65 complaints reported

2016 Kia Optima UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
65
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Apr 2026

In order to repair the recalled equipment on the vehicle the dealerships and Kia want us to pay for them to open the trunk ($280/hour service fee to remove the back seat to gain access to the trunk and then return the back seat once completed). If the trunk latch was NOT broken to begin with they would not have to remove and replace the back seat of the car at $280/hour you would be able to push the button and open it. I don’t feel it is the car owner responsibility to pay for that access to the trunk.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2026
Sep 2025

I have a 2016 KIA Optima SX Turbo with 33,500 miles that the windows one by one are failing due to a defective regulator drum gear. This very flimsy gear fails and the window will not roll up. I have had 3 out of 4 fail in the last month. The only way to keep the window up is to shimmy them. This creates a huge safety risk in the event of an accident and also can impact the collision safety system including airbags. KIA is aware of this situation as outlined in their Technical Service Bulletin dated March 2021. I believe it's bulletin MC-10189544-0011. I've contacted the dealer who doesn't think there is a recall on this issue. This issue creates a safety issue that after only 33,500 miles should not exist.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2025
Sep 2025

In 2024 the window regulator went in the drivers side back window costing me $700 and on 9/22/2025 the drivers side front window regulator just went costing me another $700. I see many are having this issue but no recall

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2025
Sep 2025

I own a 2016 Kia Optima EX with VIN [XXX] . The engine failed at 85,763 miles due to a rod bearing seizure. This matches the known defect in Kia’s 2.4L GDI engines, which has been the subject of recalls and service campaigns in the past. Despite being covered under Kia’s extended engine warranty, Kia America denied my engine replacement claim. They cited "vehicle reconditioning" and "multiple ownership" as reasons — neither of which are valid grounds to void warranty coverage, especially for a known defect. A certified Kia dealership (Mark Kia in Scottsdale, AZ) approved my vehicle for warranty replacement, and submitted the request. Kia corporate denied it. This creates a serious safety concern and shows that Kia may be wrongfully avoiding responsibility for this defect. Please investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2025
Jul 2025

While driving at approximately 45/50 mph, the right rear window suddenly dropped into the door panel without warning. This unexpected failure startled me and created a distraction while driving, as well as compromised my ability to hear and concentrate safely. My left rear window has also slipped into the door panel and is now being held up by shims and I have now discovered that the issue is due to a failed window regulator. This is a known issue in similar vehicles and poses a potential safety hazard, especially during adverse weather or high-speed driving. The Manufacturer has not issued a recall only a bulletin and the cost that was quoted to me from Hendrick Kia of Concord was over $900 dollars a regulator.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2025
Apr 2025

Have a shake during accelerating 35-40 mph and then again at 70 mph. There is an axle, recall on 2016 kia optima. for certain months, my is not included. how is the recall determined. Have not had it checked out yet. It seems to be getting worst, will check soon.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2025
Feb 2025

I have requested that this recall be repaired and updated with the NHTSA, however I've made an appointment, taken this vehicle to the dealership, and called Kia corporate, but they have yet to update this repair so that it shows repaired in the system. In addition to this, when I took the vehicle to have the recall fixed, there were other important recalls that I wasn't notified about, this includes the vehicle anti-theft software for this particular model, make, and year and another product improvement as I was also told by another Kia associate that this one may be regarding the ECU on this engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Feb 2025

Driver front side window, Passenger front side window, Rear Driver side window. All windows not going up and down. I had to put door wedges down in the panel to keep windows from falling. I was informed that the regulator and motor in panels that control the switches for movement of windows are burned out. I was also informed from the mechanic this could of been a fire hazard. I was informed from the mechanic. No one around our area had these parts. If I were to purchase them from KIA dealership it would cost $1300 to fix all three windows. I don't have that kind of money for repair. Especially when I am not the only person that is dealing with these issues. The list goes on unsatisfied Kia optima owners that is having the same issue with windows.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Nov 2024

The windows will NOT stay up, front passenger window has come completely loose from its track and has fallen down in such away, that it slams against the inside door panel, the only part of the window you can see is the triangle shaped edge that would normally fit in the corner of the window. I'm [XXX], with kids and this is my only transportation. Winter is here and the only window that stays up is the drivers side, and it's about to go too, it wobbles when rolling it up or down. My dad was a mechanic all his life, but he's [XXX]. I use to help him work on cars every day.. I have a torn rotator cuff from turning my now deceased husband in the month long hospital stay, been with him since I was 17, I'm now [XXX] , and can not do a lot of things I once did.. I do NOT have the money to fix this car as my husband died 2 months ago being flown in a helicopter twice to the hospital, is more expensive than ANY vehicle around here costs, i cant work due to my torn rotator cuff. No one in their right mind would buy my car with the windows.. I've done some research and my Kia optima is just one of thousands with this same issue. The only option I have is to walk the 5 miles into town to get what me and what's left of my family's essentials. I've never had a Kia before, and I'll never get another one. My car also burns oil, I know this because I was raised to know how to check to see if it's burning oil, I took it into dardanelle tire and auto, I know the lead mechanic. I was informed that in fact it was burning oil, and I knew that meant I would have to be checking the oil every other day. The exhaust pipe has SO much black burnt oil all over the entire end of the pipe.. check engine light came on 2 weeks after I bought it, something about the catalyst. The small dealership owner told me everything was perfect on this car, he lied, they have ways of turning the check engine light off, I've seen my dad do it. I think it's time for a recall already. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2024
Oct 2024

As of today all 4 of my power windows have failed. The first was in Feb, 2 in AUG (50K miles) and the last one today. Looking at the failed parts it matches Kia TSB#300.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
Sep 2024

I am experiencing window regulator failures on all four windows of my 2016 Kia Optima LX, which began in 2021 and continues to the present. The windows either do not stay up or operate irregularly. I have seen similar reports from other 2016 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Sportage owners. This issue poses a safety and security risk due to potential distraction while driving and inability to secure the vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Aug 2024

My back windows will not roll up and down with the buttons and now whenever I hit a bump and even shut my door, the windows fall down. The only way to get them back up is to physically pull them back up. I cannot get the stay up.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Jul 2024

Mya paint is bubbling , chipping and peeling all over my car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jul 2024

I got on the Highway after work, particularly hot day so I had the a/c running. Following nobody, and not next to any cars I hear a loud "crack," followed by yet another loud crack, glass flying to the back of my car, sunroof cover starts rattling back and fourth. I pull over after being jump scared, and come to find my sun roof to be blown upwards.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

All four windows are not operational and ceased function. All 4 of the windows are currently propped up. I spoke to Kia Dealership and they are familiar with the problem they are having alot of complaints with this issue. They can repair all 4 windows for a cost of $2000.00 +. I really don’t have the money for this. I got pulled over by the cops and was so scared because I couldn’t roll my windows down. This is very unsafe. I’m in a very difficult situation. Kia vehicles are defective and dangerous because the power window regulators fail and cause the windows to fail. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Kia for this Issue, [XXX] et al. v. Kia America Inc., Case No. [XXX] filed in California. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
May 2024

Unknown

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2024
May 2024

Window stop working and will not stay up.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2023
May 2024

Vehicle is defectively unsafe, and unreliable due to PCM not functioning properly!!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc. Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 9999 TBD TBD, Manufacturer: ODI Demo Co
Incident: Feb 2024
Apr 2024

The window regulators in my 2016 Kia Optima have/are failing. The white drum gear that rolls the window up/down shreds and the window falls. My safety is put at risk with this due to the fact that if the window glass were to drop abruptly, it would shatter. To add to the matter, I was out of town this past weekend when another one of my windows failed and had I had not known how to pull the door apart and pull the window back up and tape it, I could have been at major risk of robbery or more. The problem has been reproduced 3/4 times on my car so far. The first time was about a year ago, I repaired the issue myself (costly). Now i have 2 more windows that have failed and i have tape holding them up until i can afford to fix them because Kia charges an ungodly amount to repair.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2024
Apr 2024

Snow White Pearl paint is flying off of my car in big splotches.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Apr 2024

Earlier this week, I went to the grocery store and noticed that the antenna cover had fallen off my car during the drive. Nothing unusual had happened on the way. In fact, the only thing unusual over the last few weeks was some rather cold temperatures for Georgia. I did look up recalls and saw that there was a recall for this item for Kia Optimas from 2016, but a service technician said that the recall did not include my vehicle. Is it possible that the recall is not inclusive of all vehicles with a problem? This is a surprisingly expensive repair for me otherwise. Thanks for your consideration and I appreciate any guidance you can give me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Feb 2024

My 2016 Optima started burning a quart of oil at 60000 miles I am now burning over 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. I took it to the dealership where I bought it from and was they would change my oil to do an oil consumption test and I was to drive it no more than 1000 miles. I brought up my warranty for engine replacement and was told yes I do have warranty. I drove it just under 1000 miles took it back, was told I was burning oil but I would need to do an engine flush 1st, for the cost of $600. I told the young women that was not what she said. I have been dealing with this issue since 2021. I don’t know if you can help me or not , if not can you give me any advice Thank you (I am not sure of the exact dates that it started)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2023

Shortly after I purchase this vehicle, my driver side window stopped going up and down. I was disappointed but it was what it was there in about a month and a half later the rear passenger side, the rear driver side stop going up and down and then a week after that, the driver side front step going up and down if I knew it, none of my windows would go up and down if my air conditioner goes out, I am, in trouble I live in Florida I cannot drive without air-conditioning or through the windows being able to go up and down. I made a complaint to Kia. They hung up on me neither Kia nor Honda where I purchased his car wants to do anything to assist me I have read the door multiple complaints regarding the windows and his cars. Why isn’t anything being done ?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023
Oct 2023

All four windows are not operational and ceased function within 2 months of the initial rear window failing. Three of the windows are currently propped up by door stops and the driver window is stuck all the way down. I spoke to Kia Dealership and they are familiar with the problem. It happens a lot in warm climates. They can repair all 4 windows for a cost of $2000.00 to $2400. Kia vehicles are defective and dangerous because the power window regulators fail and cause the windows to fail. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Kia for this Issue. Michael Le Beau, et al. v. Kia America Inc., Case No. [XXX] filed in California. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2023
Oct 2023

The window regulator in all four windows gave out back to back with little use of windows to begin with. Apparently Kia knows of issue but won’t recall part.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2021

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Quick Summary

The 2016 Kia Optima has 65 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.