2016 Kia Optima Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 23 airbag complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, 3% of its 754 total complaints that year, tied to 13 crashes and 12 injuries. Two related recalls cover a driver frontal airbag inflator seal and a chemical enhancer issue in the frontal airbag module.
- Airbags complaints
- 23
- 3% of 754
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 12
- Median mileage
- 28,581 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Frontal airbags fail to deploy during head-on or frontal collisions, even at moderate speeds around 40-49 mph.
- Airbags do not deploy in rear-end collisions, leaving occupants to strike the steering wheel.
- Side curtain or passenger airbags fail to deploy in side-impact or t-bone crashes, resulting in injuries.
- Only some airbags deploy in an impact, such as the side airbag firing while the steering wheel airbag does not.
- Owners report warning lights (airbag, ABS) illuminating without a related collision.
- A dashboard crack was reported directly over the airbag mounting area, raising concern about future deployment.
When 2016 Kia Optima airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 20, 2016, latest May 18, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 17V007000Jan 6, 2017Airbags1 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V231000Apr 21, 2016Airbags17 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
Remedy: 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.
Airbags complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 23 airbag-related complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, which is 3% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for airbags on the 2016 Kia Optima?
- Yes. There are two related recalls: campaign 17V007000 for a driver frontal airbag inflator end seal that may not have been properly installed, and campaign 16V231000 for a missing chemical enhancer needed for second-stage airbag deployment in certain vehicles built between November 10, 2015 and February 12, 2016.
- Have airbag problems on the 2016 Optima caused injuries or crashes?
- Owner complaints tied to airbag issues report 13 crashes and 12 injuries, with the median mileage at failure reported at 28,581 miles.
- What kind of airbag failures do owners describe?
- Owners describe frontal, side, and curtain airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including head-on, rear-end, and t-bone impacts, sometimes resulting in facial or head injuries.