2008 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 144 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 20 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 22 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
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
144 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Seats, Jul 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Jul 14, 2015
MY CAR SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFT LEVER EXPLAINED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V153000, HOWEVER. MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A DAMAGE BUSHING IN THE SHIFT CABLE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $150.00 LABOR, $8.28 BUSHING AND $50.00 FOR THE TOW.
Engine, May 21, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECELERATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY OTHER DRIVERS ON THE SCENE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Air bags, May 21, 2015, crash
WIFE WAS COMING BACK FROM WALKING THE DOGS IN THE PARK, AT THE PARK SHE WAS FEELING DIZZY, WHEN SHE SAT DOWN IN THE CAR SHE WAS FEELING BETTER. AS SHE WAS DRIVING HOME, SHE PASSED A SCHOOL AND SAW THE SIGN TO SLOW DOWN. AFTER THAT, SHE BLACKED OUT AND SHE WOKE UP AFTER THE ACCIDENT, IN A DITCH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET. SHE HAD HIT A FENCE THEN HEAD-ON INTO A TREE. THE WHOLE TIME ALL THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT UPDATED 05-27-15 *BF.....UPDATED 06-12-15 *BF UPDATED 06/23/15*JB
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 3, 2015
FEBRUARY 2013 STARTED EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL ISSUES. EXAMPLE: REAR WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING (HAD TO HAVE REPLACED), THEN TROUBLE WITH TURN SIGNAL LIGHT WOULD AT TIMES NOT WORK. THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR: ADDED COOLANT AND FR( JULY 2013) BUT STILL ISN'T WORKING RIGHT. THEN CD PLAYER HAD ISSUES WHERE IT WOULD NOT EJECT CD OR FAIL TO READ THE DISK AT ALL. THEN THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING TOO. JUNE 2014 CAR WOULDN'T START HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY BUT STILL WOULDN'T CHARGE. JANUARY 2015 INSTALLED NEW ALTERNATOR, STILL DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. HAD THE CHARGING SYSTEM INSPECTED FEBRUARY 2015. TURNED OUT TO BE A SHORT OR FAILURE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUE HAS TO GET IT FIXED. FEBRUARY 2015 ELECTRICAL REPAIRS (SWITCH, PLUG, FUSE). MARCH 2015 CAR IS MAKING GRINDING NOISE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE BREAK, IT IS VERY HARD TO BRING THE CAR TO A FULL STOP AND MAKES A GRINDING SOUND WHEN MAKING TURNS AS WELL. *TR
Visibility, Apr 25, 2015
I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUNVISORS SAG UNTIL I OWNED THIS CAR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED. *TR
Power train, Air bags, Apr 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V014000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Visibility, Mar 24, 2015
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN FROM ITS STOWED POSITION, DIRECTLY IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH. THIS BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD AND OTHER TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE VISOR BACK UP TO THE ROOF, BUT IT WOULD NOT STAY AND AGAIN FELL, BLOCKING VISION. THE DRIVER ALSO TRIED TO PUSH THE VISOR UP TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD, BUT AGAIN, IT WOULD NOT STAY AND DROPPED BACK INTO THE LINE OF SIGHT. DURING THIS TIME, THE DRIVER WAS DANGEROUSLY DISTRACTED TRYING TO GET THE VISOR OUT OF THE LINE OF SIGHT, AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. FINALLY, THE DRIVER HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY WHILE HOLDING THE VISOR WITH ONE HAND, AND THE OTHER HAND ON THE WHEEL, JUST TO BE ABLE TO SEE. THE CAR IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE VISOR IS REMOVED OR REPAIRED. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH 2006-2008 KIAS AND HAS BEEN ENCOUNTERED BY NUMEROUS DRIVERS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY KIA BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE VISOR BLOCKING THE VIEW OF THE ROAD AND CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2015
ON FEBRUARY 21 2015 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE STORE WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I CALLED KIA DEALER AND THEY HAD NO SOLUTION. THE KIA DEALER GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 2015. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND PUT IT IN THE GARAGE. ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 2015 I WENT INTO THE GARAGE AND COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. I DECIDED TO BACK THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND COULDN'T BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 2015 I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE KIA DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SHIFTER RELEASE MECHANISM INOPERATIVE NOT ALLOWING THE KEY TO BE RELEASE IN SWITCH. THEY REPLACED SHIFTER ASSEMBLY AND THE BATTERY. THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS WHICH I PAID WAS $870. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON FEBRUARY 25 2015. *TR
Power train, Jan 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR LEVER WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED WHEN SHIFTING OUT OR INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 3, 2014
