2016 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Engine knocking or ticking
- 84owner reports
- 91,000median miles
- $6,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
84 of the 201 reports of engine failure on the 2016 Optima describe engine knock.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (201 reports) · also: engine seized
Tick what matches of 84 reports
Engine knock on other Optima years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2020.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the knock sensor (36 reports), the engine (6 reports) and the rod bearing (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Optima
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
What owners paid
5 of the 84 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $700 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 59,000 and 112,000 miles, from the 47 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 13 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Kia Optima that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine.
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT TSB_PI1802_R2 - Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z_Rev3) - - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802 Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic ...
9 more on the 2016 Kia Optima page.
What owners wrote
“Engine issue, itâs knocking loud and misfires. Engine light flashing and Car went into limp mode , will not go over 60 mph . I have changed the spark plugs, knock sensor, and had an oil change nothing has fixed my issue.”
Filed Jul 18, 2025
“In April, 2022, while driving on a major highway enroute to work, my 2016 Kia Optima started knocking and completely shutdown in the middle of high-speed traffic. I had the vehicle towed and was told that the recall for the engine knock sensor replacement hadn't ever been done which resulted in the engine to shutdown.”
Filed Jul 15, 2023
“Engine started making knocking noise and then started stalling took it to Kia dealership and they are refusing to replace it under lifetime warranty even with ksds recall installed. The consumer tried several times to get the recalls fixed but the Kia dealership refuses to fix them.”
Filed Jun 1, 2023
“Was driving car and started knocking and shutting down. Engine light came on and car was acting weird. Stopped to check oil and fluids which were full. Started car to try to get to a safe spot but car would not move. Took to a independent mechanic and he stated car had throwing a rod and motor was no good. All maintenance was done on time and accordingly. There is a faulty motor problem”
Filed Feb 20, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 84 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 125 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 124 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 118 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 38 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 36 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 25 reports