NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
144 reportsMileage unknown · Jan 25, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureInjury
I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TWICE NOW TO GET MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, I HAVE BEEN HAVING TO CLIMB IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR AND I HAVE HURT MY KNEES IN DOING SO. EVERYTIME I LOCK MY DOORS AND THEN UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOESN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS NEEDS A RECALL .I HAVE ALREADY SEEN OTHER COMPLAI…
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I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TWICE NOW TO GET MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN, I HAVE BEEN HAVING TO CLIMB IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR AND I HAVE HURT MY KNEES IN DOING SO. EVERYTIME I LOCK MY DOORS AND THEN UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOESN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THIS NEEDS A RECALL .I HAVE ALREADY SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10494680
111,944 miles · Dec 6, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I CAN HEAR THE ASSEMBLY TRYING TO WORK, THE KEY WILL UNLOCK THE OTHER DOORS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IN AN EMERGENCY. I CALLED THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEWPORT RICHEY FL AND THEY TOLD ME THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO POSS…
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THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I CAN HEAR THE ASSEMBLY TRYING TO WORK, THE KEY WILL UNLOCK THE OTHER DOORS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IN AN EMERGENCY. I CALLED THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEWPORT RICHEY FL AND THEY TOLD ME THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO POSSIBLY LOSE THEIR LIFE IN AN ACCIDENT,BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT BEFORE THERE IS A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487566
67,000 miles · Sep 5, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY 2005 KIA OPTIMA AND I FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. THEREFORE I SAW IT NECESSARY FOR ME TO BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION. THE DOOR LATCHES ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IF THE CAR EVER CAUGHT FIRE OR IF THE CAR EVER WENT INTO…
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I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY 2005 KIA OPTIMA AND I FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. THEREFORE I SAW IT NECESSARY FOR ME TO BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION. THE DOOR LATCHES ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IF THE CAR EVER CAUGHT FIRE OR IF THE CAR EVER WENT INTO A RIVER, GOT FLOODED, OR IN A WRECK IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. IT STAYS LOCKED AND EVEN WHEN YOU UNLOCK THE CAR, THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. I CURRENTLY HAD A BABY AND HAD TO HAVE A C-SECTION. IT WAS HORRIBLE HAVING TO CLIMB IN AND OUT THE CAR THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE.... FROM RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I HAVE COME ACROSS SO MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. KIA SHOULD RECALL THE 2005 OPTIMA. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10473898
84,123 miles · Jun 12, 2012
Electrical SystemEquipment Adaptive/mobilityLatches/locks/linkages
DOORS, LOCKS, LINKAGE, UPON LEAVING WORK ON JUNE 16TH, 2010, I WENT TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR USING THE KEY AND THE CAR DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I OPENED THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CRAWLED OVER TO TRY TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, NO LUCK. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS NOT AND WILL NOT OPEN FROM EITHE…
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DOORS, LOCKS, LINKAGE, UPON LEAVING WORK ON JUNE 16TH, 2010, I WENT TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR USING THE KEY AND THE CAR DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I OPENED THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CRAWLED OVER TO TRY TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, NO LUCK. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS NOT AND WILL NOT OPEN FROM EITHER SIDE. HUGE SAFETY HAZARD!!! NO LUCK WITH KIA FIXING IT EITHER!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461389
65,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOB FROM THE EXTERIOR OR MANUALLY FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOB FROM THE EXTERIOR OR MANUALLY FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE KEY FOB AND DOOR LOCKS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10460765
97,000 miles · May 14, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, FUEL WAS SEEN LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, FUEL WAS SEEN LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #10458433
73,000 miles · Mar 14, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DOORS DID NOT OPEN WHEN USING THE KEY, KEY FOB, OR FROM THE INTERIOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DOORS DID NOT OPEN WHEN USING THE KEY, KEY FOB, OR FROM THE INTERIOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED.
NHTSA ODI #10451664
102,832 miles · Feb 12, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline
IN 2011 WE HAD A HOLE FORM IN THE GAS TANK OF OUR 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP IN WHICH THEY DETERMINED THAT THE STRAPS THAT HOLD THE GAS TANK IN HAD CAUSED WEAR ONTO THE ACTUAL TANK. THEY REPLACED THE TANK WITH NEW GAS TANK (ORIGINAL FACTORY GAS TANK) ON FEBRUARY 7, 2012 THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE…
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IN 2011 WE HAD A HOLE FORM IN THE GAS TANK OF OUR 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP IN WHICH THEY DETERMINED THAT THE STRAPS THAT HOLD THE GAS TANK IN HAD CAUSED WEAR ONTO THE ACTUAL TANK. THEY REPLACED THE TANK WITH NEW GAS TANK (ORIGINAL FACTORY GAS TANK) ON FEBRUARY 7, 2012 THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK IN FOR SERVICING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10447687
Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2012
Latches/locks/linkagesSeat Belts
I AM UNABLE TO UNLOCK MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR EITHER MANUALLY/KEY OR BY REMOTE ACCESS THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IF I NEED TO EXIT MY VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (FIRE AND OR CRASH) I WOULD BE UNABLE TO. ALSO, TWO OF MY REAR SEATBELTS ARE JAMMED IN THE HALF EXTENDED POSITION. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AN…
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I AM UNABLE TO UNLOCK MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR EITHER MANUALLY/KEY OR BY REMOTE ACCESS THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IF I NEED TO EXIT MY VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (FIRE AND OR CRASH) I WOULD BE UNABLE TO. ALSO, TWO OF MY REAR SEATBELTS ARE JAMMED IN THE HALF EXTENDED POSITION. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME WITH THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10446769
87,000 miles · Jan 6, 2012
Electrical SystemEquipment
I WENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP REGARDING KEYLESS REMOTE NOT WORKING. I ADVISED DEALERSHIP THAT BOTH REMOTES WERE RE-PROGRAMMED 12 MONTHS AGO AND THAT ONE REMOTE STOPPED WORKING 6 MONTHS AFTER RE-PROGRAMMING AND THE 2ND REMOTE STOPPED WORKING 12 MONTHS AFTER RE-PROGRAMMING. BASED ON DISCUSSION, IT APPEARS THAT 2003 THROUGH 2006 KIA O…
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I WENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP REGARDING KEYLESS REMOTE NOT WORKING. I ADVISED DEALERSHIP THAT BOTH REMOTES WERE RE-PROGRAMMED 12 MONTHS AGO AND THAT ONE REMOTE STOPPED WORKING 6 MONTHS AFTER RE-PROGRAMMING AND THE 2ND REMOTE STOPPED WORKING 12 MONTHS AFTER RE-PROGRAMMING. BASED ON DISCUSSION, IT APPEARS THAT 2003 THROUGH 2006 KIA OPTIMAS HAVE DEFECTIVE KEYLESS REMOTE SYSTEMS, BUT BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN NO FORMAL RECALL, REPAIR OF KEYLESS REMOTE IS NOT COVERED OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE REPAIR COST IS ABOUT $400. MY OPINION IS THAT A RELATIVE KEYLESS REMOTE RECALL SHOULD BE MADE BY KIA SINCE THE KEYLESS REMOTE DEFECT IS NOT CUSTOMER'S FAULT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442657
NHTSA investigations
2DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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