MESSAGE: I HAVE A 2008 KIA OPTIMA THAT AFTER A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET THAT KIA MOTOR COMPANY HAS AN ISSUE WITH THEIR SUN VISORS ON THE CAR THAT I HAVE. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE. I SEND YOU THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN BE MADE AWARE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED WITH THE BLOCKED VISION OF A DRIVER WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN YOU GET THE VISOR BACK UP AND SEE YOU ARE HEADED INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY ASSISTANCE TO KIA OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IF THEY REPLACE THE VISOR AT THE DEALER THEY JUST PUT ANOTHER DEFECTIVE VISOR ON AND CHARGE YOU $180.00. WE NEED A FIX. THANKS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 2, 2014
I TOOK MY CAR IN ON 4 SEP 2014 I GOT THIS CAR IN GOOD FAITH FROM [XXX] I HAVE HAD MY CAR BACK AT LEAST 3 TIME ALREADY AND I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK ON NOVEMBER 3, 2014 WHERE MY LIGHT HAVE BEEN FLASHING AND MY LIGHT IS OUT AGAIN. MY GAS PEDAL WHEN I AM GOING ABOUT 40 OR 50 AND I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER CARS AND IT'S LIKE I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING. I DON'T EVEN WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR I DON'T EVERY NO WHEN MY LIGHTS ARE GOING TO GO OUT. I HAVE HAD TO COME OUT ON MY JOB BECAUSE OF BREAST CANCER. AND THE MONEY THAT HAD WAS MY 2000 CADILLAC DEVILED WHICH THE ONLY GAVE ME 1500 WISH I FOUND OUT THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME MORE WISH MY WARRANTY RUN OUT IN LEST THEN 90 DAYS. I WAS UNABLE TO GET ANOTHER WARRANTY SO WHAT DO I DO I NEED A CAR TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO THE DOCTOR. I NEED SOME HELP. SO PLEASE DON'T LET ME DOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Oct 26, 2014
THIS IS THE 3RD TO 4TH TIME THE CAR LOOSING POWER STEERING AFTER DRIVING THRU A PUDDLE AT A LOW SPEED. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TWO TIMES WITH REALLY NO KNOWN CAUSE. MECHANIC REPLACED THE BELT BUT APPARENTLY THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2014
TODAY, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN MY 2008 KIA, I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOME. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE AND BUT USUALLY I CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR MOVE AROUND THE GEARSHIFT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH TODAY MY KEY WILL NOT TURN AND I CAN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AROUND AND PUSH THE GEARSHIFT OVER AND IT DOES NOTHING. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO COME IN TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR $107 , ALTHOUGH I TOLD THEM IT SEEMS TO BE THE KEY IGNITION. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH I AM SHOCKED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR IT AND ALSO MY CAR WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AT RANDOM TIMES WHEN I START TO DRIVE AND TURN A CORNER .I ALSO FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES. *TR
Visibility, Sep 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISORS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT BOTH SUN VISORS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2014
I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 05 THRU 08 ON THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE FRONT AIRBAG. MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND I GUESS MINE IS NOT COVERED. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID MINE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IF THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM ISN'T IT COVERED. I GUESS THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INJURY OR DEATH BEFORE ITS COVERED. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Aug 7, 2014, crash
MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THEY STRUCK A TREE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THEIR WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE IMPACT WAS MORE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT OF VEHICLE. MY DAUGHTER WAS THE PASSENGER AND SHE IS FULL GROWN SO SHE SHOULD OF BEEN DETECTED IN THE SEAT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT. I AM VERY GRATEFUL THAT SHE DID NOT SUFFER SERIOUS INJURIES (JUST LACERATIONS FROM SEATBELT). I NOTIFIED KIA MOTORS AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. SOMEBODY DID FOLLOW UP WITH ME AND ASKED THAT I SEND PHOTOS AND TOLD ME SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE CALLING. I SENT THE PHOTOS. I DID RECEIVE THE SECOND CALL FROM KIA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINEERS INCHARGE OF THE AIRBAGS WOULD BE ON VACATION FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND AS SOON AS THEY CAME BACK AND EXAMINED THE PHOTOS, I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THAT WAS FIVE WEEKS AGO. NO FOLLOW-UP AS OF TODAY AUG. 6, 2014. I WAS ALSO TOLD THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. I TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD GO ON SAFERCAR.GOV AND START READING. I DO HOPE THAT THIS CAR GETS RECALLED. MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER WERE VERY FORTUNATE WITH NO SERIOUS INJURIES, BUT SOMEONE MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY NEXT TIME. *TR
Air bags, Jul 30, 2014
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V014000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,085.
Engine, Jul 14, 2014
2008 KIA OPTIMA. I HAD BEEN DRIVING AROUND TOWN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. IT WAS 93 DEGREES OUTSIDE AIR WAS RUNNING. CAME TO A STOP AT RED LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF THE RADIO STILL WORKED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AND THE OTHER LIGHTS THAT COME ON WHEN YOU START THE CAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING TO THIS THE BEFORE IT HAPPENED. I PUT MY CAR BACK IN PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN TRIED TO START IT UP. IT STARTED AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. HAPPENED BEFORE NOON DROVE UNTIL 430 OFF AND ON AND IT WAS FINE. HAS 78000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME BACK ON SO WHEN I WENT TO AUTO ZONE TO CHECK IT NO ALERTS CAM UP BUT THEY SAID IT WAS STRANGE AND THE LIGHT SHOULD HAVE STAYED ON. HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
Air bags, Jul 2, 2014, crash
DRIVER ON OPPOSITE SIDE IF ROAD CROSSED CENTER LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY CAR, DAMAGING THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE FROM THE HEADLIGHTS TO THE TAILLIGHTS. IT IS WITHIN $1000 OF BEING TOTALED, BUT THE LOW MILEAGE IS WHAT SAVED US BY BRINGING THE VALUE UP. THE DRIVER WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30MPH WHEN HER CAR STRUCK MINE AND SHE DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES AT ALL. SHE HIT MY CAR AND THE CAR BEHIND ME AS WELL. MY SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE IMPACT, AS I FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE. THERE WERE NO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE CAR, AND THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM THAT I AM AWARE OF. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 27, 2014
MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WAS A GOOD CAR WIITH NO PROBLEMS AT ALL SO WHEN MY CAR CUT OFF ON I 95 DURING RUSH HR. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. AS I WAS ENTERING THE RAMP FOR I-95 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD A CLICKIN NOISE IN ENGINE BUT WITHIN LESS THEN 2 MIN. AS I MERGED INTO TRAFFIC MY ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. AFTER GETTING IT TOWED TO DEALER ,EVERYONE INCLUDING DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR BECAUSE OIL WAS FINE AND NOTHIN WAS WRONG.. THE DEALER SAID HE COULDNT FIND ANYTHING THAT SHOULD HAVE CAUSED ENGINE TO LOCK . HE ALSO WAS CONFUSED.STILL TO THIS DAY NO BODY CAN TELL ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED ON THE HIGHWAY.NOW MY ONLY OPTION IS TO BUY A ENGINE WHEN MY OLD ONE SHOULD HAVE STILL HAD A LOT MORE MILES LEFT. *TR
Air bags, Apr 16, 2014
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND READS, AIR BAG OFF AND STAYS O WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER IN FRONT SEAT. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN IN DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS A NUMBER OF TIMES (TEN) AND HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. KIA SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN MAKING REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE LIGHT WAS ON AT ONE TIME WHEN AT THE DEALERSHIP AND A DIAGNOSIS WAS PERFORMED. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS STATEMENT IS THAT IF THE LIGHT IS ON AND THERE A PERSON IN THE SEAT, AND AN ACCIDENT WAS TO TAKE PLACE, THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. I FEEL THAT THIS A REAL SAFETY PROBLEM, ONE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESS BY KIA AND REPAIRED OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE DANGER TO THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. I KNOW I COULD JUST TRADE THE VEHICLE IN TO GET RID OF MY PROBLEM, BUT THAT WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE NEXT OWNER WILL HAVE THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. THIS CONDITION CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED BOTH OR RESIDENTIAL AND EXPRESSWAYS, IT STAYS ON UNTIL I TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND STOP THE CAR. HOW DO I KNOW, IF THIS SYSTEM IS EVER WORKING PROPERLY? ..UPDATED 04-16-14 *BF
Air bags, Seats, Apr 10, 2014
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN DASH. THE CAR DEALER SAID IT CAME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND THAT THE AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. HE SAID THAT IT WOULD BE $1600.00 TO $1700.00 TO FIX IF I WANTED IT FIXED. MY WIFE JUST PULLED INTO HER MOTHER'S DRIVEWAY WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OUT AND RIGHT NOW IS SCARED THAT THE BAG WILL GO OFF WITH HER MOTHER WHO IS 92 IN THE SEAT. I THINK THE PRICE IS STEEP AND IF ANYONE SHOULD PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED THAT IT SHOULD BE KIA TO FIX IT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 23, 2014, crash
THE KIA 2008 OPTIMA'S HAD A RECALL ON THEIR AIR BAGS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO KIA TO HAVE THE CLOCK SPRING REPLACED. A SHORT TIME AFTER WE GOT THE CAR BACK I WAS DRIVING TO AN APPT. WHEN MY AIR BAG DEPLOYED ON IT'S OWN. THIS CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO A PARKED VAN, TOTALING BOTH VEHICLES. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSP. BY AMBULANCE. THE POLICE OFFICER CAME TO GIVE BACK MY CARDS AND PAPERS HE NEEDED FOR THE REPORT. I WAS NOT CHARGED HE SAID BECAUSE OF THE RECALL ON OUR CAR, IT WAS NOT MY FAULT. WE INFORMED KIA OF WHAT HAPPENED. THEY SAID THEY NEEDED THE BLACKBOX INFO, BUT THEY NEVER CHECKED IT OUT. KIA KEPT IGNORING OUR CALLS AND EMAILS. THEY SAID THEY NEEDED A SPECIAL TEAM TO LOOK AT THE BLACK BOX, BUT THEY KEPT TELLING US THE TEAM WASN'T TOGETHER AND IT WOULD TAKE TIME FOR THEM TO GET TOGETHER. WHEN MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA GOT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP GARAGE MY BROTHER WENT TO GET PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE AND TO RETRIEVE MY BELONGINGS. 3 MECHANICS STOOD BY MY BROTHER WATCHING AND ASKING WHAT HAPPENED. 2 OF THE WORKERS SAID THE CLOCK SPRING DIDN'T LOOK HOW IT SHOULD HAVE IF MY AIR BAG WENT OFF. THEY SAID EITHER THE CLOCK SPRING WAS A FAULTY ONE THAT KIA REPLACED OR THAT THE MECHANIC DID NOT REPLACE IT RIGHT. A GUY NAMED [XXX] AT KIA THAT WE TALKED TO WANTED ME TO MAKE A 63,000.00 SETTLEMENT. I SAID NO BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW HOW BAD MY INJURIES WOULD GET. TELLING [XXX] THIS, IS WHEN HE STARTED TO IGNORE ME AND MY INSURANCE COMP. CALLS. I WENT A YEAR BEFORE A DOCTOR (150 MILES AWAY) REMOVED A HERNIATED DISK IN MY BACK BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT (IT TOOK THAT LONG BECAUSE THEY TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE BEFORE THEY WOULD DO SURGERY). MY BACK IS BETTER BUT MY SHOULDER ISN'T. DOCTOR'S IN MY CITY WANT ME TO GO 150 MILES AWAY TO SEE A DOCTOR THERE AND THAT IS HARD TO SCHEDULE AND KEEP GOING THERE. TODAY 3/23/2014 KIA WILL NOT DO A SETTLEMENT OR TALK TO US. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY STILL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR