2016 Kia Optima fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
  ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026CATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Soon after the failure, the engine caught fire; however, the fire dissipated independently. The insurance agent was contacted and arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle. The contact was initially informed that the vehicle was safe to drive; however, the engine failed to start after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer…

   NHTSA complaint #11766692 · source
2. Filed Jun 16, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   My 2016 Kia Optima equipped with the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine began to experience progressive and severe oil consumption during the latter part of my ownership. The oil warning light began activating repeatedly, even after shortly getting the oil changed. Several certified mechanics and oil change service stations told me this was an ongoing issue with this car and engine and that there was nothing I could do but monitor it and keep it filled. At their instruction, I…

   NHTSA complaint #11744531 · source
3. Filed Jun 8, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   The car returned P1326 and had multiple misfires and audible knocking, the dealers will indeed fight the already existing class action warranties. Was sent home and told to “drive the fuck out of it”, to which the car did not make it home and blew gasoline into my cabin while driving on the highway. Almost passed out, and am still fighting Kia to actually address the defective rod bearings. I personally would fight tooth and nail over a 5 dollar problem, but this is…

   NHTSA complaint #11742694 · source
4. Filed Mar 27, 2026PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Car is not holding oil it acts like it's gonna cut off while driving and it jerking was diagnosed with colitic converter p0604

   NHTSA complaint #11727436 · source
5. Filed Feb 17, 2026105,000 miCATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway and contacted the Highway Patrol for assistance. The contact associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE); with the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11718486 · source
6. Filed Nov 19, 2025COFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   While driving, the vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise from the engine. Within one block the vehicle began smoking heavily from under the hood. I pulled over, opened the hood, and flames were visible. This is a 2016 Kia Optima with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Approximately one year ago the original engine seized and was replaced by a Kia dealer under the Theta II engine recall (SC172/SC147) and class-action settlement. This is the second catastrophic failure of a…

   NHTSA complaint #11700454 · source
7. Filed Sep 26, 2025NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car is burning oil rapidly causing potential issues with the transmission and engine. The oil burns and does not leak after a few hundred miles and has to be refilled continuously causing alot of money and potential issues with other components of the car. I notice jerking when accelerating and smoke if dont fill every 1 to 2 weeks.

   NHTSA complaint #11689950 · source
8. Filed Aug 18, 2025AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I am filing this complaint to urgently bring attention to a serious safety and mechanical defect with my Kia vehicle's engine and fuel system. My engine is excessively consuming oil, to the point where it poses a significant risk of engine failure, which could result in a loss of power while driving and create a hazardous situation on the road. Details: I consistently have to add 5 quarts of oil approximately every month. During regular oil changes, there is barely any oil…

   NHTSA complaint #11681325 · source
9. Filed Jan 14, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Driving down the road trying to accelerate. My rpm's wouldn't go over 2000. The engine started fluttering and the accelerator stopped working. Went to take to local repair shop and they stated it was an issue with the engine. problem listed after a scan: OBD P1326 Recall NUMBER: PI1802W/X (Rev 2, 01/28/2019) With this stated. My vehicle under the same Year, Model, Engine, and Production Date are all calling for a recall but my VIN doesn't have a recall. So I am wanting to…

   NHTSA complaint #11635964 · source
10. Filed Sep 30, 2024PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    While driving the car will not accelerate past 49mph in turbo mode and 61mph in regular mode and rpm will not go above 1800. And it jerks and studders. Blinking check engine light and consumes a ridiculous amount of oil even though regular maintenance performed. I have read several engine issues with this model and cannot find recall info

    NHTSA complaint #11617291 · source
11. Filed Aug 20, 202468,000 miAKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pipe and determined that the fuel pipe was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After…

    NHTSA complaint #11609766 · source
12. Filed Aug 7, 2024KYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The car had engine failure. The same issue that 1000s of the same make and model had a lawsuit for. Apparently my VIN isn’t one of them covered even though the exact issues stated in the engine failure lawsuit are the same issues I had. It’s under 80,000 miles I get synthetic oil and all other maintenance done when recommended. I was driving one day and the car started jerking and the engine would just stall out there was also a lot of smoke and very loud noises. I have…

    NHTSA complaint #11607159 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology