2007 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 167 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 11 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontalJan 17, 2012
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 12V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftMar 9, 2011
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.
IF THE DRIVER LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL INJURE A PERSON IN ITS PATH OR CAUSE A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 11V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
167 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 6, 2012
KIA IS FULLY AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUN VISORS. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL TURN UP THOUSANDS OF CASES. THE VISOR COMPONENTS BREAK CAUSING THEM TO HANG LOOSE, OBSTRUCTING VISION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DEFECT HAS EXISTED FOR A LONG TIME (MY WIFE?S 2003 SORRENTO EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE IN 2004) AND IT CONTINUES TODAY. MY 2007 OPTIMA HAS BOTH VISORS HANGING PRESENTLY. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THESE VISORS, AND THE COST TO REPAIR THEM IS 100-200 EACH. *TR
Structure, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPMITA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRUNK LOCK FAILED PREVENTING HIM FROM UNLOCKING OR LOCKING THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT HAD TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE LOCK SYSTEM FAILED, BUT THEY WERE NOT SURE IF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,404.
Air bags, Nov 5, 2012
I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN MY OPTIMA TO THE DEALER FOR THIS RECALL ALREADY AND THEY FIXED THE RECALL THE FIRST TIME, BUT I TOOK IT AGAIN LAST WEEK FOR THE SAME THING AND NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC FEE SO THEY CAN TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS ? THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY KNOW WHAT IT IS AND IT IS A DEFECT AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT. THIS A RECALL AND THEY NEED TO FIX IT AND NOT ME PAY FOR IT.... *TR
Air bags, Oct 25, 2012
AIR BAG DASH BOARD LIGHT CAME ON. BEFORE THIS THE PASSENGER SENSOR WOULD BE HIT OR MISS. DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS A SHORT IN THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR $1400.00. IT COST ME $60 JUST FOR THEM TO TELL ME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE FOR THIS TO BE OK. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Oct 23, 2012
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NO LONGER STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. I DROOP ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN OBSCURING VISION. MUST BE HELD UP BY HAND. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Sep 10, 2012
SUNVISORS BOTH WILL NOT STAY UP. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jul 14, 2012
MY 2007 KIA OPTIMA HAS HAD BOTH SUN VISORS BREAK MAKING THEM UNABLE TO REMAIN IN THE UPWARD POSITION. INITIALLY THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR BROKE AND SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE. IT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE TRAFFIC LIGHTS WHEN STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION SO I HELD THEM UP WITH THE EXTENDED VISOR IN THE VISOR. I WOULD REPLACE THEM BUT THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE THEY WERE USED NORMALLY, I DO NOT ATTACH ANYTHING TO THE VISORS AND THEY WERE USUALLY UP. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE VISORS. THIS IS A MATTER OF SAFETY IN MY OPINION. *TR
Engine, Jun 19, 2012, fire
I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PROCEEDED TO TURN LEFT WHEN I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AS I PULLED OVER THERE I NOTICED A THICK CLOUD OF BLUE SMOKE OUT OF MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES AT THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND AIRCONDITIONER AREA OF THE CAR. FLAMES CONTINUED UNTIL THE INTERIOR BEGAN BURNING AND WINDSHIELD BROKE. *JS
Air bags, May 5, 2012
HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST LOSE THEIR LIVES IN ORDER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A MANDATORY INSPECTION OF KIA MANUFACTURING PLANTS REGARDING AIR BAG FAILURES. I OWN TWO KIA VEHICLES AND BOTH OF THEM HAVE THE MAIN AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. A RECENT VISIT TO THE DEALER ADDED INSULT TO INJURY WHEN THEY INDICATED THAT IT WOULD COST $1500.00 TO REPLACE A PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO A INTERNAL SHORT OF THE OCS/MAT AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER ARE DRIVING VEHICLES WITH AIRBAG FAILURES FROM DAY ONE OF PURCHASE. KIA MUST BE STANDING IN LINE FOR FUTURE LAWSUITS. *TR
Visibility, May 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL, OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SUN VISOR UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME FOR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Visibility, Apr 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SUN VISORS WOULD FALL FROM THEIR HOUSING SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN VISORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Visibility, Feb 27, 2012
DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP OR POSITION ... SHOULD BE WARRANTY ISSUE EVEN @ 80,000 MILES. NO EXCESS USE OR ABUSE. JUST NORMAL EVERYDAY USE! *TR
Visibility, Jan 20, 2012
MY 2007 KIA OPTIMA DRIVER AND PASSENGER VISORS DO NOT WORK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE THEY ARE IN MY VIEW OF DRIVING. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SINCE IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH EVER AGAIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Air bags, Dec 30, 2011
AT 63,000 MILES, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ILLUMINATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THE ADULT/CHILD SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR NEITHER FRONT AIRBAG WOULD WORK. ESTIMATE WAS $1,600 PREPAID. PRIOR TO THIS, NO PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SENSORS IN THIS VEHICLE. *KB
Air bags, Oct 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,533 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,353.
