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2016 Kia Optima recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Optima, filed between April 21, 2016 and August 24, 2023. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 23V594000 | August 24, 2023 | Latches/locks/linkages: latch |
| 18V907000 | December 19, 2018 | Fuel system, gasoline: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| 17V007000 | January 6, 2017 | Air bags: inflator module |
| 16V705000 | October 3, 2016 | Power train: axle shaft |
| 16V231000 | April 21, 2016 | Air bags: frontal |
Latches/locks/linkages: latch (23V594000)
Filed August 24, 2023
What is wrong. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
What could happen. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix. Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Fuel system, gasoline: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (18V907000)
Filed December 19, 2018
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix. 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.
Air bags: inflator module (17V007000)
Filed January 6, 2017
What is wrong. Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
What could happen. In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The fix. The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Power train: axle shaft (16V705000)
Filed October 3, 2016
What is wrong. 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.
What could happen. 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.
The fix. 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.
Air bags: frontal (16V231000)
Filed April 21, 2016
What is wrong. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
What could happen. If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
The fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2016 Kia Optima may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Kia dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Kia may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Kia customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Optima
More: all Kia recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2016 Kia Optima recall questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Optima. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2016 Kia Optima free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Kia dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2016 Kia Optima was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.