2016 Kia Optima Fuel System Problems
15 owner-reported fuel system complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Fuel System Recalls (1)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
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.
Owner Complaints (15)
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.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle was shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
On July 27, 2022 the oil light on my 2016 KIA Optima came on intermittently. I called the dealership and they told me to have it towed in. So I had it towed to the KIA dealer.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Purchased a 2016 kia optima ex with the premium package with less than 30 odometer miles in april 2017 from a kia dealer (VIN [xxx]). At 4200 miles the car stalled and lost all power while traveling on the highway during rush hour. Screen flashed "engine control system - possible engine condition.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
I’m having oil consumption problems. I had this car since 2022 every time I get an oil change and drive 1000 or less miles my oil light comes on when braking or turning vehicle. As well as a knocking sound and the car runs very rough.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The fuel gasoline hose line was leaking, so I changed it. Because of that I changed the high pressure pump twice
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
After purchasing the car, the first time I went to fill up the car with fuel I set the fuel nozzle to auto stop. When it clicked off, I pulled the handle out and quite a bit fuel gurgled back out of the fuel tank, like it was over full. I took the car back to the dealership and they checked lines and said it was fine. I took one of the people from KIA with me to show them what it does, and sure enough, did it again. They still say nothing is wrong with the fuel system. It is still a problem, I just am unable to fill up my car all the way.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
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.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally overheated while the coolant level was full.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
The engine is sputtering. Dealership can’t get my car in for two weeks due to their full schedule. They stated as long as the check engine light isn’t flashing it’s ok to drive.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 kia optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact pulled over and the drove the vehicle back to her residence.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Smells like gasoline . Maybe a delivery hose .can smell gasoline randomly while vehicle is in motion.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.