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2016 Kia Optima: airbags did not deploy in a crash

8 of the 762 complaints about the 2016 Kia Optima describe airbags did not deploy in a crash.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
34,202
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below

Airbags did not deploy in a crash by model year

What owners say

Filed May 18, 2026 · Airbags, Body · CA · crash · 1 injury

Unknown the airbags didn't deploy when the car hit other driver from behind.

Filed Nov 17, 2023 · Airbags · AZ · crash

I got into a frontal car accident the other car hit the front of my vehicle and no airbags deployed. I’ve researched today and seen people are having many issues with airbags on this vehicle and that there were many recalls regarding airbags from years ago. I was never informed of any issues with any of that when I got this vehicle.

Filed Feb 3, 2019 · Airbags · 61,000 miles · OK · crash · 1 injury

I was involved un a rear end collision. I was struck from behind while stopped @ a traffic light. Severe damage to the rear end of the car. No air bags deployed from the impact. I ended up hitting my head very hard on the steering wheel. No air bags deployed @ all from the collision.

Filed Jun 10, 2018 · Airbags · 4,000 miles · LA · crash · 1 injury

A car accident took place early sunday morning of september 25, 2016 in which the air bag failed to deploy resulting in severe injuries. Kia was contacted and informed that a accident had taken place in a new vehicle that was purchased, and the airbag did not deploy, although it had passed the inspection at the dealership and should have been under warranty since the vehicle was purchased a few months prior. Kia failed to correct the issue, although indicating they would send an inspector out to check the vehicle. Later it was indicated the vehicle had 2 recalls associated with it (#1. 16v7050000 and #2. 16v231000), however, kia failed to honor the recalls or take responsibility for failing to properly inform of the defects. Numerous attempts were made to reach someone at kia to resolve the matter, but each time a different representative indicated mr. Gustavio valila was the person handling the matter and would respond in a timely manner. Voice mails were left unreturned and emails were sent, however, mr. Valila could not be reached. A year later a representative responded indicating that the air bag was not meant to deploy and that the company was sorry for the circumstance and situation. The company did not acknowledge or respond to the previous recalls that were not honored, nor did the company correct or resolve the concerns or make an effort to assist or provide a remedy for the injuries sustained due to the failure of the airbag not deploying. Due to the accident and injuries sustained during the accident the driver died a week later. Kia was informed of everything, along with receiving photos and paperwork associated with the incident (that a representative from the company requested), and has still chosen to accept no responsibility for the situation or do anything to resolve the previous matter / concerns...*bf

Filed Feb 1, 2018 · Airbags, Seats · 42,000 miles · FL · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 kia optima. While driving approximately 49 MPH, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. The contact mentioned that the front passenger seat was detached from the hinge. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact stated that there were multiple injuries sustained between the driver and passenger, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who deemed the vehicle destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact not to let anyone view the vehicle because an investigator would be sent to perform an inspection. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2017 · Airbags · 34,202 miles · IN · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact rented a 2016 kia optima. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned over a pocket of water. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a pole. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained facial injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot, and was later towed to enterprise car rental. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 34,202. *ln

Filed Jan 11, 2017 · Airbags, Seat belts · 22,960 miles · MT · crash

Was hit head on by a sliding vehicle with bald tires. Air bags did not deploy and seat belts did not hold us in place.we were doing about 15 mi.per hour or less on a mt pass because of weather conditions the other vehicle was doing about 45 mi. Per hour or more when hit us. Highway patrol investigated accident.

Filed Feb 20, 2016 · Airbags · 800 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

I was involve in a bad accident with 10k in front end damage and my air bags did not deploy and half of the air bag sensor came apart in the damage

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 6, 2017 · 1 vehicles affected
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 17V007000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported April 21, 2016 · 17 vehicles affected
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.
Risk
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V231000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2016 Kia Optima no deployment

Is airbags did not deploy in a crash a common problem on the 2016 Kia Optima?

8 of 762 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Optima (1%) mention airbags did not deploy in a crash. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Kia Optima?

There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2016 Kia Optima

Oil consumption 140Check engine light 135Engine failure 134Knocking 104Stalling 71Power windows 57Headlights 48Loss of power 41Fire or smoke 35Misfire 31Jerking 29Hesitation 22Won't shift 21Won't start 19Shudder 12Adaptive cruise 10Overheating 9Sunroof shattered 9Steering lock-up 7Warning lights 7Fuel pump 6Transmission failure 6ABS 5Door locks 5Harsh shifting 5

All model years of the Kia Optima

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