Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (Theta II 2.4L GDI) failed due to rod bearing wear, causing sudden power loss on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, once at 50 mph in 2018 and again at 70 mph in 2025, and had to be pulled over quickly to avoid collision. Additional issues: all four windows failed at different times, leaving them stuck open and creating safety risks in weather or emergencies. The trunk latch failed, causing unsecured cargo risk. ABS, TPMS, and traction control warning lights illuminated repeatedly, indicating possible loss of critical safety systems. A loose wiring harness caused the turn signal bulb to burn out repeatedly, reducing visibility and signaling. The dealership performed the KSDS software update after I reported engine trouble but did not resolve the issue. The engine soon failed completely while driving. Other issues, such as the fuse box blowing fuses from a standard USB charger have also been documented by a Kia dealership but not always fully repaired. The most recent engine failure and electrical defects are being inspected by a Kia dealership, and Kia Consumer Affairs is reviewing the warranty claim. Prior to the engine failure, I smelled burning oil and topped it off monthly due to excessive consumption. The oil level light and check engine light only appeared during limp mode right before the failure. These repeated safety-critical defects, particularly sudden engine failure at highway speed, created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road. At the time of this report, I am in the process of seeking warranty coverage for the catastrophic engine failure through Kia. The failure behavior (limp mode, flashing check engine light, and rod knock) is consistent with the safety defect described in the Theta II engine settlement. I am concerned that despite this being a known issue, there may be delays or denials in honoring the safety-related warranty repair.
2016 Kia Optima: ABS light or ABS activating
5 of the 762 complaints about the 2016 Kia Optima describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
My ABS warning lamp came on braking seems okay. My blind spot is not working warning light is on.
Air bag light came on after I also began having issues with blind spot detection warning lights. ABS lights on as well. Took vehicle to Kia Dealer in Gainesville GA and they told me it was the left rear wheel sensor. Wanted $800 to repair ( no longer under warranty). Took vehicle to my mechanic, who ordered the part and replaced sensor. ABS lights & BSD lights went off for almost 2 weeks, then came back on. Air bag light has not gone off.
While in motion the headlights turn on by themselves at random times during the day. Abs warning light, bsd warning light, and traction control warning light all came on at the same time. On the way to the dealership they all went off. The technician said he sees that the warning light were on, but their computer is not detecting a problem. If it happens again bring it back. Well, they're on again. The car has been stationary since friday afternoon, sunday evening my son sends me a pic of my car, the lights are on!
I started the car, which appeared normal, about 10 minutes into my trip, the dashboard display was flashing, " check hybrid system, stop vehicle and turn off engine " a dinging bell was going off, I was startled by it, so I immediately pulled over and stopped I let car sit for a minute the tried to start it again. No luck. The nav screen showed motor control unit, issue. Asked me to send a report, then call road side assistance. Roadside showed up towed me to the kia dealership, they called me 1 pm saturday afternoon. Saying they needed more time to diagnose it,ABS put me in a loaner car I did not hear anything from the dealer monday they thursday afternoon. I stopped by and was told they replaced the transmission. The car only had 56k miles on it. I pick up the car on friday.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2016 Kia Optima abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2016 Kia Optima?
5 of 762 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Optima (1%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. 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 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins 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 9No deployment 8Steering lock-up 7Warning lights 7Fuel pump 6Transmission failure 6Door locks 5Harsh shifting 5
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