How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 51 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Optima, which is 7% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2016 Kia Optima?

Yes. Recall 23V594000 covers a trunk latch base that may crack, preventing the trunk from being opened from inside, and Kia dealers replace the trunk latch base subassembly for free.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 50,000 miles.

Were any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

Among the Structure & Body complaints, NHTSA data shows 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 9 injuries associated with the broader complaint set for this year.

How does the 2016 Optima compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2016 model's 51 complaints and 7% share are lower than 2013's 134 complaints (10% share) but higher than 2017's 6 complaints (2% share), based on NHTSA's year-by-year data.

2016 Kia Optima Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 51 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, 7% of its 754 total complaints for the year. Owners report seat/hinge detachment, sunroofs shattering, and a trunk latch recall (23V594000). Median mileage at failure is 50,000.

Structure & Body complaints: 51; 7% of 754
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 9
Median mileage: 50,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Front and rear seats detach from their hinges while braking or stopping, sometimes with the seat cover failing to hold the cushion in place.
Sunroofs have reportedly shattered or exploded while driving on the highway, with no exterior debris found to explain it.
Rear headrests have detached unexpectedly when the seat-release button is pushed, in one case striking an occupant.
The shark fin antenna cover has come loose or fallen off after washing, exposing the circuit board underneath.
Hood latch cables have reportedly stretched, leaving the hood stuck and unable to unlatch.
Inadequate headrest cushioning was cited by one owner after a rear-end collision that caused a concussion.

When 2016 Kia Optima body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint May 8, 2017, latest May 18, 2026.

51 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2017 to May 2026; peak Oct 2023 (3).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima

NHTSA 23V594000Aug 24, 2023Structure & Body319,436 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Structure & Body complaints by Optima model year

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

20105 (7%)
201123 (4%)
201248 (5%)
2013134 (10%)
201453 (9%)
201578 (8%)
201651 (7%)
20176 (2%)
20188 (3%)
201916 (8%)
20202 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 51 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Optima, which is 7% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2016 Kia Optima?: Yes. Recall 23V594000 covers a trunk latch base that may crack, preventing the trunk from being opened from inside, and Kia dealers replace the trunk latch base subassembly for free.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 50,000 miles.
Were any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: Among the Structure & Body complaints, NHTSA data shows 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 9 injuries associated with the broader complaint set for this year.
How does the 2016 Optima compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2016 model's 51 complaints and 7% share are lower than 2013's 134 complaints (10% share) but higher than 2017's 6 complaints (2% share), based on NHTSA's year-by-year data.