Should I buy a 2016–2019 Kia Optima 1.6 Diesel Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2016–2019 Kia Optima 1.6 Diesel Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Automatic gearbox judder, hesitation or loss of even gears/reverse

Jerky take-up in traffic, shunting when creeping, delayed engagement into drive or reverse, or a warning light with reduced drive.

How to check

Pull away gently several times, creep in traffic pace, then select reverse after a short drive.

Estimated Repair Cost

£2,500

2High Likelihood

EGR valve fouling and related running faults

Uneven idle, hesitation, flat acceleration, engine warning light or repeated emissions faults.

How to check

Let it idle from cold, then drive gently and accelerate from low revs in a higher gear.

Estimated Repair Cost

£450

3High Likelihood

Binding brake calipers and uneven brake wear

Hot wheel after a drive, car feeling held back, uneven braking, squeal, or one axle wearing pads much faster than expected.

How to check

Brake progressively from normal road speed, then continue driving briefly and notice whether the car rolls freely.

Estimated Repair Cost

£500

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 8.6% (60 failed / 701 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 13.2% (399 failed / 3,028 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 16.4% (515 failed / 3,136 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 17.1% (360 failed / 2,107 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 16.5% (183 failed / 1,112 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 18.9% (108 failed / 572 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 17.6% (43 failed / 245 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 21.6% (21 failed / 97 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 28.0% (14 failed / 50 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 26.7% (4 failed / 15 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2016–2019 Kia Optima 1.6 Diesel Automatic

Kia Optima buying questions

Is a 2016–2019 Kia Optima worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2016–2019 Kia Optima 1.6 Diesel Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Kia Optima (2016–2019)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Kia Optima?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually