Air Bags. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility/wiper. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports5 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

167 reports

60,000 miles · Nov 6, 2015

Exterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAMS ARE VERY DIM. THE FOG LIGHTS LIGHT UP THE ROAD BETTER THAN THE LOW BEAMS. I REPLACED THE LOWBEAM BULBS WITH SYLVANIA SILVERSTAR ULTRA BULBS WHICH ARE VERY BRIGHT IN MY OTHER CAR, THEY STILL ARE VERY DIM.

NHTSA ODI #10788891

146,809 miles · Oct 26, 2015

Service BrakesStructureVisibility/wiper

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KNAGE123575112607 I TOOK MY CAR IN TODAY BECAUSE OF A LETTER I RECEIVED FOR A SERVICE CAMPAIGN. THERE ARE ALL SEVERAL PROBLEMS REGARDING MY BRAKES LOSS OF FLUIDS SEVERE CORROSION FLAKING OR SCALING OF METAL BRAKE PIPES AND I WAS TOLD THE WEATHER HAS CAUSED THAT WHEN I CALLED THE CONSUMER KIA PHONE NUMBER. I HAVE OIL LEAK FROM THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AND ROGERS VERY VERY RUSTY. BOTH FRONT STRUTS LEAKING. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO KIA SUMMIT PLACE IN WATERFORD MICHIGAN. THIS IS WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT ALL OF THAT CORROSION WAS BECAUSE I LIVE IN MICHIGAN.

NHTSA ODI #10786044

125,000 miles · Oct 8, 2015

Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN BEARING IN THE ENGINE FAILED CAUSING ONE OF THE RODS TO FRACTURE. AS A …

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NHTSA ODI #10780819

89,000 miles · Sep 9, 2015

Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN DRIVING ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…

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NHTSA ODI #10762587

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2015

Air Bags

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THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATION LIGHT REMAINS LIT WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FROM THE TIME WE PURCHASED THE CAR TO THE PRESENT. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT FREQUENT, SO THERE IS NO TRUST THAT A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IS PROTECTED AT ANY GIVEN TIME. WE WERE TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR INTO THE DEALER WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ON, WHICH WE DID. DEALER QUESTIONED THE WEIGHT OF PASSENGER (NOT THE ISSUE), THEN REPLACED THE BLADDER IN THE SEAT AND SUGGESTED TO FRONT SEAT PASSENGER TO "SIT SQUARELY & PROPERLY" IN THE SEAT. THEN TOLD US WHEN THIS HAPPENS AGAIN, TO EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE: STOP & TURN OFF CAR, UNDO SEAT BELT, GET OUT, GET BACK IN, CLOSE DOOR, BUCKLE UP AND RESTART CAR, "AND SEE IF THE LIGHT STAYS OFF". TOTALLY UNREALISTIC ON AN INTERSTATE OR IN TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES WE HAVE DONE THE RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE 4-5 TIMES BEFORE THE LIGHT STAYS OFF. INDICATOR MAY START OFF DARK AND THEN LIGHT UP AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, A HALF HOUR OR SEVERAL HOURS OF CONTINUOUS DRIVING. WE HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND WERE TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS PERFORMING ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE DRIVER AIR BAG BUT NOTHING FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE INTERNET HAS PAGES AND PAGES OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. KIA TURNS A DEAF EAR OR THEY JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS. 8 YEARS OF THE SAME PROBLEM IS TOO LONG AND THERE IS NO WAY I CAN AFFORD A NEW CAR. SOMEBODY PLEASE PUSH THEM TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM AND FIND A SOLUTION BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.

NHTSA ODI #10761995

118,000 miles · Jul 19, 2015

Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

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I BOUGJT THIS CAR IN 2014. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS, TWICE, A BRAKE LIGHT, BOTH REAR BLINKERS, A FRONT BLINKER, AS WELL AS BOTH HIGHBEAMS. I HAVE NEVER REPLACED EVEN HALF THE NUMBER OF LIGHTS IN THE ENTIRE LIFETIME OF OWNERSHIP OF ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS RECALL ISSUE BASED ON SAFETY AS WELL AS QUALITY IF KIA CARED. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE WORKING I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY HIGH-BEAMS ON AND I NEVER GET FLASHED OR PULLED OVER. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE VS. ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE CAR AND HAVE SHARED THE STORY. AND EVERYONE SAYS THE SAME THING, ITS LIKE THE BRIGHTS IN THIS CAR IS EVERYONE ELSE'S REGULAR LIGHTS. IN FACT, MANY PEOPLE SAY THE HIGH-BEAMS ARE NOT AS BRIGHT AS MOST VEHICLES LOW-BEAMS. IT IS RIDICULOUS AND UNFAIR THAT US OWNERS HAVE TO SPEND $10-$35 ON A BULB OR TWO AN AVERAGE OF EVERY 5-8 WEEKS. CRAZY....KIA STEP UP AND FIX THIS QUALITY AND SAFETY ISSUE. GOV'T I GUESS WONT STEP IN WITHOUT SOMEONE DYING FIRST AND IT MAKING THE NEWS BECAUSE I SEE I AM NOT THE FIRST BY ANY MEANS, AND WONT BE THE LAST!

NHTSA ODI #10734994

71,000 miles · Jun 23, 2015

Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER BECAME STUCK IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWA…

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NHTSA ODI #10726830

110,000 miles · Jun 20, 2015

Air Bags

I HAVE NOTIFIED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO NO AVAIL. I ALSO NOTIFIED NHTSA A WHILE BACK AND NO FOLLOW UP NOR ANY RECALLS. AFFECTED AREA IS FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WHICH AFFECTED AND SHOWS AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN SOME IS SITTING ON THE SEAT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10726369

73,500 miles · May 19, 2015

Air BagsCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING ON HYWY 80 WEST, HIT BLACK ICE, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE SPUN AND THEN FLIPPED END OVER END CAUSING EXTENSIVE IMPACT TO FRONT AND REAR OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 6 AIR BAGS. NOT ONE OF THEM DEPLOYED!!!! BY THE GRACE OF GOD NO ONE WAS KILLED. THE TWO OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED AND HAD TO HAVE MEDI…

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NHTSA ODI #10717303

122,000 miles · Apr 9, 2015

Air Bags

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I JUST HAD THE CLOCK SPRING RECALL FIXED, AND I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE OCS SENSOR MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THAT WILL COST ME $1600. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE OTHER OPTIMA OWNERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART IN THE SAME YEAR RANGES ON THE RIO. I WOULD BET THEY USED THE SAME BRAND AND SENSOR IN PROBABLY ALL THE CARS IN THESE YEARS, SO WHY ONLY RECALL ONE MODEL ? THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THIS DUE TO THEM HAVING ONE RECALL OUT ALREADY. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD PAY TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED WHEN RIO OWNERS DON'T FOR THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THIS SENSOR TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE WHILE DRIVING. THEY DESIGNED THIS FAULTY SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND DON'T HAVE AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO FIX IT. OTHER THAN THIS ISSUE MY CAR IN GREAT SHAPE. HOPING YOU WILL ADVOCATE FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704811

Official recalls

12V014000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jan 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.

11V153000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

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

DP22003 · 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)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift