2016 Kia Optima Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 1%of 760 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the seats of the 2016 Kia Optima, 1% of the 760 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was rear ended while stopped in breakdown lane of a secondary highway (40 MPH) problem that I would like to address is the inadequate cushioning in the headrests of this car and probably many others. Suffered a concussion the effects of which are still ongoing. I think that there needs to be standards applied to headrests to have energy absorbing cushioning.”
NHTSA complaint #11121826, filed 2018-08, 8,000 miles“This vehicle suffers from a hesitation during take off. According to Kia this hesitation come from a 7 speed dual clutch transmission(dct). Which causes the vehicle the driver to feel a shudder sensation. This vehicle has a double clutch. I have taken my 2016 Kia Optima dealers for repair to this problem without any solution. Runs rough.”
NHTSA complaint #10984188, filed 2017-05“My seat back has been automatically going back all by itself WHILE I'M DRIVING!! It happened 4 times yesterday while driving on the highway!! This has happened a number of times while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11558055, filed 2023-12“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the driver's side seat would inadvertently lower without driver input. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,249.”
NHTSA complaint #11460427, filed 2022-04, 50,249 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. When the contact pushed the button behind the rear passenger seat to release the seats, the headrest detached and struck the contact on the left eye. The contact sustained an eye injury, but medical attention was not required. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,400.”
NHTSA complaint #11152920, filed 2018-11, 53,400 milesSeats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 0% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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