NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
155 reports46,000 miles · Aug 5, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. ON AUGUST 3, 2008, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE CRASH. HER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING. DURING THE FIRST REPAIR, THE D…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. ON AUGUST 3, 2008, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE CRASH. HER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING. DURING THE FIRST REPAIR, THE DEALER REPLACED A WIRE SHORTAGE. DURING THE SECOND REPAIR, THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46,000.
NHTSA ODI #10237038
1,000 miles · Apr 23, 2008
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WOULD CONSTANTLY BLOW OUT. HE HAS REPEATEDLY CHANGED THE BULBS, BUT APPROXIMATELY 4-5 DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT CONSULTED THE DEALER, BUT HE COULD NOT RECALL WHAT THEY S…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WOULD CONSTANTLY BLOW OUT. HE HAS REPEATEDLY CHANGED THE BULBS, BUT APPROXIMATELY 4-5 DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT CONSULTED THE DEALER, BUT HE COULD NOT RECALL WHAT THEY STATED. THE KIA MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
NHTSA ODI #10225516
22,220 miles · Apr 10, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYDAY, BUT WORSENS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVEN OR EIGHT TIMES AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT FASHION AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT MI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYDAY, BUT WORSENS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVEN OR EIGHT TIMES AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT FASHION AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,220.
NHTSA ODI #10224062
2,000 miles · Feb 25, 2008
Fuel System, GasolineSeatsSteering
I BOUGHT A NEW 2006 KIA OPTIMA EX IN APR 2006. SEPT 2006 THE KEY FOBS QUIT WORKING AND THE PASS SIDE BACK SEAT DOES NOT SECURE ITSELF IN PLACE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT AND STAY/TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP AND FIXED. JULY 2007, THE KEY FOB AGAIN QUIT WORKING/TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD A TSB WAS OUT ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY…
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I BOUGHT A NEW 2006 KIA OPTIMA EX IN APR 2006. SEPT 2006 THE KEY FOBS QUIT WORKING AND THE PASS SIDE BACK SEAT DOES NOT SECURE ITSELF IN PLACE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT AND STAY/TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP AND FIXED. JULY 2007, THE KEY FOB AGAIN QUIT WORKING/TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD A TSB WAS OUT ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE RECEIVER WHICH WAS DONE. NOV 2007 AFTER THE TSB SUPPOSEDLY WAS TAKEN CARE OF, AGAIN THE KEY FOB QUITS WORKING/DEALERSHIP HAS AGAIN REPROGRAMMED TO WORK AGAIN AND CURRENTLY THEY CONTINUE TO WORK. THIS CAR HANDLES EXTREMELY POORLY AND IN MY OPINION IS A SAFETY RISK. IT SEEMS TO HAVE A PRETTY LOOSE SUSPENSION AND A LOT OF SWAYING WHEN DRIVING. THE CAR PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT CAUSING ONE TO HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHT TO KEEP IT FROM TAKING NEARLY A 45 DEGREE LEFT TURN WHILE DRIVING. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR PULLS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT/USUALLY LEFT. WHEN DRIVING OVER A SMOOTH DIP IN THE ROAD, IT FEELS THE FRONT TIRES ACTUALLY LEAVE THE GROUND SLIGHTLY CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE RIGHT/LEFT QUICKLY. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HANDLES EXTREMELY POORLY ON ICY ROADS. THIS IS WITHOUT ANY QUESTION THE WORST HANDLING VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN...CONCERNS ME AS I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 35 MILES TO WORK ONE WAY DAILY, AND DRIVE IN WINDY AS WELL AS SNOW AND ICY CONDITIONS FAIRLY FREQUENTLY. AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES, THE LATCH ON THE GAS DOOR DOESN'T WANT TO STAY CLOSED AFTER YOU FUEL UP AND THE ELECTRONICS THAT OPERATE THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK. FEB 2008, MY CAR REACHED 30,000 MILES AND WHEN WASHING IT LAST WEEK, I NOTED AN AREA OF PAINT PEELING OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TRIM (BLACK), AS WELL AS THE CHROME PAINT STARTING TO BUBBLE. I TOOK PICTURES OF BOTH OF THESE AREAS. SINCE DRIVING THIS CAR OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, IT HAS BEEN GARAGED AT BOTH WORK AND HOME. LAST WEEK (FEB 2008), DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT QUIT RETRACTING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219099
5,033 miles · Feb 14, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
CAR PURCHASED NEW 3/1/2006. AT MILEAGE 5,033 AND TO CURRENT 16,675 BELTS AND PULLEYS PROBLEM EXISTS.. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A TECH EXPERT THAT THE MFR AND CUSTOMER AGREED TO ALLOW INSPECT THE CAR. A RECURRING DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AFTER SEVERAL BELTS AND TENSIONER HAVE BEEN REPLACE…
