2016 Kia Optima engine problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · AZ

My Kia experienced catastrophic engine failure while I was driving on the freeway, creating an extremely frightening and dangerous situation. The sudden loss of engine power put my safety and the safety of surrounding motorists at risk, as I was traveling at freeway speeds when the engine gave out. Leading up to the failure, my vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption despite regular maintenance. I was repeatedly adding oil between scheduled oil changes. Previous repairs, including replacement of spark plugs and a thermostat, did not resolve the underlying issue. Following the engine failure, a Kia dealership reported a cracked engine valve and multiple severely damaged or melted spark plugs, including spark plugs that had recently been replaced. These findings raise serious concerns about progressive internal engine damage and a potentially defective engine. Despite my concerns regarding known Kia engine defects and possible connecting rod bearing issues, the dealership stated it could not perform the bearing clearance test due to the condition of the valves. My case was never submitted to Kia Techline for further investigation. I was initially instructed to provide oil change and maintenance records for consideration of engine replacement assistance, only to later be told that excessive oil consumption was not relevant to my claim. I am extremely concerned that a potentially defective engine experienced progressive damage before suddenly failing on the freeway, placing my life and others at risk. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this failure and determine whether it is related to known Kia engine defects or an unresolved safety issue affecting other vehicles.

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · OH

My engine is making a knock sound coming from the bottom end of motor I was driving it and no warning or anything it just started knocking

Filed Oct 10, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Severe engine defect (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Sudden total loss of power, metallic knocking, severe oil consumption, and imminent catastrophic failure while driving, creating a high safety risk. Vehicle is currently out of service in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Soon after the failure, the engine caught fire; however, the fire dissipated independently. The insurance agent was contacted and arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle. The contact was initially informed that the vehicle was safe to drive; however, the engine failed to start after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a mechanic discovered that the knock sensor was inoperable and had caused the fire. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. Nearly a month after the repair, the vehicle started consuming oil with the master warning light displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an inspection; however, no fault was found with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer. After another inspection, the dealer agreed to replace the engine; however, the failure recurred after the repair.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

While driving at highway speeds on the freeway in San Diego, the engine of my 2016 Kia Optima catastrophically seized without warning. I instantly lost all power steering, brake assist, and electrical power, creating an immediate life-threatening emergency. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealer. Corporate Techline and the dealership are refusing to perform the mandated settlement rod bearing test and are falsifying paperwork to deny the safety remedy.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

The engine assembly completely seized and the vehicle is currently stored at an independent repair shop . While traveling at high speed on Interstate 4 on July 24, 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of power and stalled in live traffic, creating an immediate threat of a high speed rear end collision. An independent service center officially confirmed the engine seizure after a dealership failed to perform an inspection during an eight hour wait, and no law enforcement or insurance inspections have occurred. Prior symptoms included severe, recurring oil loss requiring constant manual additions of oil between regular service intervals (most recently serviced in June 2026 at a kia dealership), and eventually the car completely shutoff on July24.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · MD

engine failure, i was driving home from work and i went to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles and the car hesitated and didn't want to move. I took the car to the dealer three days later and it was confirmed that i needed a new engine. I was told by the dealership i was outside of my warranty but i just found out that i was covered up to 120k miles. No lights came on at the time and there wasn't any prior warnings to this happening. I had just put oil into the car two days earlier as i know in between oil changes that i have to put oil into the car and or check the oil to see if it is low.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

My 2016 Kia Optima equipped with the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine began to experience progressive and severe oil consumption during the latter part of my ownership. The oil warning light began activating repeatedly, even after shortly getting the oil changed. Several certified mechanics and oil change service stations told me this was an ongoing issue with this car and engine and that there was nothing I could do but monitor it and keep it filled. At their instruction, I monitored and had it changed more frequently, often topping it off at the oil change station and at home when needed. Approximately 2 weeks after an oil change upon putting the car in reverse it started to shake uncontrollably. The car was towed to a mechanic who stated I needed an engine. I then towed it to an authorized Kia franchise dealership where the technician documented the oil consumption complaint, confirmed a Cylinder 2 misfire code, performed a borescope inspection, and found the Cylinder 2 exhaust valve burnt with a chunk missing. Engine replacement was recommended by the Kia dealership technician. Prior to my purchase, the engine had already been replaced at approximately 80,000 miles under recall-related circumstances. The replacement engine installed by a Kia dealership subsequently failed, exhibiting symptoms consistent with the documented widespread defect affecting the 2.4L DOHC I4 GDI engine in 2016 Kia Optima vehicles, including severe oil consumption, cylinder misfire, and catastrophic internal engine damage confirmed via borescope at a Kia franchise dealership. Kia America denied the claim based solely on mileage despite the damage being confirmed by their franchise technician. My vehicle became unsafe to drive due to this engine instability shortly after starting before becoming fully inoperable. My vehicle has been non-operational for approximately 5 months. Kia has not provided a substantive written determination despite a formal written demand submitted in March 2026.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine · CO

the engine. I was at a stop sign when the car stop responding to me pressing the accelerator and would not go. Upon further inspection it was noted that my car had no oil in it. I am diligent in getting my oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles. My engine had "seized" and i am being advised to purchase a new engine or purchase a new car. While trying to get my car to acclerate i was almost hit 4 times in a matter of 10 mins.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

The car returned P1326 and had multiple misfires and audible knocking, the dealers will indeed fight the already existing class action warranties. Was sent home and told to “drive the fuck out of it”, to which the car did not make it home and blew gasoline into my cabin while driving on the highway. Almost passed out, and am still fighting Kia to actually address the defective rod bearings. I personally would fight tooth and nail over a 5 dollar problem, but this is something they do nationwide and can cause serious injury or death. If it weren’t a 200 LB man driving the gasoline shooting into the cabin would absolutely cause a knockout. To the time of this report they are still trying to disregard the rod bearing issue and send me home with fixes to problems caused consequentially.