2016 Kia Optima exterior lighting problems
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2016 Kia Optima — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The engine is a problem and all I’m ever told us “ this vehicle is know to have engine problems. This is dangerous to have in the road. Kia is aware of this. Why sale the vehicle knowing this and not disclosing this info to the consumer upon purchase. There is no truth in lending. It’s plain sight…”
filed Feb 1, 2026
“The headlights and brake lights have been VERY dim for a while. I've had to replace both headlights and brake lights an excessive amount in the last several years. This year alone since December 2024, I've had to replace my headlights 3 separate times. I do not drive more than 10,000 miles per…”
filed Sep 3, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Optima | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 Optima | 15 | 6% |
| 2015 Optima | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 Optima | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 Optima | 38 | 3% |
| 2012 Optima | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 Optima | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 Optima | 8 | 6% |
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.