NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid EX; the most frequently affected component is latches/locks/linkages — latch. Owners filed 4 complaints, most often about power train. Among the 3 model years of this model in the database, 2016 ranks #3 for number of recalls.
Latches/locks/linkages — LatchCampaign 23V594000 · 24 Aug 2023
Problem: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline — Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCampaign 18V907000 · 19 Dec 2018
Problem: 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.
Air bags — Inflator moduleCampaign 17V007000 · 06 Jan 2017
Problem: 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.
Power train — Axle shaftCampaign 16V705000 · 03 Oct 2016
Problem: 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.
Air bags — FrontalCampaign 16V231000 · 21 Apr 2016
Problem: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 4 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Power train2 · 50%
Engine2 · 50%
Electrical system1 · 25%
Exterior lighting1 · 25%
When complaints were filed
20171
20192
20251
From owner complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 kia optima hybrid. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The vehicle was towed to kia downtown los angeles (1945 s figueroa st, los angeles, ca 90007) where it was determined that there was an issue with the hybrid system. The dealer replaced the transmission, but the…
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025. Incident Summary: While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, I noticed that the vehicle was not entering Hybrid Mode, which is abnormal…
The right passenger headlight won't work i changed the light bulb and it's completely off. At first when i attempted to change the bulb the light flickered and i thought that it might've not been put on all the way or it might've became loose. But then it went completely out causing a road hazard and unsafe to drive…
For the 2nd year, my kia would not start in 32 degree weather in big bear, ca. This is an annual trip & took my kia.the lights, radio all turn on but the engine will not start. I have to wait until noon for the sun to warm up the car & then it's back to normal. I have taken the car back to the dealership & have been…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.