How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 73 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Optima, which is 10% of the 754 total complaints filed for the year.

Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2016 Kia Optima?

Yes. Recall 16V705000 covers certain 2016 Optima vehicles built between November 13, 2015 and April 23, 2016 with a 2.4L engine, where the right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail. Kia dealers replace the driveshaft free of charge.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2016 Optima?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 50,000 miles.

Did the transmission issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA records 2 crashes and 0 fires linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Optima, with 0 injuries reported.

What kind of transmission symptoms do owners describe most?

Owners most commonly describe hesitation or shudder when accelerating from a stop, tied to the dual clutch transmission, along with harsh downshifts and jerking during braking.

2016 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 73 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, 10% of all 754 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles. A related recall (16V705000) covers front axle driveshaft cracking on certain 2.4L models.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 73; 10% of 754
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 50,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a hesitation or stall-like delay of several seconds when starting from a complete stop, particularly at intersections.
Many describe a shudder or jerk when accelerating from a stop, which some dealers attributed to the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
Several owners report harsh jerking or fishtailing during deceleration or braking at specific speeds, especially on wet roads.
Some owners report the right front axle driveshaft cracking or breaking while driving at low speed, matching the issue covered by recall 16V705000.
A few owners report harsh downshifts when coming to a stop, strong enough to jolt passengers forward.
One owner reported the cruise control system holding a downshifted gear on hills longer than expected, requiring manual override.

When 2016 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 9, 2016, latest Aug 25, 2026.

73 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to Aug 2026; peak Sep 2019 (5).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima

NHTSA 16V705000Oct 3, 2016Transmission & Powertrain12,214 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
Risk: If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

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

201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 73 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Optima, which is 10% of the 754 total complaints filed for the year.
Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2016 Kia Optima?: Yes. Recall 16V705000 covers certain 2016 Optima vehicles built between November 13, 2015 and April 23, 2016 with a 2.4L engine, where the right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail. Kia dealers replace the driveshaft free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2016 Optima?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 50,000 miles.
Did the transmission issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA records 2 crashes and 0 fires linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Optima, with 0 injuries reported.
What kind of transmission symptoms do owners describe most?: Owners most commonly describe hesitation or shudder when accelerating from a stop, tied to the dual clutch transmission, along with harsh downshifts and jerking during braking.