Optima (JF)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
T-GDI
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 178 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC MPI THETA II
2.4LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
T-GDI THETA II
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2016-2020 Kia Optima
That's about 1.8x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 64 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Consequence: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2016] In May of 2023, as I entered an intersection, my 2016 Hybrid Kia Optima suddenly did not feel right and gave me a hybrid system warning error. I pulled to the side of the road and shut it down. I restarted the car. The error light remained on, but the car seemed to drive okay. I finished my short distance into work, and shut it down. I called the dealer and was asked to restart it to see if t
- [2016] The Hybrid Battery continues to malfunction and, randomly shuts down at any speed (even after short engine block was "repaired" by Kia Dealership). Also, an odor of burnt oil happens often while driving the car. It is available for inspection, if need be. Safety of all drivers at risk because car shuts down on freeways and highways. It's dangerous where cars driving at speeds of 65 mph are unable
- [2016] When I was coming home from work my car lost power and didn’t accelerate anymore when I was on the freeway. I almost didn’t make it to the shoulder when trying to pull over. Every single light I could imagine came on when I was trying to pull over, It said check hybrid system, BSP system failed, etc. All the lights came on at once. My car didn’t start, so I had to wait on the side of the freeway a
Electric Propulsion
- [2016] Vehicle first went into “limp mode” and dealer said high voltage recall needed to be done. Worked ok for a while then again “limp mode” dealer said knock sensor recall was happening and knock sensor was replaced. Few weeks ago limp mode again, all during car was moving in traffic. Car currently sitting at a Kia dealer, knock sensor again, haven’t heard from Kia regarding engine replacement
- [2016] On May 30 2022 this incident happened. I have 160,000 miles on my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid and was running just fine in the morning and later in the day motor seized up with no warning no lights from the dash. I heard while driving a quick squeal and puff of smoke from the belt breaking it was done. I was able to drive under the Electric motor side back to my house. I did not look under the hood un
- [2017] Engine issues started the third month after sales. Jerking, shaking, declining performance, metal clicking noise, loss of power while driving. Kia has been working on the car for a year.
High-Voltage Battery
- [2016] The Hybrid Battery continues to malfunction and, randomly shuts down at any speed (even after short engine block was "repaired" by Kia Dealership). Also, an odor of burnt oil happens often while driving the car. It is available for inspection, if need be. Safety of all drivers at risk because car shuts down on freeways and highways. It's dangerous where cars driving at speeds of 65 mph are unable
- [2016] The high voltage battery and the ability to drive or turn on completely
- [2017] WE LEASE A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID WITH TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE. IT HAS 1986 MILES AND IS THREE MONTHS OLD. LAST WEEK THE CAR WHILE IN MOTION JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR ROADWAY WITH NO WARNING. MY WIFE WAS ABLE GET OFF THE ROAD BY CONSTANTLY RESTARTING THE CAR. AFTER ALMOST ONE WEEK WE FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WOULD NOT CHARGE THE MAIN BATTE
Thermal Events
- [2016] On May 30 2022 this incident happened. I have 160,000 miles on my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid and was running just fine in the morning and later in the day motor seized up with no warning no lights from the dash. I heard while driving a quick squeal and puff of smoke from the belt breaking it was done. I was able to drive under the Electric motor side back to my house. I did not look under the hood un
- [2017] THE WIRING IN THESE CARS ARE COATED WITH SOMETHING THAT SMALL RODENTS LIKE TO EAT THEY CHEW THROUGH THE TAPE THEN THEN WIRING. CAUSING HYBRID ENGINE NOT TO WORK LITES COME. LUCKLY NO FIRE YET. DEALER SAY SORRY THAT WILL BE $
- [2016] 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 Mode, which is abnormal for its typical operation. I reduced my speed to 45 mph, then down to 35 mph a
Charging System
- [2018] THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES TO NOT ONLY MYSELF. IT MY WIFE AS WELL. AS WE'RE DRIVING ANYWHERE ABOVE 45MPH. A WARNING DISPLAY COMES ON TELLING US TO CHECK THE HEV, TO PULL OVER, AND TURN OFF OUR VEHICLE. WE COMPLY TO THE WARNING AND WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN SAME ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN A FEW MINUTES AFTER DRIVING. ONE OUT OF THE FOUR TIMES THAT THIS I
- [2017] THE PLUG THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE CHARGING CABLE FOR MY ELECTRIC CHARGER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PLUGGED INTO A DEDICATED WALL OUTLET IN MY GARAGE. FORTUNATELY, NO MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE NOR BODILY HARM RECEIVED . I CONTACTED KIA AND THEY HAVE SINCE REPLACED THE CHARGING CABLE WITH NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION OR EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES ATTA
- [2018] I LEASED A NEW #KIA #OPTIMA #PHEV FROM YOU IN JULY OF 2018. IN JULY OF 2020, THE CHARGING CABLE LODGED IN THE CAR AND IT TOOK 4 HOURS FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO REMOVE IT. ON DECEMBER 2, 2020, I GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE, BUT BEFORE I COULD BRING IT ON DEC 3, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BECAME A TURN ENGINE OFF NOW LIGHT, AND THE CAR STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2017] On March 23, 2026, I took my 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) to Mark Kia [XXX] ) solely for two open safety recalls: SC218 (Engine Inspection/Replacement and KSDS software installation) and SC278 (Emergency Trunk Latch Release) under Repair Order #6807251. No customer-pay work was performed. The Multi-Point Inspection that day noted only the cabin air filter. During the drive home
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Optima regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
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."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
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.
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.
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2020 Kia Optima problems?
The 2016-2020 Kia Optima has accumulated 2,183 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Optima engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2020 Kia Optima was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2016-2020 Kia Optima a good used car?
The 2016-2020 Kia Optima can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,183 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2020 Kia Optima have?
The 2016-2020 Kia Optima has 2,183 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2016-2020 Kia Optima?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2020 Kia Optima vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Optima?
Before buying a used Kia Optima, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Optima?
The 2020 Kia Optima received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,183 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.