Research · Midsize Cars
2016 Kia Optima HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid. Most complaints involve power train (2) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 36–37 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
36–37mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2017 – Oct 2025
- Power train2
- Engine2
- Electrical system1
- Exterior lighting1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
2 reports1 fire
“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 as I began to observe smoke coming from the vehicle. At no point did the vehicle show signs of overheating, and there was no Check Engine Light until shortly before I was able to safely pull over. Within moments of stopping the vehicle and exiting with my passenger, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and ultimately burned to the ground. Fortunately, both occupants escaped unharmed. The vehicle has been inspected by my insurance provider; however, I have been waiting over two weeks for Kia to inspect the vehicle or provide any official response regarding a possible cause. This delay is concerning, especially given the severity of the incident and the potential safety risk to other drivers. Vehicle Details: Make/Model: 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 54,300 Date…”
Engine
2 reports1 fire
“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 DEALERSHIP & HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY CANNOT FIND ANY MALFUNCTION & NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE EXPERIENCE WHAT I HAVE. THERE ARE MANY FORUMS WITH KIA OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME, BUT CANNOT GET A FIX OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS. IT'S BEYOND FRUSTRATING WHEN THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 40K MILES.”
Electrical system
1 report1 fire
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Hybrid Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 38 | 37 | $1,700 | 242 |
| Optima Hybrid EX Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 38 | 36 | $1,750 | 247 |
- 37mpg comb.
- 36mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.6%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 10060
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 Optima Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), engine (2), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid at 36–37 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026