2016 Kia Optima engine problems
423 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 Kia Optima — 56% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The engine assembly completely seized and the vehicle is currently stored at an independent repair shop . While traveling at high speed on Interstate 4 on July 24, 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of power and stalled in live traffic, creating an immediate threat of a high…”
filed Aug 5, 2026
“engine failure, i was driving home from work and i went to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles and the car hesitated and didn't want to move. I took the car to the dealer three days later and it was confirmed that i needed a new engine. I was told by the dealership i was outside of my warranty but i just…”
filed Jul 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
SC340_TSB_R5 · Emissions · issued Apr 4, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections…
SC340_TSB_R4 · Emissions · issued Mar 6, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_JF103 · Emissions · issued Dec 19, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_JF101 · Emissions · issued Nov 27, 2025
Engine problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 92 | 67% |
| 2019 Optima | 86 | 42% |
| 2018 Optima | 129 | 56% |
| 2017 Optima | 161 | 64% |
| 2015 Optima | 618 | 62% |
| 2014 Optima | 280 | 48% |
| 2013 Optima | 610 | 44% |
| 2012 Optima | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 Optima | 254 | 43% |
| 2010 Optima | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 Optima | 14 | 12% |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.