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CAR PURCHASED NEW 3/1/2006. AT MILEAGE 5,033 AND TO CURRENT 16,675 BELTS AND PULLEYS PROBLEM EXISTS.. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A TECH EXPERT THAT THE MFR AND CUSTOMER AGREED TO ALLOW INSPECT THE CAR. A RECURRING DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AFTER SEVERAL BELTS AND TENSIONER HAVE BEEN REPLACED.....5 CONFIRMED REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN EXPRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURER THAT WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR. WE ARE AFRAID THE TENSIONER OR BELT MAY FAIL DURING OPERATION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE MOTOR CAN BE SEVERELY DAMAGED. POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP AND ALL ELECTRICAL CEASE TO FUNCTION. THIS IS THE EXPLANATION I HAVE FROM A KIA REP ON AUDIO. THE MANUFACTURE CLAIMS THERE ARE NO VERIFIABLE WARRANTY CONCERNS AND THE LOUD NOISE AT START UP AND CONSTANT SQUEALING AND CHIRPING WHILE DRIVING ARE NORMAL. THE KIA REP ALSO CLAIMS ON THE AUDIO THAT THESE PARTS HAVE NEVER FAILED ON THERE CARS. THE TECHNICAL EXPERT ALSO CONFIRMED A SURGING PROBLEM STILL EXISTS EVEN THOUGH THE MFR STATES THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE IT. THE FIRST TIME THE SURGE & STALL PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED (9/23/2006) IT WAS ALREADY A TSB ISSUED BY MFR TO NHSTA IN DEC 2004 FOR MODEL 2006 WITH REGARDS TO A CANISTER VAC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10218079
55,000 miles · Jan 21, 2008
Electrical SystemSeatsVisibility
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ELECTRIC SWITCH DOES NOT WORK DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR ELECTRIC SWITCH DOES NOT WORK BOTH KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTES KEEP LOSING THEIR PROGRAM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215590
6,000 miles · Dec 23, 2007
Tires
I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 13,800 MILES ON THIS CAR (KIA, OPTIMA, LX, 2006), AND THE TIRES (4) HAVE BEEN CHANGED ALREADY. THE TIRES SOUND HOLLOW, AND PING, BESIDES PULLING TO RIGHT AND LEFT. THE SECOND SET ARE DOING THE SAME THING. I THINK AND FELL THAT KIA SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAY ITS NOT THERE PROBLEM. THESE …
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I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 13,800 MILES ON THIS CAR (KIA, OPTIMA, LX, 2006), AND THE TIRES (4) HAVE BEEN CHANGED ALREADY. THE TIRES SOUND HOLLOW, AND PING, BESIDES PULLING TO RIGHT AND LEFT. THE SECOND SET ARE DOING THE SAME THING. I THINK AND FELL THAT KIA SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAY ITS NOT THERE PROBLEM. THESE TIRES ARE ON A KIA? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212618
39 miles · Dec 22, 2007
Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION RATTLES, BOUNCES NOT ABSORBING BUMPS AND ROAD WELL FOR A NEW CAR. TIRES SOUND HOLLOW OVER BUMPS, AND PING ALSO. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY KUMHO TIRE MANUFACTURE, BUT STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN REQUESTING HELP FROM DEALER SINCE I B…
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FRONT SUSPENSION RATTLES, BOUNCES NOT ABSORBING BUMPS AND ROAD WELL FOR A NEW CAR. TIRES SOUND HOLLOW OVER BUMPS, AND PING ALSO. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY KUMHO TIRE MANUFACTURE, BUT STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN REQUESTING HELP FROM DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT IS ALWAYS GOING ON NO MATTER IF I HAVE LESS AIR OR MORE AIR IN THE TIRES, ITS BECOME A REAL PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212571
5,033 miles · Dec 19, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
REF THE TWO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS FIRST. #10170291 & 10208029. THIS IS THE 3RD COMPLAINT ON OUR 2006 KIA OPTIMA LX. ON 11/5/07 A NEW TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT WERE REPLACED. THIS MADE THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE SAME PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM BEGAN @ MILEAGE 5033 IN SEPT 2006. APROX 16,500 MILEAGE AND THE PROBLEM CONTIN…
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REF THE TWO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS FIRST. #10170291 & 10208029. THIS IS THE 3RD COMPLAINT ON OUR 2006 KIA OPTIMA LX. ON 11/5/07 A NEW TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT WERE REPLACED. THIS MADE THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE SAME PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM BEGAN @ MILEAGE 5033 IN SEPT 2006. APROX 16,500 MILEAGE AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. ON 12/5/2007 I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP #113211 WITH SAME PROBLEM. LOUD BELT SQUEAL AT START UP AND CONSTANT CHIRP WHILE DRIVING. I WAS GIVEN A WRITTEN RECEIPT THAT STATED THE DEALERSHIP DROVE THE CAR 5 MILES AND HEARD A "SLIGHT CHIRP" COMING FROM THE BELT AREA. TECH ASST WAS CALLED AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED NOT TO ATTEMPT REPAIRS UNTIL A "PLATFORM MANAGER" WAS CONTACTED AND SPOKE TO SERVICE MANAGER. IT WAS PUT IN WRITING THAT THE CAR HAD NO DRIVABLE ISSUES OR SAFETY CONCERNS AND RELEASED TO THE OWNER. I EXPRESSED STRONG CONCERN TO THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT OUR RESERVATIONS DRIVING A CAR WITH THE PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM MAKING SUCH NOISES. I ALSO EXPLAINED THAT WE WERE GOING OUT OF STATE ON 12/7/07 AND WOULD BE TRAVELING I-65 SOUTH FROM INDIANAPOLIS, LATE AT NIGHT AND WITHOUT A CELL PHONE. WE TRAVELED WITH THE CAR IN THE CURRENT STATE OF DISREPAIR. THE PROBLEM HAS INCREASED. I HAVE EXPRESSED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 12/12/07. SINCE THE CAR WAS RELEASED TO ME ON 12/5/2007, I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE SENT A CERTIFIED LETTER REQUESTING THE CAR BE REPAIRED. THE PARTS PUT IN THE CAR ON11/5/2007 ARE UNDER WARRANTY. TODAY IS 12/19/2007 AND I HAVE STILL NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY KIA OR THE DEALERSHIP. IF THE PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM FAILS WE I WILL BE LEFT ON THE ROAD & I DO NOT CARRY A CELL PHONE. IF THE CAR IS REPAIRED AGAIN THIS WILL MAKE THE 5TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE CAR QUALIFIES FOR THE IN LEMON LAW. I HAVE CONSULTED THE CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK WHICH IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC AND HAS RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS TO INVOLVE AGENCIES WHO TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS FOR US. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212289
