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.
Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 30, 2010
WHILE PARKING 2007 OPTIMA I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR TAKE OUT THE KEY. THE SHIFTER LINKAGE AND CABLE HAD BROKEN. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER (SUMMIT KIA, WATERFORD, MI) THEY REPLACED THE VEHICLE SHIFTING LINKAGE AT A COST OF $750.00. THE DEALER STATED THE CABLE BROKE AND WHEN I ASKED IF THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE THEY STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UNUSUAL TO HAVE TO REPLACE THIS ON THE 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE VEHICLE HAS 108,000 MILES. IN 40 YEARS AND MANY VEHICLES I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS GO ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE I OWNED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Nov 11, 2010
BOUGHT A 2007 KIA OPTIMA IN JULY 2010, AFTER 3 MONTHS HAD TO HAVE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED. NOW ONLY A MONTH LATER THE BRAKES ARE BAD AGAIN. I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. THE BACK DRIVER SIDE BRAKES ARE GRINDING. THE CAR CONTINUES TO SQUEAL. I TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY SAID THERE WAS MORE THAN 50% BRAKE PADS LEFT. WHEN I CHANGED THEM THE FIRST TIME THEY WERE COMPLETELY GONE IN THE BACK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACING THE BRAKES AGAIN, JUST ONE MONTH LATER. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THAT. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY CAR OR THE DEALERSHIP AT THE MOMENT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 1, 2010
I HAVE A 2007 KIA OPTIMA, I PURCHASED IT ON 9/2009. THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS AS FOLLOWS: WHEN I AM PUMPING FUEL , I REMOVE THE CAP AND PUT THE NOZZLE AND PUMP GAS AND THERE ARE TIMES I HOLD THE NOZZLE OR I PUT THE LOCK SO IT DISPENSES ON IT OWN AND WHENEVER THE TANK IS FULL IT STOPS. WHEN I REMOVE THE NOZZLE SUDDENLY THE FUEL FLUSHES OUT OF THE TANK.SOMETIMES ITS ALOT AND OTHERS ITS A LITTLE. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN I (FILL) MY TANK. THE FUEL FLUSHES OUT ONTO THE FLOOR AND MY CAR. I ALWAYS HAVE TO CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR AND TELL THE GASOLINE ATTENDEE THAT THERE IS FUEL ON THE GROUND AND THEY CLEAN IT UP. NO REPAIRS HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS MATTER. I ONLY PUMP 1/2 A TANK NOW OR JUST PUMP $20 TO AVOID HAVING THIS INCIDENT AGAIN. IS THERE A REPORT ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM? *TR
Visibility, Air bags, Oct 27, 2010
MY 2007 KIA OPTIMA HAS HAD BOTH SUN VISORS BREAK MAKING THEM UNABLE TO REMAIN IN THE UPWARD POSITION. INITIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR BROKE AND SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE. IT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE TRAFFIC LIGHTS WHEN STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION SO I HELD THEM UP WITH STRAPS. NOW I CANT USE THEM TO BLOCK THE SUN. 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. ADDITIONALLY WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN THERE IS NO OCCUPANT IN THE SEAT. IM NOT SURE WHY BUT IT ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I AM IN THE SEAT. I WEAR MY SEATBELT AND SIT NORMALLY IN THE CHAIR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT USED IN 2008. *TR
Visibility, Oct 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS BROKE WHICH IMPAIRED HIS VISION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS/WARRANTIES THAT WOULD COVER REPAIRS AND HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR EXPENSES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Tires, Sep 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO MODEL#KH17 (NA) SIZE 205/60R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED TWO FRONT TIRES DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AND WITHIN THREE MONTHS THE TIRES EXHIBITED TREAD WEAR PREMATURELY AND CRACKING. THE TIRES WAS PURCHASE 1/30/2010. THE REMAINING TREAD DEPTH WAS 5 AND THE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS ONLY 6,300. THERE WAS NO TIRE IMPACT SUCH AS POTHOLE OR OTHER ROAD HAZARDS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND INFORMED HIM TO RETURN THEM TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Visibility, Air bags, Sep 16, 2010
HOW MANY CONSUMERS HAVE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE AIR BAGS IN 2007 KIA OPTIMA (MOSTLY PASSENGER) BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I'VE ALREADY BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO DEALER DURING WARRANTY PERIOD AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. WHAT IS THE POINT OF AIRBAGS IF THEY DON'T DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED? SOMEONE, IF NOT ALREADY, WILL BE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIRBAGS, AND THOSE ARE JUST THE ONES THAT CONSUMERS TOOK THE TIME TO REPORT. WHAT ABOUT THE VISORS WITH THE DEFECTIVE INTERNAL PIECE THAT SHATTERS AND LEAVES THE VISORS IN A HANGING POSITION. THIS IS DANGEROUS!! THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED AND NO RECALL WAS EVER ISSUED. AGAIN, THESE ARE SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES. WHAT DOES IT TAKE AND HOW MANY COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A MANUFACTURER CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE? *TR
