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, Mar 16, 2012
SUMMARY: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR WOULD NOT IDENTIFY THAT A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO INDICATE THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE OFF. COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY WRONG.. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS FIRST REPORTED 30,000 NOW HAS 49,000. THEY SHOULD RECALL THESE KIA. LAST TIME AT THE DEALER WAS FEBRUARY, 2012. *TR
Air bags, Feb 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR WOULD NOT IDENTIFY THAT A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO INDICATE THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE OFF. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2012, crash
MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA STALLED, WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY NEAR AN EXIT. THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, INCLUDING STEERING. THE CAR ENDED UP RIDING A GUARDRAIL AND LANDED ON TOP OF IT. THE END RESULT WAS, FOR ME, A BROKEN NECK! THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK MY 3 YEAR OLD SON UP FROM SCHOOL. HAD HE BEEN IN THE CAR, THIS MAY HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC! MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE CAR IS UNDERGOING BODYWORK REPAIRS AND I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO STEP FOOT IN THIS DEATH TRAP EVER AGAIN. CALLS TO THE KIA DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR GO UNANSWERED, AS THEY USUALLY DO. THIS IS SERIOUS! IF YOUR OPTIMA HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING PLEASE POST A COMPLAINT. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 11, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS INJURED. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT WRIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT CASE NUMBER: 1200904053). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 2, 2012
DECEMBER 28, 2011, I NOTICED THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT LOCATED ON THE DASHBOARD CONTINUOUSLY STAYS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG SENSORS ARE LOCATED IN THE DRIVER/ PASSENGER SEATS. THE MECHANIC AT KIA DEALER TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE SENSORS. I'VE VIEWED THE COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE THAT OWN KIA OPTIMA 2008. IT STATES THAT THESE CARS WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DEFECTS. (I ONLY HAVE 43,000 MILES) IN ADDITION, A WEEK AGO I'VE STARTED HEARING A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA WHEN I ACCELERATE GOING UP IN A ROLLER COASTER CLIMBING POSITION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXPEDITIOUS RESPONSE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 31, 2011
WHEN I FILL MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WITH GASOLINE, THE PUMP SHUTS OFF BUT GAS GUSHES OUT OF THE TANK. *KB
Tires, Aug 10, 2011
FIRST OF 2 SIDEWALL BLOW OUTS NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR
Tires, Aug 10, 2011
SIDE WALL BLOW OUT REPLACED TIRE NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2011
2008 KIA OPTIMA 4CYL AUTOMATIC. I LIVE IN FLORIDA, HOT ALL THE TIME, USE AIR ALMOST ALL YEAR. CAR WILL STALL OUT WHILE IN MOTION WITHIN FIRST FEW MINUTES WHILE AC IS ON WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO STOP SIGNS OR WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS WHERE I HAVE TO GET ACROSS QUICKLY THEN LET OFF GAS TO MAKE TURN. CAR BECOMES HARD TO STEER WHEN ENGINE CUTS OFF, WORSE THAN A CAR WITHOUT POWER STEERING, SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE IT WONT MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION TO THE MEDIAN SAFELY. CAN START THE CAR AGAIN, BUT IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO THROW CAR INTO NEUTRAL, TURN IGNITION, AND PUT BACK INTO DRIVE. AS I SAID THIS HAPPENS A LOT WHILE GOING THROUGH THE TURN OF INTERSECTION/ DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND THOSE FEW SECONDS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SAFELY TIMED TURN AND A POTENTIAL COLLISION. PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENLTY FOR A WEEK OR TWO, THEN GOES AWAY FOR A WHILE AND COMES BACK. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED UP AND HAS BEEN MOVING FOR 5 MINUTES OR SO, IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. TOOK IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP SINCE THIS VEHICLE HAS 45000 MILES ON IT AND IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURES BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH THAT GENERATION OF OPTIMAS AND THAT IT WAS ONLY WITH THE 4CYL MOTORS, THE V6'S WERE FINE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID AT THIS TIME THERE IS NOT A FIX FOR IT AND WOULD NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS SINCE THEY DON'T KNOW WHICH PART(S) ARE CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION. WAS TOLD TO LET MY CAR WARM UP LONGER AND TO HOPE THAT KIA/HYUNDAI COMES UP WITH A RECALL ON IT SOON. *KB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THEY TRY TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE REVS UP AND IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANTED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THEY TAKE THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE, IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2011
WHEN I FILL MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WITH GASOLINE, THE PUMP SHUTS OFF BUT GAS GUSHES OUT OF THE TANK. MY LOCAL DEALER HAS CLAIMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT STILL HAPPENS. THE SERVICE DEPT. RARELY ANSWERS THEIR TELEPHONE SO I CAN'T EVEN CALL THEM TO GET THE PROBLEM HANDLED. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE SUN VISORS WOULD NOT REMAIN IN THE CLOSED, UPRIGHT POSITION AND THE DRIVER SIDE CHILD DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLATCH. IN ADDITION, THE SAFETY LOCK FOR THE TRUNK WOULD DETACH AND CAUSE THE TRUNK TO OCCASIONALLY FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY BREAK DOWN AND THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO SENT HER TO A SECOND DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,800.
Air bags, Mar 20, 2011
PASSENGER AIRBAG SAYS OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. *TR
Tires, Mar 7, 2011, crash
FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST ENTERPRISE AND BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE REGARDING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED AND DEFECTIVE TIRE(S) ON A 2008 KIA OPTIMA RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR, SEPTEMBER 2008 THAT RESULTED IN CATASTROPHIC TIRE FAILURE ACCIDENT. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED FROM THE ACCIDENT. CALLED CONSUMER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT AND THE NUMBER OF INJURIES. *JB LEFT CONSUMER A VOICE-MAIL STATING HER COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT. 05/10/11
Air bags, Jan 30, 2011
2008 KIA OPTIMA. PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS OFF EVEN WHEN 175 POUND PERSON IS SITTING IN SEAT. TAKEN CAR IN 4 TIMES TO BE FIXED. KIA SAYS WE ARE PROBABLY SITTING IN THE SEAT WRONG. FINALLY THEY REPLACE SEAT. STILL DIDNT SOLVE PROBLEM. DOESENT MATTER WHAT SPEED. *TR
Air bags, Jan 17, 2011
WHEN FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF THE 2008 KIA OPTIMA, THE AIRBAG "OFF" INDICATOR DOESN'T SWITCH TO ON. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE STEPS IS THAT THE CAR NEEDS TO BE OFF, PASSENGER SITS, THEN TURN THE CAR ON. THIS AUTOMATIC FEATURE IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED . . . NOT TURNING ON THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT. UNLESS THE CAR IS OFF. TRUE SITUATION - MY WIFE GETS DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL FROM HAVING A BABY, I PULL CAR AROUND, GET OUT, LOAD ITEMS IN THE CAR. MY WIFE GETS IN THE CAR. HALF WAY HOME, WE REALIZE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS "OFF." *TR
Air bags, Dec 17, 2010
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONS. IT MAY OR MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN ONE SITS IN THE SEAT. AFTER MOVING AROUND; GETTING OUT OF CAR AND/OR REFASTENING SEAT BELT IT WILL MOST OF THE TIME ENGAGES. THE SIZE OF THE PERSON, THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR (OR NOT), AND SITTING POSITION DO NOT APPEAR TO MATTER. ONE KNOWS THAT THE AIRBAG IS NOT EMPLOYED PROPERLY BECAUSE THE LIGHT INDICATING THE FUNCTIONING OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WILL READ "OFF."
