Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon activating the heater while driving, she smelled an abnormally strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number SC172 (High Pressure Fuel Pump Outlet Inspection). Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and then lunged forward abruptly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay for a diagnostic test and the repair cost because the VIN was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before gaining motive power. The vehicle was also shuddering and vibrating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. Additionally, the gear shift lever was difficult to shift into reverse(R). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and then the gear shifter was able to be shifted into reverse(R). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
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 notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,260.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the passenger side drive shaft fractured. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and then towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
#1Headlights & break lights going out often. Bulbs can't be replaced anymore due to wiring burnt ( 1 headlight ) Took it in and they didn't even look at it. Have do Documents to back that up #2 Engine light coming on, diagnostic testing indicated spark plugs need to be replaced . Had to do this two times with oil on plugs Took it in and they NEVER look at the spark plugs #3 car burning excessive amount of oil anywhere from 1 quart a week to 3 1/2 quarts after driving 600 miles. Took it into the shop for oil consumption testing only to be told that their warranty would not cover it and it needs a new engine. I have a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on my car! …
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 electrical failures of steering, brakes, all power etc. Nor did we know that those were a possibility. The wiring harness quote was $7,000, over the cost of the vehicle. It was decided to continue repairing the electrical issues as they came up, it was assumed that the fuses would blow before there because a safety or total vehicle failure, as automobiles are designed that way. …
The Car has been to the dealer several times for a transmission judder update under TSB: TRA 083 and Recently TSB TRA 098 - Both Times they have done a Anti-Judder Logic Improvement. The Car still Judders and Its a big safety concern. Many times I will go to pull out into oncoming traffic and the judder can be so bad the car wont take off. This happens several times a month. I have complained about this since I bought the car and primarily they blamed it on being a Dual clutch transmission. Years later they have now 2 TSB and the issue is not solving the problem. The imparticular dealer that I use has told me they have never had to change out the clutch on this car and dont have the tools. They also said the way that kia uses software to monitor the judder never warrants a change in the dual clutch. …
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 arriving, a worker comes out and tells me that they will not repir the vehicle because I just purchased the vehicle. Craig, the manager, also refused to see ownership documents but gave me 2 things; legal advice saying that I should sue where I bought the vehicle from and a paper that said they will not fix cars owned by dealers and auctions. I am neither am neither nor. Craig, also stated that Kia wont cover the repairs.
Vehicle Dash Check Engine Light came on 08/31/2023 Code P200A was found. Several weeks went by and vehicle started to hesitate pretty bad Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership on 10/04/2023 : Was told engine failure which needed replacement along with intake and several other required parts. Covered under Powertrain Warranty, vehicle was completed and ready for pick up on 10/17/2023 On 10/24/2023, on my way home from work, Dash Warning "Engine has overheated" has came on. Vehicle was towed back to original dealership. Kia reportedly found "air pocket" in cooling system. Vehicle was ready for pickup same day. On 10/30/2023, on my way to work, Dash Warning "Engine has overheated" has once again came on. Luckily I was able to get off the interstate and happened to be by a Kia dealership in the area. At this time, info is pending.
Related recalls
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.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Kia Optima, 10% of the model year's 759 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › driveshaft (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Kia Optima transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-705 (axle shaft, Oct 3, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Optima transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.