Visibility, Air bags, Sep 15, 2010
PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT. BROUGHT IN TO DEALER, WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PASSENGER VISOR BROKE AND HANGS IN LINE OF VISION. RESEARCHED AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE ON BOTH VISORS. THERE IS A DEFECTIVE PIECE USED IN THE ARM OF VISOR THAT SHATTERS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, AS THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY IN UPRIGHT POSITION AND DROPS DOWN INTO LINE OF VISION. BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE A COMMON COMPLAINT OF THIS VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, THEREFORE, CAN'T AFFORD TO REPAIR DEFECTIVE VISOR THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED WITH STRONGER PARTS. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Sep 9, 2010
MY 2007 KIA OPTIMA SEEMS TO BE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND RANDOMLY WITH THE RADIO/CRUISE CONTROL SETTING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. MY PROBLEMS DID NOT APPEAR TO START UNTIL AFTER THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2009 DUE TO THE NOISES THAT WAS COMING FROM IT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS RECENTLY COME ON AND STAYS ON. ONE DEALER SAID THAT THE CODE THAT THEY WERE GETTING IS THAT CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. ANOTHER DEALER STATES THAT THEY ARE NOT GETTING ANY CODES AND THE AIR BAG WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT $1200.00. THE NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN CAN STILL BE HEARD AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS THE BEARING IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT THAT. THE ISSUES WITH THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS RANDOM AND THE DEALER STATES THAT IT NEVER DUPLICATES FOR THEM. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD IS OVER I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THE ISSUES STARTED BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS OUT AND IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE NOTED IN THEIR SYSTEM. KIA HEADQUARTERS OPEN UP A CASE WITH NO RESOLUTION OTHER THAN NO OF THE DEALERS CALLED THEIR HELPDESK FOR HELP OR MADE ANY CLAIMS OF MY ISSUES. THEY SUGGESTED THEY I TAKE THE CAR BACK AND HAVE THE DEALER CALL THEM AND REFERENCE THE CASE NUMBER. I HAVE CHECK TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN IN RECALLS ON MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND IT APPEARS TO HAVE NOT BEEN ANY. ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER KIA OWNERS TO POST THIS SAME ISSUES ON THE INTERNET AND BASICALLY HAVE THE SAME RESULTS THERE ARE STILL NO RECALLS. JUST THE DEALERS TRY THIS AND THAT. THE OWNERS PAYING FOR WHAT SUPPOSED TO BE THE RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND IT REALLY IS NOT. THE PROBLEM MAY GO AWAY FOR A WHILE AND THEN SHORTLY RETURN. IT IS MORE LIKE GETTING THE RUN AROUND WITH WASTED TIME AND MONEY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 3, 2010
PURCHASED MY KIA OPTIMA NEW IN 07.. FOR THE PAST 5 MONTHS THE DASHBOARD AIR BAG SENSOR HAS BEEN ON. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR IT AND THAT MORE THAN LIKELY ITS JUST THE SENSOR AND THE AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOY WHEN THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO.. I ALSO WAS TOLD THAT IF THE LIGHT IS ON THAT MEANS THE AIR BAGS ARE NOT GOING TO DEPLOY. SO BASICALLY THERE IS NOTHING ANYONE CAN DO AND WHO KNOWS IF IT IS GOING TO WORK! *TR
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE KEY TO REMAIN LODGED IN THE IGNITION OR MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED IN PLACE AS WELL. THE CONTACT CONTINUOUSLY TURNED AND PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS HER BODY IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEY BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE KEY AND ADVISED THAT WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE STRAIGHT IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVEN TIMES IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Power train, Jul 10, 2010
