How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 62 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, which is about 8% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2016 Kia Optima?

No related recalls are listed for this fuel system complaint category in the NHTSA data provided.

Do fuel system problems on the 2016 Optima involve fires?

Yes, NHTSA records show 6 fires and 1 injury among the fuel system complaints for the 2016 Optima, though no crashes were reported.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2016 Kia Optima is 72,708 miles, according to NHTSA data.

How does the 2016 Optima compare to other years for fuel system complaints?

The 2016 model's 62 fuel system complaints and 8% share are similar to 2015 (56 complaints, 6%) and lower than 2013's 123 complaints, which made up 9% of that year's total.

2016 Kia Optima Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 62 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, about 8% of its 754 total complaints for the year. Six of these reports involved fires and one involved an injury, with a median failure mileage of 72,708. No recalls are specifically listed under this fuel system category.

Fuel System complaints: 62; 8% of 754
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 6
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 72,708 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden stalling and loss of power while driving, sometimes with an "engine control system" warning appearing on the dash.
Several drivers describe hesitation, shuddering, or fluttering on acceleration, especially when merging or picking up speed on the highway.
Some complaints mention the engine bogging down and struggling to exceed low speeds on the highway while the check engine light stays on.
A number of reports describe smoke or a chemical smell from under the hood shortly before flames appeared, in some cases while the vehicle was still moving.
A few owners noted reduced power and worse fuel mileage right after dealer service or recall-related repair work.

When 2016 Kia Optima fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 10, 2017, latest Jun 16, 2026.

62 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Jun 2026; peak Aug 2022 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Fuel System complaints by Optima model year

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

20101 (1%)
201127 (5%)
201254 (6%)
2013123 (9%)
201449 (8%)
201556 (6%)
201662 (8%)
201723 (9%)
201813 (6%)
201917 (8%)
202012 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 62 fuel system complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, which is about 8% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2016 Kia Optima?: No related recalls are listed for this fuel system complaint category in the NHTSA data provided.
Do fuel system problems on the 2016 Optima involve fires?: Yes, NHTSA records show 6 fires and 1 injury among the fuel system complaints for the 2016 Optima, though no crashes were reported.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2016 Kia Optima is 72,708 miles, according to NHTSA data.
How does the 2016 Optima compare to other years for fuel system complaints?: The 2016 model's 62 fuel system complaints and 8% share are similar to 2015 (56 complaints, 6%) and lower than 2013's 123 complaints, which made up 9% of that year's total.