Service bulletins for the 2016 Kia Optima
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
293 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| TSBENG168R1 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC). TSB: COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: IDLE STABILITY & SHIFT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (SA294A) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 3, 2015 through October 6, 2016, which may experience a vibration and/or hesitation when releasing the brake pedal after coming to stop, and/or a shift quality concern, such as a harsh downshift, upshift, and/or shift delay. To correct this concern, apply the improved logic to the ECU and TCU using KDS download as described in this bulletin. |
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| TSBELE126R1 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: REAR PERSONAL LAMP REPAIR (SA273) - This bulletin provides information related to the rear personal lamp on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 11, 2015 to August 13, 2016, which may experience a blown Interior Lamp 10A fuse resulting in inoperative interior lamps. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to increase the bulb circuit and the bulb reflector clearances to prevent internal shorting of the lamp assembly resulting in a blown Interior Lamp 10A fuse, and if necessary, replace the Interior Lamp 10A fuse. Replace the lamp only if housing deformation is noticed during the repair procedure. |
| PS502 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. PITSTOP: UNABLE TO CONNECT TO UVO ESERVICES - This Pitstop provides information about customer complaints regarding: * ?Unable to connect to UVO eServices using an iPhone?, * ?Connection Error and unable to sync with the UVO App with my iPhone 7? |
| PS496 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. PITSTOP: CUSTOMER TIP: ACCELERATOR PEDAL FUNCTION/DESCRIPTION - On all K900 (KH), Cadenza (VG, YG), and Optima (JF, JFa, JF-HEV, JF-PHEV) vehicles, the accelerator pedal features a small detent with a spring to provide increased resistance to help avoid unnecessary fuel consumption when applying full throttle. When the driver depresses the pedal beyond the resistance where the detent is felt (above 85% WOT), the pedal will easily reach WOT and kickdown shift will occur accordingly. For additional information, refer to the individual vehicle?s Owner?s Manual under section ?Driving Your Vehicle? ? Automatic Transmission (Drive). |
| PS474 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS. |
| TSB-BOD164 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: PANORAMIC SUNROOF INSPECTION AND REPAIR (SA270) - This bulletin provides information on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 28, 2015 to August 8, 2016, which may exhibit a buzzing noise that may increase with intensity in conjunction with the HVAC fan speed, a popping or clicking noise when driving over bumps or turning, and/or a loose folding cover, depending on the vehicle production date. For details regarding each type of inspection/repair, refer to its respective section below. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. |
| TSBTRA069 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB: COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: SHIFT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (SA292) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) 2.0T, produced from August 28, 2015 through October 7, 2016, Sorento (UMa) 2.0T, produced from October 29, 2014 through December 9, 2016, and Sorento (UMa) 3.3L vehicles, produced from October 27, 2014 through December 22, 2016, which may experience a shift quality concern, such as a harsh downshift, upshift, and/or shift delay. To correct this concern, apply the improved logic to the TCU using the KDS download as described in this bulletin. |
| TSBTRA059R2 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN. TSB:HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100 MESH SOLENOID EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin provides information related to a software upgrade of the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) of some 2011~2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) after replacement of the transmission with improved 100 mesh solenoids has taken place. To apply the improved logic, the HCU/TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS download, as described in this bulletin. |
| TSBENG168 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. TSB: COMBINATION TSB/SERVICE ACTION: IDLE STABILITY & SHIFT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (SA294) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 3, 2015 through November 22, 2016, which may experience a vibration and/or hesitation when releasing the brake pedal after coming to stop, and/or a shift quality concern, such as a harsh downshift, upshift, and/or shift delay. To correct this concern, apply the improved logic to the ECU and TCU using KDS download as described in this bulletin. |
| TSBCLI038 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: HVAC CONTROL UNIT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to apply a HVAC control unit logic improvement on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from August 28, 2015 through September 30, 2016, and some 2016MY Optima (JF) vehicles, produced from February 2, 2016 through November 23, 2016, equipped with Fully Automatic (FATC) or Manual Temperature (MTC) Controls, which may experience a concern with the evaporator icing under specific driving and ambient temperature and/or humidity conditions. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to apply the HVAC control unit logic improvement to either A/C units using KDS download. For confirmation that the latest reflash has been applied to a vehicle you are working on, verify the ROM ID using the table on page 2 of this bulletin. |
| PS493 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication. |
