Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
2016 Kia Optima Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2016 Kia Optima?
The NHTSA has issued 20 recalls affecting the 2016 Kia Optima covering brakes, fuel system, engine, air bags, axle shafts and electronic systems. Key components mentioned by the NHTSA include the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) for brakes, high‑pressure fuel pipes and fuel hoses, engine bearings, driver frontal air bag modules, and right front axle driveshafts. Consequences range from increased fire risk from fuel or brake fluid leaks to potential air bag non‑deployment and engine seizure; Nalley Kia recommends prompt inspection and repair.
How do I check if my 2016 Kia Optima has an open recall?
You can check recalls by VIN lookup on the NHTSA website or bring your vehicle to Nalley Kia for a free recall check. Find your VIN on the driver’s side dash or registration, then verify it at NHTSA.gov for official recall listings and details. If you prefer hands‑on help, our factory‑trained technicians will check your VIN and recall status at no charge — schedule service today and ask about our service financing options.
How much does a 2016 Kia Optima recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs for the 2016 Kia Optima are performed free of charge by Kia dealers. The NHTSA‑listed remedies for these recalls include inspection, HECU replacement, fuel pipe or hose replacement, air bag module replacement, axle replacement, engine inspection or replacement, and software updates — all covered by the manufacturer when performed under the recall program. At Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA we use OEM parts and factory diagnostic tools; if you need additional non‑recall repairs, ask about financing and current service specials.
Can I get my 2016 Kia Optima recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be completed by a certified dealer to ensure the manufacturer’s remedy and warranty coverage are properly applied; Nalley Kia is your local certified Kia dealer for recall repairs near Lithonia. While independent shops may perform maintenance, only a Kia franchise dealer can apply official recall remedies, use OEM parts, and log the repair with the manufacturer and NHTSA. Schedule an appointment online to have your recall performed by factory‑trained technicians: schedule appointment.
How long does a 2016 Kia Optima recall repair take?
Typical recall repairs for the 2016 Kia Optima usually take from one to a few hours, though some engine or replacement procedures may require a longer turnaround. Exact time depends on the specific recall remedy — for example, HECU or fuel pipe inspections and replacements are often completed same day, while engine replacement can take longer if needed. To minimize downtime, schedule service with Nalley Kia; we offer online scheduling and will advise estimated service time when you book.
Does an open recall affect my 2016 Kia Optima's trade-in or resale value?
Yes — unresolved recalls can lower trade‑in and resale value because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA records before purchase. Clearing recalls at a Kia dealer like Nalley Kia documents the vehicle’s safety history and preserves market value; unresolved issues may reduce offers or complicate private sales. Protect your value by having recalls addressed with OEM parts at our dealership and then get an updated appraisal via our trade page: sell your car online.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2016 Kia Optima recall?
While most states do not automatically fail a vehicle for an open recall, certain safety defects (air bag, braking, or engine issues) can result in inspection failures or unsafe‑to‑drive determinations. Because recalls affecting brakes, air bags, or fuel systems present safety risks, Nalley Kia urges owners in Lithonia and surrounding areas to get recall repairs completed promptly to avoid inspection or insurance complications. If you’re unsure, schedule service and our team will check the vehicle free and advise whether any open recalls could affect inspections; service financing is available to help you get repairs now and pay later.
2016 Kia Optima Recall Summary
These entries are based on NHTSA recall records for the 2016 Kia Optima. If your vehicle is affected, recall repairs are free and must be performed by a certified Kia dealer to ensure proper remedy and documentation. To schedule service, visit Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA — your local certified Kia recall service near me.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Your Certified Recall Experts
The safety of every customer is our top priority, and Nalley Kia’s factory‑trained technicians are certified to complete all manufacturer recall remedies for the 2016 Kia Optima using OEM parts and Kia diagnostic tools. The 2016 Kia Optima appears in multiple NHTSA recalls that affect key systems such as brakes (HECU brake fluid leaks that can short circuit and raise fire risk), the fuel system (high‑pressure fuel pipes and low‑pressure fuel hose deterioration that can cause leaks), engine assemblies (bearing wear that can lead to engine seizure), air bag modules (driver frontal air bag chemical loading and inflator seal issues), and front axle driveshaft integrity. Nalley Kia’s service technicians are factory‑trained on Kia recall procedures and follow Kia service bulletins and NHTSA guidance to ensure your vehicle is made safe and compliant at no cost to you. We prioritize safety checks and use Kia‑approved parts so that recall repairs maintain warranty coverage and vehicle integrity. If a recall remedy requires parts that take time to source, we communicate timelines clearly and offer loaner options when available. Our Lithonia service center serves the surrounding communities, and we recommend scheduling your complimentary recall inspection right away so we can get you safely back on the road with documented dealer repair records.
