Recall 16V705 affects 12,214 2016 Kia Optima vehicles for a right-front axle driveshaft that can crack. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 12,214 2016 Optima sedans because the right front axle driveshaft can crack and fail. If the driveshaft separates, the car will not move forward, and it can roll after exit when the parking brake is not applied; Kia dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The right front axle driveshaft on the 2016 Kia Optima with the 2.4-liter engine is part of the front-wheel-drive powertrain. It carries turning force from the transmission to the right front wheel, while still allowing the wheel and suspension to move. When it is intact, engine power reaches the tire smoothly as you accelerate.
On affected Optimas, the right front driveshaft can crack and fail. The recall points to the original driveshaft as the weak part, and the replacement part has improved welding. If the shaft breaks, power no longer reaches that wheel, so the vehicle loses motive power even though the engine is running.
The warning sign is a loud noise from the front wheel area before the loss of motive power. If you hear that noise, treat it as a sign that the driveshaft problem has reached the failure stage.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Kia Optima | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 12,214 |
Not every 2016 Kia Optima is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked driveshaft can separate, leaving the vehicle unable to move forward. If the parking brake is not applied after exit, the vehicle can roll, increasing crash risk. A loud noise from the front wheel area can come before loss of motive power. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kia Optima is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free front axle driveshaft replacement that fixes the right front axle driveshaft that can crack and fail.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one, and reference recall number 16V705 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions, and reference Kia recall SC139.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the front axle driveshaft covered by recall 16V705. The recall repair is available, and parts and labor are free. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners already paid before the recall notice. Keep your repair paperwork and ask Kia customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for reimbursement under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 3, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 7, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 29, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 30, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V705?
Recall 16V705 covers 12,214 2016 Kia Optima vehicles with 2.4-liter engines. The right front axle driveshaft can crack and fail, which can stop the vehicle from moving forward or allow it to roll if the parking brake is not set. Kia dealers replace the front axle driveshaft for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Kia Optima is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Optima is included in recall 16V705. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the front axle driveshaft replacement. Reference recall number 16V705 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Kia dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft free of charge for recall 16V705, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
Is it safe to drive my 2016 Kia Optima before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction, but the defect is serious. A cracked right front axle driveshaft can separate, leaving the car unable to move forward. Always set the parking brake when exiting the vehicle, and schedule the free dealer repair if your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Kia Optima used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 Kia Optima is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall number 16V705.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V705000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V705 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V705000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →