc: proof of correction card
- 10217675Aug 2, 2022Sc205_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion sticker
- 10217674Aug 2, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary…
- 10217673Aug 2, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a…
- 10217672Aug 2, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 31 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 42 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Kia Optima
426 complaintsOther or unknown
123 complaintsElectrical system
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsFuel system
62 complaintsExterior lighting
47 complaintsBody and structure
41 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsSteering
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology