8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$620
Average Mileage:
74,350 miles
Total Complaints:
52 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace window regulator (37 reports)
  2. not sure (11 reports)
  3. new window assembly (4 reports)
2016 Kia Optima windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2016 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #52

Aug 042023

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

window regulator failure window regulator failure

The night of 8/04/23 both my driver’s side windows and my back passenger side windows all at once stopped operating with their buttons and began to slip down during my drive. The next morning I took the car in to Seigen Car Care and they told me it would be close to $1000.00 to fix all three and the best thing to do for now until they could see about ordering the part they needed to replace would be to use masking tape to hold them up. I don’t remember exactly what they told me they needed to replace but I believe it was the regulator. As you can see in the photos, I still haven’t had it fixed because even with 2 jobs I still don’t have the money or time to go without my car to get even one window fixed at a time. And of course I’ve been unable to use my windows so any drive thru line or ATM machine etc that requires rolling it down I’ve had to open my door instead. To sum, yes a pain in the ass.

- Daniel L., Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #51

Aug 012023

Optima LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

The rear passenger window fell down about an inch and wouldn't go up or down. Just a buzzing noise. Then about 3 weeks later the rear driver side window slid down about 3 inches and wouldn't move up or down and no sound was coming from the window. The strange thing is the windows were never used the whole time I owned the car. (bought it new because the engine in my old one blew up. see the other recall for engine issues) The shop asked me if I parked under trees because the pollen could cause it. My driveway is wide open with no trees. Then they blamed it on me never using the windows and the lubrication wasn't being used. Finally, they blamed it on the tint I had on the windows, saying it would cause extra tension on the windows as they go up and down. That's BS because, like I said, the windows were never used. So I'm out $1500+. There should be a recall if this is a widespread issue.

- William J., Pasadena, MD, US

problem #50

Mar 202023

Optima LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,250 miles

Spent $2700 to fix ALL 4 windows regulators in March. Now the rear driver side window fell again and they're saying it's the motor now and they want $702 to fix it. This company is a joke.

- Lee G., Kennesaw, US

problem #49

Jul 212023

Optima LX 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

window regulator failure window regulator failure

I can't believe this was never issued as a recall. The Dealer wanted almost $500 to fix.

- Joe P., Euless, TX, US

problem #48

Jun 272023

Optima SE 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 151,000 miles

Passenger side window dropped down, switch did not work to raise this. Mechanic replaced regulator. This was a month ago. Rear passenger window then stopped working. A week later, driver rear window stopped working. Now driver side window was down and unable to raise this. Car at mechanic now and I am replacing all 3 windows.... so extremely frustrated and annoyed! I am out 1k with having this issue resolved. Come on KIA this is complete BS.

- Beya ., Richmond, TX, US

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problem #47

Jul 012022

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

This is hell cannot get windows up and down and windows falling down on their own and having to tape them up.

Update from Jun 20, 2023: I had replaced the driver window then it quit working but all of the windows don't work

- Heather B., Keystone Heights, US

problem #46

Jun 172023

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,380 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is complaint number 3 of 3 (so far) for the same problem.

Around the third week of May 2023, the rear passenger-side window started falling down on my 2016 Kia Optima LX. I called a Kia dealer about 20 miles from my home, because they could get to it before any closer one - appointment on June 7. On about the first of June, the other rear window started falling down when I drove the car. Fortunately, I could manually raise the windows, but vibration from driving would make them fall, so no driving on rainy days!

The dealer installed new regulators in both the windows, total charge without tax $1122.50. Luckily, I have extended warranty coverage for these repairs, but did have to pay a $100 deductible on each of the two repair bills, because I did not take the car to the original selling dealer (about a 100 mile roundtrip with heavy traffic).

I just returned to that dealer today, June 17th, for other services they recommended and was told that the passenger-side front window was falling down. (I had not known this and it did not fall during my drive). So, I just spent the better part of another day while this was fixed for another charge of $732.79.

Needless to say, I'm now anxiously awaiting the failure of the driver window. I figure I've got maybe a week!

- Will P., Kennesaw, US

problem #45

May 252023

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,155 miles

Around the third week of May 2023, the rear passenger-side window started falling down on my 2016 Kia Optima LX. I called a Kia dealer about 20 miles from my home, because they could get to it before any closer one - appointment on June 7. On about the first of June, the other rear window started falling down when I drove the car. Fortunately, I could manually raise the windows, but vibration from driving would make them fall, so no driving on rainy days!

The dealer installed new regulators in both the windows, total charge without tax $1122.50. Luckily, I have extended warranty coverage for these repairs, but did have to pay a $100 deductible on each of the two repair bills, because I did not take the car to the original selling dealer (about a 100 mile roundtrip with heavy traffic).

I just returned to that dealer today, June 17th, for other services they recommended and was told that the passenger-side front window was falling down. (I had not known this and it did not fall during my drive). So, I just spent the better part of another day while this was fixed for another charge of $732.79.

Needless to say, I'm now anxiously awaiting the failure of the driver window. I figure I've got maybe a week!

- Will P., Kennesaw, US

problem #44

Jun 012023

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,190 miles

This complaint is number 2 of 3 for the same problem.

Around the third week of May 2023, the rear passenger-side window started falling down on my 2016 Kia Optima LX. I called a Kia dealer about 20 miles from my home, because they could get to it before any closer one - appointment on June 7. On about the first of June, the other rear window started falling down when I drove the car. Fortunately, I could manually raise the windows, but vibration from driving would make them fall, so no driving on rainy days!

The dealer installed new regulators in both the windows, total charge without tax $1122.50. Luckily, I have extended warranty coverage for these repairs, but did have to pay a $100 deductible on each of the two repair bills, because I did not take the car to the original selling dealer (about a 100 mile roundtrip with heavy traffic).

I just returned to that dealer today, June 17th, for other services they recommended and was told that the passenger-side front window was falling down. (I had not known this and it did not fall during my drive). So, I just spent the better part of another day while this was fixed for another charge of $732.79.

Needless to say, I'm now anxiously awaiting the failure of the driver window. I figure I've got maybe a week!

- Will P., Kennesaw, US

problem #43

Mar 112023

Optima SXL 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,900 miles

I had read about the window regulators being an issue on Kia cars, and I now have first-hand experience with this. These cars are HORRIBLE! I am driving around with two wooden shims holding my rear passenger window up, and I have to rewedge them about once a week. Took the car to the dealership today for another, more urgent issue, and was told that I would have to pay a SEPARATE diagnostic charge for each issue the car is having. Come on, Kia -- you can do better. How many complaints have to be logged before you do the right thing and FIX THE ISSUES! Holding my breath and hoping that the other windows don't fail like I have been reading on other posts. I don't even want to know how much this is going to cost me.

- Rhonda W., McKinney, TX, US

problem #42

Feb 012022

Optima ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I paid 525.00 to get my driver side front window regulator replaced in 2022 and now the other three (passenger side and both back window regulator spindles have disintergrated. This is definitely poor worksmanship on the part of KIA. I have three windows being held up with duct tape until I can get the regulators ordered. I hope there is a law suit so I can be reimbursed!

- Lary B., Missouri City, US

problem #41

Oct 022022

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 142,000 miles

The rear windows in my 2016 Kia Optima, LX 2.4, are not working.

- Pardis W., Webster, FL, US

problem #40

Aug 282022

Optima EX 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,655 miles

One month after I paid $450 to have the rear passenger window regulator replaced (because both the car warranty and certified insurance warranty are expired), and 19 days after my driver's side window regulator failed on August, 10, 2022, the rear driver's side window regulator failed. My grandsons and I were going to take my car through the car wash. Pulled up to the window to pay and gave my grandson sitting in the back seat behind me gave the attendant my card. I couldn't give the attendant my card because MY window can't be put down as it's jimmied with wood sticks since the window regulator failed and the part is currently out of stock.

Once we pulled away from the window I went to put the window up before going through the car wash and it didn't budge. Had to back up, go back around to the attendant and tell her what happened. A guy came out, rolled up 4 of their brochures and stuck them in my window. After leaving there, my grandsons and I went to Walmart and got some wooden rulers to use instead of the brochures. I have now filled out THREE complaints on this site for the same car, THREE window regulator issues all in the span of FOUR weeks. I'm OVER IT!!!

So let's add this up... just assuming all THREE windows will cost approximately $450 each to repair... that's $1350 I'm going to have to pay out-of-pocket. What's next to go wrong with this car?? I saw there's a class action suit against Kia about this very problem. How do I get in on that??? Kia KNOWS this is an issue and I want to be reimbursed!!!

