2016 Kia Optima transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V705000Oct 3, 201612,214 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.

  Risk: If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 25, 2026FLCrashElectrical SystemLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was repaired by PepBoys. On 4/2/2025 the ve3hicle had an active recall event when the engine seized on the highway because of a faulty oil pump/filter, Engine was replaced 4/17/2025 under that recall. Kia advised at the time that the wiring harness should be replaced due to electrical issues at the time but said that there was no recall for that work. At the time, there were no…

   NHTSA complaint #11759385 · source
2. Filed Aug 5, 2026FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 speed rear end collision. An independent service center officially confirmed the engine seizure after a dealership failed to perform an inspection during an eight hour wait, and no…

   NHTSA complaint #11754979 · source
3. Filed May 29, 2026MEElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Kia had a problem with the check engine light coming on and it gently went into limp mode. I had it repaired at Darlings Ford and it worked for about 600 miles. I had it repaired again and it worked for about 7,000 miles. The light recent came on and the car immediately hard banged andwent into limp mode. My wife was driving and shaking when she got home. The light went out and everything was fine. A couple of days later, on 5/27/26, we were on the interstate in traffic…

   NHTSA complaint #11740798 · source
4. Filed May 15, 2026AREngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Issue 1: High oil consumption in the engine due to poor engine design, according to the auto repair center. 5 quarts of oil are added to the engine once every 2-3 weeks. All oil leaks were previously repaired, but oil is still burning off. Issue 2: The engine has misfired more than once, with a puff of smoke coming out of the exhaust. Issue 3: Twice in the past 1.5-2 years, multiple spark plugs have failed, causing a breakdown. This is a Theta II engine, but it is not in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11738122 · source
5. Filed Mar 9, 2026KSEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue but they are not trying fix my car under that recall of the bad motor that they did recall

   NHTSA complaint #11723153 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Jul 23, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Complaint Message – 2016 Kia Optima Engine Failure Without Oil Light Warning I am the owner of a 2016 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated at any point to warn me. I am aware that Kia previously recalled earlier model…

   NHTSA complaint #11675639 · source
8. Filed Jul 9, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (Theta II 2.4L GDI) failed due to rod bearing wear, causing sudden power loss on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, once at 50 mph in 2018 and again at 70 mph in 2025, and had to be pulled over quickly to avoid collision. Additional issues: all four windows failed at different times, leaving them stuck open and creating safety risks in weather or emergencies. The trunk latch failed, causing unsecured…

   NHTSA complaint #11672345 · source
9. Filed May 19, 2025INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine failed at 52.350 miles due to excessive oil consumption confirmed by a Kia dealership. Car was driving fine on 5/1/25, on 5/2/25, car started to stall with loud clicking noise, and wouldn't move fast, which then activated the check engine light.

   NHTSA complaint #11661791 · source
10. Filed May 16, 2025CASteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving vechile shakes violently between 35-45 mph. I was informed the right axle needed replacement. There is a recall for 2016 optima axle replacement but Kia says my car doesn’t fall under it even though is the exact issue as the recall.

    NHTSA complaint #11661523 · source
11. Filed May 16, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    I went to the Garden Grove Kia to get my new 2016 kia optima repaired for their knock sensor settlement repair. By their own terms of the agreement all original and subsequent ow ers can get vehicles repaired. They took my vehicle information, I gave them all details of my ownership of the vehicle and they said they would fix it. The next day I rented a trailer to take the vehicle to get repaired (vehicle still runs but don't think it's safe to drive like that) and upon…

    NHTSA complaint #11661385 · source
12. Filed Mar 28, 2025112,260 miFLTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk excessively, and the contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors and valve cover gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…

    NHTSA complaint #11651376 · 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