Air bags, Dec 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 KIA OPTIMA THAT I PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2007 I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN I HAVE A PASSENGER THE AIRBAG LIGHTS STATES THAT AIR BAG IS OFF THIS IS SCARY ARE MY PASSENGERS NOT BEING PROTECTED BY THE AIR BAG. *TR
Steering, Aug 16, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LOCK AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND WHEN RESTARTING IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OVER A DOZEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT WITHOUT A PROPER DIAGNOSIS, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2010
2008 KIA OPTIMA STALLS WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE WILL SHUT ITSELF OFF. IT IS AS IF SOMEONE REACHES OVER AND TURNS THE KEY OFF. IT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE CAR STANDING STILL AND WITH THE CAR IN MOTION. STALLING USUALLY OCCURS WITHIN FIRST FEW MINUTES OF OPERATION AND WITH HOT OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES. FIRST VISIT TO KIA RESULTED IN REPLACED FUEL TANK (CODES FOR BAD ROLL OVER VALVE). PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT A YEAR THEN CAME BACK. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF. SHOP CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEREFORE, CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS SUBJECT TO SHUTTING ITSELF OFF AT ANYTIME WITH NO WARNING, THE LAST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED JUST BEFORE MY WIFE WAS TO MERGE ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. APART FROM FUEL TANK, DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING SUBSTANTIAL TO REPAIR THE ISSUE (COMPUTER UPDATE, TIGHTENED LOOSE WIRES). *TR
Air bags, Jun 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING WITH AN OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE AIR BAG WAS NOT ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE STARTED PRIOR TO HAVING AN OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT IN ORDER FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
Air bags, May 11, 2010
I OWN A KIA 2008 OPTIMA. EVERY 3-5 DAYS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSORS DO NOT DETECT A PERSON SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I CAN DRIVE FOR MILES AND HAVE THE PERSON ADJUST THEIR POSITION AND IT STILL DOESN'T REGISTER. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR WITH PEOPLE BETWEEN 120-160 POUNDS. THEY ARE ALL OVER 5'5". I HAVE CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE CASE #[XXX] . BECAUSE IT HAPPENS EVERY THREE TO FIVE DAYS THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE COMPUTER REGISTERS AN ERROR. THE COMPUTER DOESN'T THINK ANYONE IS THERE. IT DOESN'T THINK THERE IS AN ISSUE. THEY'VE BASICALLY TOLD ME WHEN IT HAPPENS TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND HAVE THE PERSON GET OUT OF THE CAR FOR 3 SECONDS AND THEN TRY IT AGAIN. THIS DOESN'T WORK WELL WHEN YOU ARE PICKING HS KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL. YOU CAN'T JUST STOP YOUR CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH. IT LOOKS LIKE KIA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE 2006. I BELIEVE IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE SYSTEM DOESN'T IDENTIFY THE PERSON IN THE SEAT AND THERE IS A HEAD ON COLLISION THE AIRBAG IS NOT GOING TO DEPLOY. I HAVE VIDEO AND PICTURES OF IT RECURRING. KIA WILL DON'T ACCEPT IT AS EVIDENCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2010
I CALLED KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHEN LOCKED MY KEYS IN THE TRUCK OF MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA ACCIDENTLY. WHEN HE USED HIS INSTRUMENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SOUNDED. HE WAITED UNTIL IT STOPPED AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE RELEASE BUT IT WOULD NOT OPERATE DUE TO THE CAR SHUUTING DOWN. WHEN I GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE DOOR IT LOCKED AGAIN AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET OUT. I WAS LITERALLY TRAPPED INSIDE MY CAR. THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCESS THE TRUNK FROM THE INSIDE. YOU CAN ONLY FOLD THE BACK SEAT DOWN BY USING A RELEASE FOUND ONLY INSIDE OF THE TRUNK. IF I HAD BEEN ALONE OR THE DRIVER HAD LEFT, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE WITH NO MEANS OF EXIT. THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICCE MAY PROTECT THE CAR FROM BEING STOLEN BUT IT SURE DOES NOTHING TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD A BABY INSIDE WITH ME OR IT WAS 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS TO GET OUT? I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT IT WAS REALLY MY FAULT FOR LOCKING MY KEYS IN THE TRUNK IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE 'NO ACCESS TO THE TRUNK FROM THE INSIDE' IS TO PROTECT AGAINST THIEVES BREAKING INTO MY CAR AND ENTERING THE TRUNK THROUGH THE BACKSEAT AND STEAL SOMETHING SUCH AS MY SUITCASE. WELL, I THINK IT WOULD BE EASIER TO REPLACE A SUITCASE THAN MY LIFE OR THE LIFE OF A CHILD. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DEFINITELY DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR!
Exterior lighting, Mar 16, 2010
HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOT ADJUSTED CORRECTLY,LEFT LIGHT IS LOW CAUSING A DARK SPOT ON THAT SIDE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN LOW BEAM IS USED. RIGHT SIDE SHINES OUT FURTHER,BUT IT TAKES EFFECT AT THE SOLID WHITE LINE AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD. I HAVE HAD ONE CLOSE CALL I DID NOT SEE THE PERSON TILL HE GOT INTO THE LIGHT OF THE RIGHT HEAD LIGHT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND ACTIVATED THE OPENING OF THE REAR TRUNK WHEN SUDDENLY THE RADIO UNIT BEGAN TO FUNCTION FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO THE "DRIVE" POSITION, WHILE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE HE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 6,835.