Check Your VIN Today
Confirming whether your vehicle is affected is the first step — you can look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov, or let Nalley Kia check it for you for free. For the 2016 Kia Optima, NHTSA records list twenty recall campaigns addressing items from fuel hoses to air bag modules and axle shafts; a VIN check will tell you exactly which recalls apply to your car. When you bring your VIN to our Lithonia service department we will perform an official dealer VIN recall check, explain any required remedies in plain language, and schedule needed work quickly. Typical recall remedies often include inspection, installation of protective tape, replacement of hoses or pipes, replacement of HECU or air bag modules, axle replacement, engine inspection or replacement, and software updates. All manufacturer recall repairs are performed at no charge when completed through a certified Kia dealer; this maintains your manufacturer records and helps protect safety, value, and insurance compliance. To make an appointment, please schedule service online or call our service team — and remember, Nalley Kia offers service financing so you can address any additional recommended repairs now and pay over time.
Protect Your Resale Value
Unresolved recalls can reduce the marketability and trade‑in value of your vehicle because many buyers and dealers verify recall history before purchase. Bringing your 2016 Kia Optima to Nalley Kia for documented recall repairs proves the vehicle’s safety record and preserves resale value. Buyers often require proof that recalls impacting critical systems like brakes, fuel systems, engine, or air bags have been addressed — ignoring recalls risks lower offers and may complicate private sales or financing. Our dealership documents every completed recall repair with the manufacturer and updates national recall records so potential buyers see the vehicle was repaired by a Kia franchise dealer using OEM parts and factory procedures. Nalley Kia serves Lithonia, the greater Atlanta area, and nearby communities; we make it easy to secure your vehicle’s value by performing free recall repairs and issuing dealer service records. If you’re considering trading in, visit our appraisal and trade page at sell your car online after completing recalls to get the best offers and avoid lost value from unresolved safety items.
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
Addressing recalls promptly protects you, your passengers, and other road users — some NHTSA recall items for the 2016 Kia Optima can cause fires, air bag non‑deployment, or sudden loss of drive power. For example, brake fluid leaking into the HECU can short circuit and increase the risk of engine compartment fire; damaged or misaligned high‑pressure fuel pipes and deteriorated low‑pressure fuel hoses can create fuel leaks that are an ignition hazard; machining errors in engine components can lead to bearing wear and potential engine seizure; an improperly loaded or sealed air bag inflator can result in reduced inflation and increased injury risk during a crash; and a cracked right front driveshaft can separate and disable vehicle movement or lead to rollaway risks. Nalley Kia urges owners in Lithonia and the surrounding area to have these issues inspected immediately by a certified Kia dealer — recall work is free and performed to factory standards. Ignoring recalls can also affect insurance claims and inspection outcomes. To protect life, safety, and financial standing, schedule appointment with Nalley Kia today; we provide transparent timelines, OEM parts, and factory repair documentation, and we offer service financing if additional non‑recall work is needed.
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Recall Summary
20 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Brake
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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Brake3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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Free recall check · No appointment needed
Fuel Pump5
FREE5 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
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.
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Fuel Tank2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Consequence
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
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Engine3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Consequence
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
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Air Bag3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Consequence
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Corrective Action
The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is planned to begin on July 27, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
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Axle Shaft1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
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.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 29, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
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Free recall check · No appointment needed
Hybrid Propulsion System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Consequence
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 3, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
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Forward Collision Avoidance System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
Consequence
Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
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Free recall check · No appointment needed
Battery Management Systems1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Consequence
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 3, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed