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 MECHANI…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10703911
64,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Air Bags
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10633437
51,887 miles · Aug 7, 2014
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10620787
95,085 miles · Jul 30, 2014
Air Bags
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10617702
39,700 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Air BagsCrash
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 ST…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10607824
6,492 miles · Apr 16, 2014
Air Bags
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 VEHI…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10583805
83,000 miles · Apr 10, 2014
Air BagsSeats
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10578982
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury
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 POLIC…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10574305
70,000 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Air Bags
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. FUSES ARE GOOD. KIA DEALER WANTS 95$ TO LOCATE PROBLEM AND MUCH MORE TO FIX WHATEVER MAY BE WRONG. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552800
689,000 miles · Jun 25, 2013
Air BagsStructureInjury
WHILE TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH A DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS IN WHICH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS PUSHED IN ON THE DRIVER AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WIDOW WAS DESTROYED INFLICTING CUTS ON THE DRIVER AND WITH THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED EXTENSI…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH A DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF MY 2008 KIA OPTIMA WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS IN WHICH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS PUSHED IN ON THE DRIVER AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WIDOW WAS DESTROYED INFLICTING CUTS ON THE DRIVER AND WITH THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE INCLUDING THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER EVEN WITH THE SEVERITY OF THE IMPACT OF WHICH KIA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS WAS CONTACTED AND THE EXPLANATION WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING SIDEWAYS AT IMPACT AND THIS IS WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THIS IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE TO ME OR I WOULD THINK AN CONSUMER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT THEY HAVE SIDE AIR BAG PROTECTION! *TR
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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
3
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)
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.
2008 Kia Optima Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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