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2016 Kia Optima HybridProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, most often about the engine. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage38kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2025. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine21
Power train21
Electrical system11
Exterior lighting10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

0 recalls

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other Optima Hybrid year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima Hybrid median. How we score

'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'20
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid safety ratings

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 5 stars (9.6% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Loss of Motive PowerDP22003 · closed Dec 12, 2023
    No recall
  2. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
  3. Electrical overstressEA19001 · closed Sep 19, 2024
    Led to recall 20V-024
In owners' words

What Optima Hybrid owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025. Incident Summary: While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, I noticed that the vehicle was not entering Hybrid…
Complaint 11694645 · Oct 21, 2025
FOR THE 2ND YEAR, MY KIA WOULD NOT START IN 32 DEGREE WEATHER IN BIG BEAR, CA. THIS IS AN ANNUAL TRIP & TOOK MY KIA.THE LIGHTS, RADIO ALL TURN ON BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NOON FOR THE SUN TO WARM UP THE CAR & THEN IT'S BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE…
Complaint 11183935 · Mar 4, 2019 · 38,000 miles

Own a 2016 Optima Hybrid?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.