16,803 miles · Dec 13, 2007
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN RAINY CONDITIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMPLETELY FAILED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND AVOID A CRASH. SHE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO INSPEC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN RAINY CONDITIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMPLETELY FAILED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND AVOID A CRASH. SHE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE YET TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,803.
NHTSA ODI #10211856
Official recalls
2Jan 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Mar 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP22003 · 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.
PE10046 · Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
Opened Nov 22, 2010 · Closed Apr 5, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the vehicle transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.If this were to occur, and if the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may inadvertently roll away thus creating the risk of a crash.Kia is conducting a safety recall (11V-153) to correct the subject problem in approximately 70,115 model year (MY) 2006 through 2008 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 9/29/2005 to 6/13/2007.Kia has stated that the early MY 2006 Optima vehicles built before 9/29/2005 had different automatic transmission shift cables and shift levers than the subsequent MY 2006 through early MY 2008 Optima vehicles built up to 6/13/2007.Beginning 6/14/2007, Kia changed the assembly process for the shift cables to ensure correct installation.As for the recall remedy, Kia dealers will inspect the shift cables for correct installation, and re-install them, if necessary.For more details on the recall, see NHTSA recall 11V-153.This investigation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the vehicle transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.If this were to occur, and if the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may inadvertently roll away thus creating the risk of a crash.Kia is conducting a safety recall (11V-153) to correct the subject problem in approximately 70,115 model year (MY) 2006 through 2008 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 9/29/2005 to 6/13/2007.Kia has stated that the early MY 2006 Optima vehicles built before 9/29/2005 had different automatic transmission shift cables and shift levers than the subsequent MY 2006 through early MY 2008 Optima vehicles built up to 6/13/2007.Beginning 6/14/2007, Kia changed the assembly process for the shift cables to ensure correct installation.As for the recall remedy, Kia dealers will inspect the shift cables for correct installation, and re-install them, if necessary.For more details on the recall, see NHTSA recall 11V-153.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the vehicle transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.If this were to occur, and if the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may inadvertently roll away thus creating the risk of a crash.Kia is conducting a safety recall (11V-153) to correct the subject problem in approximately 70,115 model year (MY) 2006 through 2008 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 9/29/2005 to 6/13/2007.Kia has stated that the early MY 2006 Optima vehicles built before 9/29/2005 had different automatic transmission shift cables and shift levers than the subsequent MY 2006 through early MY 2008 Optima vehicles built up to 6/13/2007.Beginning 6/14/2007, Kia changed the assembly process for the shift cables to ensure correct installation.As for the recall remedy, Kia dealers will inspect the shift cables for correct installation, and re-install them, if necessary.For more details on the recall, see NHTSA recall 11V-153.This investigation is closed.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the vehicle transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.If this were to occur, and if the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may inadvertently roll away thus creating the risk of a crash.Kia is conducting a safety recall (11V-153) to correct the subject problem in approximately 70,115 model year (MY) 2006 through 2008 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 9/29/2005 to 6/13/2007.Kia has stated that the early MY 2006 Optima vehicles built before 9/29/2005 had different automatic transmission shift cables and shift levers than the subsequent MY 2006 through early MY 2008 Optima vehicles built up to 6/13/2007.Beginning 6/14/2007, Kia changed the assembly process for the shift cables to ensure correct installation.As for the recall remedy, Kia dealers will inspect the shift cables for correct installation, and re-install them, if necessary.For more details on the recall, see NHTSA recall 11V-153.This investigation is closed.
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