2016 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 8%of 760 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,708miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Kia Optima, 8% of the 760 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,708 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle started stalling when accelerating two days ago. My RPM's jump when shifting gears and it stalls and jerks when taking off from a complete stop. I took it to advanced auto parts and the code p1326 showed on their code reader. Knock scensor is under the code and I've read where multiple people with this make and model of car have had the same issue and had their whole motor replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11377614, filed 2020-12, 101,000 miles“Ever since I had my car serviced about 3 weeks ago my car has been sluggish and acceleration has weakened, also I'm getting poorer gas mileage. The recall that was fixed has greatly reduced the performance of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11252838, filed 2019-09, 35,555 miles“On 1/12/2020, I was driving my car 2016 Kia Optima from alpharetta to decatur to attend church. I pulled into the parking lot of the church and parked. A few seconds after I parked, I began seeing lots of smoke coming from the right passenger side of the car. The police men who were in the parking lot directing traffic asked me to get out of the car quickly and began attempting to quench the fire with a fire extinguisher. Shortly after, the dekalb fire dept arrived and fought to put out and contain the fire. It was then towed to the tow yard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309450, filed 2020-02, 110,000 miles“While driving the car the fuel consumption in the motor would bog the engine down to where it would barely go over 40 MPH on the highway. At this time the engine trouble indicator light would come on and not go off. I immediately took it to the local Kia dealership in mt. Hope, wv.. The mechanic changed out the sensor that showed up on his meter and the engine seemed to do good while in the shop but when they backed it out of the shop bay, another sensor lighr came on. We had already paid the dealership $206, they would not return our money”
NHTSA complaint #11292234, filed 2019-12, 75,000 miles“Check engine light is blinking, there is a noticeable decrease in power, and it jerks out of first gear. Took it to autozone for a free diagnostic which was p1326. All fluid are in order. Milage is 123,000. This happened when I was driving he fr work.”
NHTSA complaint #11252716, filed 2019-09, 123,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10230486Jan 13, 2023TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY PLUG FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the "Hybrid System Warranty…
- 10225574Oct 31, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 10225572Oct 28, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and…
- 10216905Jul 29, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to…
- 10216907Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 10216906Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension (WTY028).
- 10216904Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle…
- 10216903Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs…
- 10186044Jan 12, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA447) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test…
- 10152915Jan 18, 2019TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2016 Kia Optima
426 complaintsOther or unknown
123 complaintsElectrical system
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsExterior lighting
47 complaintsBody and structure
41 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsEngine cooling
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 29, 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