Headlights too dim or fail

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the headlight assembly (37 reports) and the bulb (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the exterior lighting covers the 2016 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 31,500 and 69,500 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“The headlights and brake lights have been VERY dim for a while. I've had to replace both headlights and brake lights an excessive amount in the last several years. This year alone since December 2024, I've had to replace my headlights 3 separate times. I do not drive more than 10,000 miles per year, or use my vehicle on roads that would lead me to believe the issue is from road conditions.”

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · 10,000 miles

“driving in the dark, my auto headlight selector only works when it wants to. like it’ll just just my headlights off at random no matter how dark it is”

Filed Oct 4, 2023

“Headlights will randomly turn off when driving. I then have to quickly turn the headlight switch from auto to off to on to get them to come back on. There are numerous complaints online regarding this very same problem with Kia Optimas and other Kia vehicles. This is extremely dangerous.”

Filed Aug 8, 2023

“Headlights turn off and on randomly when headlight switch is in auto mode. Dangerous in the dark when suddenly the light disappears.”

Filed Sep 8, 2021

Other problems on this car

• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 200 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 124 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 123 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 118 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 25 reports