Vehicles · Insights

2016 Kia Optima

What 2016 Kia Optima owners report most

Engine complaints dominate owner reports for this model, with the most common descriptions centering on unintended acceleration, surging RPMs, and check-engine warnings while driving at various speeds. Electrical system and powertrain issues round out the picture, with owners describing post-parking fires and hesitation or shuddering when pulling away from a stop. Fuel and propulsion complaints mirror the powertrain pattern, with repeated hesitation on take-off reported even on low-mileage vehicles fresh from the dealership.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 57%
Owners report the vehicle accelerating on its own while driving, with engine RPMs climbing sharply and a check engine warning illuminating. · 15 fire · 4 crash · 5 injured
Electrical System safety 13%
Owners report vehicles catching fire and exploding after being parked, with the fire's origin believed to be electrical. · 5 fire · 6 crash · 1 injured
Power Train safety 10%
Owners report the vehicle shuddering and the engine feeling close to stalling when releasing the brake and attempting to pull away from a complete stop. · 1 crash
Fuel/Propulsion System safety 7%
Owners report hesitation and shuddering upon take-off, persisting through multiple dealership visits without a resolved fix. · 6 fire · 1 injured
Exterior Lighting safety 6%
46 reports (6%) · 1 crash

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 744 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.