ON TWO OCCASIONS (TO DATE) MY KIA OPTIMA HAS BECOME INOPERABLE - UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE FIRST OCCURRED DURING THE WINTER IN FEBRUARY 2010. AFTER ONE OF MANY SNOWSTORMS THIS SEASON I WAS DRIVING ON A PLOWED ROAD THEN ENCOUNTERED AN AREA WHERE THERE WAS ONLY ROOM ENOUGH FOR ONE CAR TO PASS. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO ALLOW AN APPROACHING VEHICLE TO PASS MY CAR WAS IN ABOUT 8-INCHES OF SNOW. WHILE MOVING THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR BETWEEN REVERSE TO GET OUT OF LOOSELY PACKED SNOW I FOUND I COULD NO LONGER GET THE CAR INTO A DRIVE GEAR ' FORWARD OR REVERSE. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE AND WAS CAUSING A ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES. THE DEALER CLAIMED SNOW CAUSED THE SHIFTING CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE GEAR SELECTOR. THE DEALER, HOLLY KIA, REPORTED THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED BY REATTACHING THE CABLE TO THE SELECTOR. MORE RECENTLY MY SON WAS OPERATING MY VEHICLE ON OR ABOUT JULY 6TH, 2010 ' A 100+ DEGREE DAY. HE REPORTED THAT HE WAS IN REVERSE TO MOVE THE CAR TO ANOTHER PARKING SPOT IN A CAR DEALERSHIP AND THE CAR COULD NO LONGER BE SHIFTED INTO ANY GEAR' AGAIN. DURING THIS INSTANCE THE CAR WAS ON A STEEP INCLINE AND MY SON WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR AROUND OTHER PARKED CARS BUT THE CAR HAD TO BE COASTED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GRADE IN ORDER TO BE SAFELY PARKED. AFTER THE SECOND INSTANCE, THE CAR WAS AGAIN TOWED BACK TO HOLLY KIA FOR REPAIR - HOLLY KIA IS NOW REPLACING THE SHIFTING CABLE. THE HOLLY KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2007 KIA OPTIMA AS A MANUFACTURING FLAW. MY CONCERN IS, AFTER THE REPAIR CAN THE CAR BE TRUSTED AND OPERATED SAFELY ' BOTH INCIDENTS LEFT THE CAR IN A VERY COMPROMISED STATE AND A HAZARD TO OTHER VEHICLES (MOVING AND PARKED). *TR
Power train, Jul 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 KIA OPTIMA LS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE SHIFTER CABLE DISCONNECTED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. WHEN SHE GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WERE ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CABLE WAS ATTACHED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,000.
Air bags, Jun 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH A PASSENGER OCCUPYING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE LIGHT WOULD SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER SEVEN TIMES. TWO NEW SEAT BOTTOMS WERE REPROGRAMMED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,851 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,013. UPDATED 08/11/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/17/10
Equipment, Apr 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE AN OWNERS MANUAL WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN HE PURCHASED IT USED. WHEN HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT WAS TO DOWNLOAD THE SIX HUNDRED PAGES AND PRINT IT. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE LACK OF THE MANUAL WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HE COULD NOT LEARN HOW THE CAR OPERATED AND POSSIBLE SAFETY DEFECTS.
Seats, Mar 16, 2010, crash
I DRIVE A 2007 KIA OPTIMA, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT; WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, I BROADSIDED A VAN. UPON INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT CAME OFF THE TRACK AND TWISTED TOWARD THE DRIVERS DOOR, TIGHT AGAINST THE INSIDE DOOR FRAME. THE BACK OF THE SEAT CAME FORWARD, WHICH LED TO NO MORE GIVE IN THE SEATBELT - WHICH I THINK CAUSED MY LEFT CLAVICLE TO SNAP IN TWO. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN HE PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THEY INFORMED HER THAT WHENEVER SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, THE FOUR WHEELS HAD TO BE IN A STRAIGHT LINE OR ELSE IT WOULD NOT START. THE KIA MANUFACTURER WAS NEVER CALLED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7895.
Air bags, Jan 20, 2010
WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF OUR KIA OPTIMA APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THE TIME THE "AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT NEVER TURNS OFF. WE HAVE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE DEALER ON HOW TO PROPERLY SIT IN THE SEAT ETC. WE HAVE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT THE VEHICLE TWICE AND SO FAR THEY HAVE REFUSED TO FIX IT. MY WIFE'S WEIGHT VARIES FROM 130-140LBS. AT MY FIRST VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THE WEIGHT LIMIT WAS 110LBS. THIS PAST VISIT WE WERE TOLD THE LIMIT WAS 120LBS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NHTSA THAT THEY TEST WITH A CRASH DUMMY WEIGHING 108LBS SO REGARDLESS MY WIFE IS WELL OUTSIDE OF THE WEIGHT THRESHOLDS. THIS IS A DUPLICATE OF ORIGINAL COMPLAINT 10299891. I WAS TOLD BY NHTSA THAT ADDING THE WEIGHTS OF OCCUPANTS WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THEM. *TR
Air bags, Jan 15, 2010
WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF OUR KIA OPTIMA APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THE TIME THE "AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF. WE HAVE FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE DEALER ON HOW TO PROPERLY SIT IN THE SEAT ETC. WE HAVE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT THE VEHICLE TWICE AND SO FAR THEY HAVE REFUSED TO FIX IT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2010
WE HAVE A 2007 MODEL KIA OPTIMA AND HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TURN INDICATOR BULB ON THE TAIL LIGHT BLOWING. ALSO THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT BURNING OUT. WE HAVE REPLACED THE REAR BULB THREE TIMES AND THE LEFT HEADLIGHT TWICE ALREADY SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE CAR. I WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHETHER THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT OTHER KIA OWNERS WERE HAVING. THE TURN SIGNAL BULB WENT OUT IN JUNE OF 2009 AND AGAIN IN OCTOBER OF 2009. THE LATEST INCIDENT WAS ON JANUARY 4TH IN 2010. *TR
Parking brake, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Nov 30, 2009
PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, BRAKE LIGHTS. THE REAR STOP LAMP AND TAIL LAMP BULB HAVE A DEFINITE MALFUNCTION. WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE LIGHTS BLINK AND CERTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE AFFECTED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MUST BE COVERED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Nov 27, 2009
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED APPROXIMATELY 60% OF THE TIME WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A PASSENGER. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN APRIL 2007. FROM ALL I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS THE MOST PREVAILING PROBLEM KIA OWNERS HAVE. KIA ACKNOWLEDGES THIS IS TRUE, BUT SAYS THIS IS SIMPLY HOW THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED. THEIR ONLY SOLUTION IS THAT PASSENGERS MUST SIT BOLT UPRIGHT AND WEIGH OVER 130 POUNDS. THEY ALSO ADVISE ME TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. NOT GOOD!!! *TR
Air bags, Nov 10, 2009
IN 2007 I PURCHASED A NEW KIA OPTIMA 4CYL AUTOMATIC FROM A LOCAL DEALER. SOON AFTER, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD SOMETIMES REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG WAS OFF. KIA AUTHORIZED DEALER SAID THAT UNLESS PASSENGER IS SITTING IN UPRIGHT POSITION EXACTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT, THE SENSOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. WE ALSO NOTED THAT IF PASSENGER NOT SITTING CORRECTLY AT FIRST COUPLE OF MINUTES OF DRIVE, BUT THEN REPOSITION HIMSELF IN UPRIGHT POSITION, SENSOR WILL NOT REACT AND AIR BAG WILL BE OFF UNTIL CAR RESTARTED. DEALER SAID THAT SENSOR IS CHECKING FOR PASSENGER ONLY ONCE AT THE BEGINNING OF DRIVE AND DOES NOT RE-CHECK DURING THE DRIVE. IT SEEMS NOT LOGICAL - IF I AM PICKING UP THE PASSENGER AFTER HOUR OF DRIVE WITHOUT TURNING THE MOTOR OFF, THE SENSOR SHOULD SENSE THE PASSENGER AND TURN ON THE AIR BAG. THE DEALERS ANSWER ABOUT UPRIGHT POSITION OF PASSENGER IS NONSENSE - OUR NISSAN QUEST 2004 HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AND NISSAN COMPANY DID VOLUNTARY RECALL AND RE-DESIGN THE SEAT CUSHION SENSOR TO THE BIGGER AND MORE SENSITIVE ONE, SO POSITION OF THE PASSENGER ON THE SEAT DOES NOT MATTER ANYMORE. AS I SEE FROM SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH (JUST SEARCH FOR "KIA OPTIMA PASSENGER AIR BAG PROBLEM"), THERE IS A LOT OF CUSTOMER'S REPORTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE KIA COMPANY FOUND THAT DESIGN FLAW FOR SORRENTO MODEL, BUT I BELIEVE THEY WILL NEED TO CHECK OPTIMA 2007 AS WELL. I'VE BOUGHT KIA DUE TO ADVERTISEMENT OF KIA CAR'S 5-STAR SAFETY RATING, BUT NOW I AM REALLY CONCERN ABOUT SAFETY OF MY LOVED ONES IF THEY ARE ON THE PASSENGER SEAT IN MY CAR. IT IS A QUITE DANGEROUS CAR DEFECT AND I HOPE MY COMPLAINT WILL SPEED UP KIA RESPONSE TO THE POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE IGNITION WOULD LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD LOCK BECAUSE THE WHEELS WERE TURNED WHILE PARKED. HE ADDED THAT SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE THE WHEELS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN PARKED AND TO ENSURE THAT THE WHEELS WERE PARALLEL WHEN PARKED. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CURRENT WAS 9,000.
Suspension, Sep 30, 2009
KIA OPTIMA 2006.5 FROM DAY OF NEW CAR PURCHASE IN DEC 2006, CAR HAS HAD A FRONT END PROBLEM THAT RESULTS IN EXCESSIVE NOISE, VIBRATION, AND A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE STRIKES A SERIES OF BUMPS IN THE ROAD. DEALER AND OTHER OWNERS ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS TYPICAL OF MOST VEHICLES IN THIS MODEL YEAR. I AM CONCERNED THAT I COULD LOSE CONTROL IF THE CONDITION DETERIORATES FURTHER WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER DID REPLACE THE FRONT STRUTS A MONTH AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, BUT THE CONDITION PERSISTS. VEHICLE NOW HAS 12000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR