Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
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 REPR…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10442112
43,239 miles · Mar 20, 2011
Air Bags
PASSENGER AIRBAG SAYS OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10392267
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2011
Air Bags
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
NHTSA ODI #10379606
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2011
Air Bags
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 RESTRA…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10376944
11,900 miles · Dec 17, 2010
Air Bags
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 NO…
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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."
NHTSA ODI #10371603
30,000 miles · Dec 2, 2010
Air Bags
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
NHTSA ODI #10369016
32,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Air Bags
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 VEHICL…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10334030
24,000 miles · May 11, 2010
Air Bags
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 CORPORAT…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10329885
8,000 miles · Feb 14, 2010
Air Bags
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT ALWAYS ACTIVATE WHEN AN ADULT SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF. EVEN WITH AN ADULT WEIGHING ABOUT 115 POUNDS OCCUPIES THE SEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310383
21 miles · Feb 8, 2010
Air Bags
INDICATOR LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG HAS IRREGULAR PERFORMANCE. CAN'T DEPEND ON OPERATION OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. HAVE MADE 4 OR 5 COMPLAINTS WITH DEALER AND NO RESOLUTION. LOOKING AT INTERNET IT APPEARS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS MODEL YEARS ON THE KIA OPTIMA AND OTHER MODELS WITHIN THE KIA FAMILY. WOULD LI…
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INDICATOR LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG HAS IRREGULAR PERFORMANCE. CAN'T DEPEND ON OPERATION OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. HAVE MADE 4 OR 5 COMPLAINTS WITH DEALER AND NO RESOLUTION. LOOKING AT INTERNET IT APPEARS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS MODEL YEARS ON THE KIA OPTIMA AND OTHER MODELS WITHIN THE KIA FAMILY. WOULD LIKE TO HAVE RESOLUTION PRIOR TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT WITH SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIR BAG DOES NOT FUNCTION.
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.
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