How many engine complaints does the 2016 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 450 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Optima, which is 60% of all 754 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do engine problems typically occur on the 2016 Optima?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints is 87,250 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Kia Optima engine?

Yes. Recall 18V907000 covers 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replacement or knock sensor work, addressing a fuel pipe issue.

Have there been fires linked to 2016 Optima engine complaints?

NHTSA data shows 15 fires and 5 crashes among the engine complaints for the 2016 Optima, with 6 injuries reported.

2016 Kia Optima Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 450 of 754 complaints (60%) on the 2016 Kia Optima, with a median failure mileage of 87,250 miles. NHTSA also lists recall 18V907000 covering fuel pipe replacement tied to prior engine work.

Engine complaints: 450; 60% of 754
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 15
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 87,250 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden engine fires while driving, sometimes with smoke or a burning odor coming from under the hood before flames appeared.
Some describe the engine independently revving to high RPM along with a check engine light and oil leakage.
Several report unintended acceleration where the car sped up on its own and brakes failed to stop it, leading to crashes.
One owner described a failed connecting rod bearing that caused the engine to shut off and the steering wheel to lock up while driving on the freeway.
A few owners say they were never notified of open recalls despite the vehicle later catching fire, and found conflicting recall information online.

When 2016 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 9, 2016, latest Aug 21, 2026.

450 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q2 (31).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima

NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.

Engine complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201016 (21%)
2011269 (45%)
2012441 (48%)
2013670 (48%)
2014306 (52%)
2015657 (65%)
2016450 (60%)
2017174 (68%)
2018146 (63%)
201997 (47%)
2020106 (73%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 450 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Optima, which is 60% of all 754 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do engine problems typically occur on the 2016 Optima?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints is 87,250 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Kia Optima engine?: Yes. Recall 18V907000 covers 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replacement or knock sensor work, addressing a fuel pipe issue.
Have there been fires linked to 2016 Optima engine complaints?: NHTSA data shows 15 fires and 5 crashes among the engine complaints for the 2016 Optima, with 6 injuries reported.