← Back to Search

2016 Kia Optima LX

The 2016 Kia Optima LX is a 185-hp inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,140 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

It makes 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Optima measures 191.1 inches long on a 110.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,219 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$22,140 ($29,981 *)
MSRP with Destination$22,990 ($31,132 *)
Destination Charge$850
Engine
Engine TypeTheta II G4KJ 2.4L GDI DOHC inline-4, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower185 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke88.0 x 97.0
Compression Ratio11.3:1
Injection TypeGasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
1st Gear4.212
2nd Gear2.637
3rd Gear1.8
4th Gear1.386
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.772
Reverse3.385
Final Drive2.885
Fuel Economy
City25 MPG
Highway36 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Turning Diameter35.8 ft
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Tires Front205/65R16
Tires Rear205/65R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length191.1 in
Width73.2 in
Height57.7 in
Wheelbase110.4 in
Front Track63.1 in
Rear Track63.4 in
Ground Clearance5.3 in
Cargo Volume15.9 ft³
Curb Weight3,219 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.8 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front45.5 in
Legroom Rear35.6 in
Shoulder Room Front58.1 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.4 in
Hip Room Front56 in
Hip Room Rear56 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.8 % risk)
Tested variant: 2016 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia OPTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Aug 24, 2023 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

NHTSA campaign 23V594000

Dec 19, 2018 · 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.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

Jan 6, 2017 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V007000

Oct 3, 2016 · POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.

Consequence: If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.

NHTSA campaign 16V705000

Apr 21, 2016 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V231000

760 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia OPTIMA

Owner Complaints

760 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia OPTIMA (27 mention a crash, 20 a fire, 17 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine426
Unknown Or Other121
Electrical System104
Power Train74
Fuel/Propulsion System53
Exterior Lighting47
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 22, 2026 · Air Bags, Structure
“Component: Power Window / Door Description: All four power window regulators failed on my 2016 Kia Optima SXL within 16 months - from June 2025-Oct 2026. The failure mode is identical on all four…”
Oct 15, 2026 · Visibility/Wiper
“Concerning my Optima KIA's OEM front windshield. At certain times of the day when the sunlight is shining on a certain angle it is difficult to see through the windshield due to the glare which…”
Oct 10, 2026 · Power Train, Engine
“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…”
Oct 7, 2026 · Electrical System Fire
“I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Kia Optima, purchased from CarMax in 2024 and financed through CarMax Auto Finance. On or about October 5, 2026, I returned to my parked…”
Sep 28, 2026 · Electrical System
“3 times windows different ones has stopped rolling up/down. 3 motors purchased and installed.”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2016 KIA OPTIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search