Air bags, Oct 7, 2011
2007 KIA OPTIMA AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAY ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT UNTIL THE ENGINE IS SHUTOFF. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS TO KIA CONCERNING THIS PROBLEMS.THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA NEEDS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. NHTSA PLEASE INVESTIGATED KIA AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Oct 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL AWAY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V153000(POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2011
I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN ACCELERATING WITH THE PEDAL DEPRESSED MODERATELY THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO ACCELERATE AND THEN WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN LOOSE ALL POWER. ESSENTIALLY IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE PEDAL WERE COMPLETELY RELEASED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS HOWEVER, I WILL TRY AND GIVE IT MORE GAS TO COMPENSATE AND TRIED TO RELEASE THE PEDAL AND REAPPLY PRESSURE TO NO AVAIL. IT WILL USUALLY TAKE FIVE SECONDS OR SO UNTIL I REGAIN ANY SORT OF ACCELERATION. DURING ONE OCCURRENCE I HAVE TO GUIDE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP FOR BEFORE IT WOULD RESPOND AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF STARTING THE CAR IN THE MORNING AND HAS OCCURRED ABOUT TEN TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION WITHOUT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT TWICE. THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO ACCELERATE AND THEN WILL JUST COAST, WHICH IS PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Visibility, Sep 3, 2011
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION, THEREFORE IT HANGS IN MY VIEW WHEN DRIVING. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE AND HAVE OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS COMPLAINT. HOW MANY COMPLAINT DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET HURT ? *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 14, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA OPTIMA LX LAST FRIDAY [8/5/11] AND WHEN I DROVE IT THAT NIGHT, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE ROAD. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE A DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY A FATAL HAZARD, WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I AM WRITING TO INFORM YOU ABOUT THIS MATTER. I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I SENT AN EMAIL TO KIA ON 8/5 ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A REPLY YET. PLEASE LET ME EXPLAIN. THE KIA MODEL I PURCHASED, HAS TWO HEADLIGHTS ON EACH SIDE. THERE IS A TOP LIGHT AND A BOTTOM LIGHT. THE TOP LIGHT IS THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON THE CAR AND THE BOTTOM LIGHT IS THE HIGH BEAM. THE BOTTOM LIGHT POINTS OUT IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION, AS WITH CARS THAT ONLY HAVE ONE HEADLIGHT ON EACH SIDE. THE LOW BEAM LIGHT IS LOCATED'UP AND TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR! IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE LIGHTS WORK CORRECTLY, WHEN THE LOW BEAM LIGHT IS LOCATED'UP AND TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR! THERE IS A 'BLACK SPOT' AREA'ON THE ROAD, ANYTHING IN FRONT OF THE CAR, TO CARS IN FRONT OF YOU, AND TO THE SIDES OF THE ROAD IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. THE 'BLACK SPOT' AREA MEANS JUST THAT'EVERYTHING IN THAT AREA IS BLACK. THE BLACK AREA IS IN ALL THE PLACES WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SEE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON. IN ORDER FOR THE LIGHTS TO WORK CORRECTLY, HERE IS AN UNCOMPLICATED AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO FIX THEM. HERE IS THE IDEA, FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO WORK CORRECTLY: THE TOP LIGHT (LOW BEAM) STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THE BOTTOM LIGHT SWITCHES FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM! THE TOP LIGHT IS AIMED TOWARD THE BEAM IN THE BOTTOM LIGHT. THIS GIVES EXTRA LIGHT WHEN THE LOW BEAMS ARE ON. THE LOCATION OF THE BOTTOM LIGHT WILL PROVIDE THE CORRECT LIGHTING WHEN USING HEADLIGHTS. HAVING THE BOTTOM LIGHT SWITCH FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HOW WERE THESE HEADLIGHTS EVER APPROVED? A RESPONSE AND REPLY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *TR
Air bags, Jul 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A FAULTY AIR BAG MODULE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS AND AIR BAG MODULE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FAULTY AIR BAG. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Visibility, Jul 29, 2011
DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE STORED POSITION, THEREFORE IT HANGS IN MY VIEW WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE TRIED TO SECURE WITH VELCO FOR THE TIME BEING, BUT IT DOES NOT HOLD. THE PASSANGER SUN VISOR HAS ALSO BROKE AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE STORED POSITION AND THEREFORE BLOCKS MY VIEW AT STOP SIGNS AND WHILE LOOKING IN THE PASSANGER MIRROR WHEN CHANGING LANES
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE NOR COULD THEY DUPLICATE IT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO HER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,093. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ UPDATED 07/08/11
Air bags, Jan 28, 2011
I HAVE A KIA OPTIMA 2007, I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2007. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THEY HAVE NOT FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY AT ALL. ALSO THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THAT AS WELL. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE ROTORS ON THE CAR ONLY A YEAR INTO DRIVING IT. THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT THERE IS A CRASH WHICH IS A DANGER TO ME AND MY KIDS. I HAVE TRIED TO REASON WITH KIA AND THEY WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH ME AT ALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 28, 2010
BROKEN CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND DRIVE BELT. *TR