| PS481 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. PS481: DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) CHARACTERISTICS - All models with a 1.6L Turbo engine may come equipped with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), except the 2017MY~ Niro (DE) with a 1.6L Atkinson engine comes equipped with a 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This automatic transmission is unlike the conventional automatic transmission found in the complete line up of Kia vehicles. The new DCT improves fuel efficiency and can also provide a sportier feel. Certain aspects of this technology may lead to customer concerns if they are unfamiliar with it. To help maximize owner satisfaction on this new technology, Kia would like all dealership sales and service personnel to be familiar with the characteristics of this new transmission. |
| TSB-ENG159R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information about the replacement of the E-CVVT cover and motor plug on some 2016MY Optima (JF/JFa), produced from August 29, 2015 to June 14, 2016, 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 10, 2015 to June 15, 2016, and 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa), produced from October 27, 2014 to June 14, 2016, which may exhibit a MIL ON with DTC P001000 and/or oil leakage in the E-CVVT motor plug of applicable vehicle models equipped with 2.4L GDI or 2.0 T-GDI engines. |
| TSB-ELE100R4 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. TSB: UVO SYSTEM UPGRADE - This bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the UVO system on some 2014-2016MY Soul (PS), Sorento (XMa)/(UMa), Optima (TF HEV), Forte (YD), Sportage (SL), 2015-2016MY Sedona (YP), and 2014-2015(MY) Optima (QF/TF) vehicles to address ?Incoming ring volume too loud? complaints when using certain smartphones (non-iPhone). Additionally, in 2014MY vehicles the upgrade will also improve Bluetooth connectivity and Voice Recognition (VR). |
| TSB-ELE130 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ANTENNA INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SA272) - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and/or replace the antenna assembly on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 28, 2015 to June 1, 2016, which may experience an antenna cover separation/loss or looseness. |
| PS469 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended. |
| TSB-GEN085R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| TSB-ELE126 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: REAR PERSONAL LAMP REPAIR (SA273) - This bulletin provides information related to the rear personal lamp on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 11, 2015 to August 13, 2016, which may experience a blown Interior Lamp 10A fuse resulting in inoperative interior lamps. |
| PS472R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: HVAC VENTILATION LOGIC OPERATION - Starting with 14MY Soul (PS) (with the exception of PSEV) and complete new models such as K900 (KH), Sedona (YP), Sorento (UMa), Optima (JFa), Sportage (QL), and 17MY Forte (YD, YDm), etc., equipped with a sunroof, a ventilation logic has been applied in order to prevent exhaust gases flowing into the vehicle due to the pressure difference (inside vs outside) that is generated when driving with the sunroof open. This logic allows the system to automatically switch from RECIRCULATION to FRESH mode when the sunroof is open. |
| TSB-TRA060R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT; POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: AXLE DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT (SA241) - This bulletin provides information on some 2016MY Optima (JF) vehicles, produced in South Korea from March 24, 2016 to April 8, 2016, which may exhibit a noise originating from the axle driveshaft during acceleration. |
| TSB-GEN085 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| TSB-ENG161 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC16) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires the emissions data from vehicles with a minimum of 3,000 accumulated miles without reprogramming or resetting. To facilitate collection of this data at the dealer level, GDS/KDS screenshots will allow the capture of relevant parameters. |
| TSB-ENG158R2 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: VCM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - DTC P200A00 (SA240A) - This bulletin provides information related to the ECM software upgrade and inspection of the VCM motor (Actuation Test) of some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from August 28, 2015 through February 15, 2016, and some 2016MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced from November 17, 2014 through February 3, 2016, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) system-related DTC: P200A00. |
| TSB-BOD148R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. TSB: SUNROOF BUZZING NOISE - This bulletin provides information on some 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from September 28, 2015 to June 20, 2016, which may exhibit a buzzing noise that may increase with intensity in conjunction with the HVAC fan speed. This concern is caused by a loose sunroof weather strip vibration due to air leakage past the sunroof seal. To correct this concern, follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to apply adhesive to the weather strip base. |
| PS475 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP: AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) OPERATION - An increasing number of Kia?s latest models are now equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Some customers may have interest and/or questions regarding this new technology, including what type of feedback they can expect from this system. The information provided below is a brief reference. The service information found on KGIS including the Owner?s Manual will provide more detailed information. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.