- Cheley H., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #39

Aug 102022

Optima EX 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,500 miles

Ten days after I paid $450 to have the rear passenger window regulator replaced, my driver's side window regulator failed on August 10, 2022. Went to a fast food drive-thru and after getting my order I went to put the window up and it wouldn't budge. With the first window regulator failure, I learned from the dealer that both the car warranty and certified insurance warranty were expired, so I knew I had to find this part myself and pay out-of-pocket AGAIN to have this one fixed as well. Can't find the part anywhere. Every place I've called, including the dealer, have said it's on back order.

So for the past 3 weeks I've had wood sticks jimmied in my window to keep it up. I can't go to drive-thru restaurants, and when at the airport to buy a ticket to go see my mom who just had a stroke, I had to get out of my car, go to the window to hand the attendant my credit card, and pay for parking. How long is this part going to be out of stock??? How long am I going to have to drive not being able to put my driver's side window down??? SOOO inconvenient and feel like I'm driving a hoop-dee instead of a nice car with leather seats and panoramic sunroof.

- Cheley H., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #38

Jul 222022

Optima EX 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,300 miles

At the end of July, 2022 I noticed the rear passenger window was down, so used the power button to put it back up and it wouldn't go up or down. Called the dealer where I bought it and they told me as of March 2022 my warranty was up and the repair would not be covered. It is a certified pre-owned car, so asked about that warranty coverage and was told that the window regulator replacement would be covered, however, that expired June 2021. Paid $450 to have it replaced.

- Cheley H., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #37

Sep 192022

Optima EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

The right rear window broke, then three weeks later the left rear broke.

- Jerald T., Suffolk, US

problem #36

Sep 182022

Optima Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,357 miles

I took my car in for a standard oil change and alignment on Saturday, 09/17. After the service was performed I was informed by a 3-party mechanic that the Driver's side window is now stuck in the down position and will not go back up. They told me that this is due to a malfunction in the regulator, which is a Kia only part that can they can not get until Monday. They get the part from Kia on Tuesday to the tune of $542, fix the window and I am out the door for $822.67.

This morning, Thursday, 09/22 on my drive into work the back Driver's side is slipping down WHILE I AM DRIVING! This is a serious issue that Kia NEEDS to address. Not only is it a safety issue but it makes the vehicles a target to be stolen. I guess I am now out another $800 for a piece of plastic that Kia deemed to be worth over $500. This is absolutely ridiculous and should fall on the shoulders of the manufacture.

- Laura H., Altamonte Springs, FL, US

problem #35

Jul 152021

Optima EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 206,000 miles

1st it was my the back driver side window. It wouldn't go back up, taking almost 2 hours trying. Then 2 weeks later the back passenger side window wouldn't go back up. I did a price check on Ebay. It cost almost 200.00 for each side. You have to buy the whole regulator kit 🥴🥺😢

- Keshia P., Salem, US

problem #34

Jun 222021

Optima Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

ALL 4 WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING DURING THE YEAR AFTER MY WARRANTY ENDED!!! In 40 years of driving cars with power windows, I never had a single window stop working. The ONLY solution was to replace the entire window mechanism. The plastic gear is a design flaw and cannot be replaced alone, you have to replace the entire internal window mechanism!

Crap from Kia. It is dangerous knowing windows could stop working and trap you inside. It cost $450 EACH to repair from a third party but you can only use Kia parts. I replaced the front two. THERE SHOULD BE A VOLUNTARY RECALL BY KIA IF A LEGAL RECALL IS NOT DECLARED.

- Alan S., Longwood, US

problem #33

Jul 022022

Optima T-ECO 1.6L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,122 miles

Both my left rear and right rear windows failed within about two weeks of each other. I ordered parts from Rock Auto for my mechanic to install. However, the parts that I got did not fit my car at all - be careful when ordering the window regulator and/or window motor assemblies... match the picture of the part to be purchased exactly to your existing part(s).

I believe that this failure, based on my current issue and MANY other similar window regulator-related complaints, warrants a recall. There is no reason on earth that both of my rear windows should have failed - they might have been used less than a total of 10 times since I bought the car brand new. I use this car as a commuter vehicle, with me as the only occupant 99.9% of the time. I only lower the front two windows and have never had an issue with those. What gives? Why would the rear windows fail when they are almost never used at all? They should be factory new... something is really wrong here.

- William B., Palm Bay, FL, US

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