NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
144 reports59,800 miles · Sep 11, 2012
Air Bags
AFTER 50,000+ MILES ON OUR 2008 KIA OPTIMA THE PASSENGER "AIR BAG" LIGHT WOULD COME ON (MEANING THE AIR BAG WAS AUTOMATICALLY TURNED OFF BY THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM) WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HAPPEN...SOMETIMES IT WOULD AND SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T. WE HAD IT CHECKED BY A DEALER AND …
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AFTER 50,000+ MILES ON OUR 2008 KIA OPTIMA THE PASSENGER "AIR BAG" LIGHT WOULD COME ON (MEANING THE AIR BAG WAS AUTOMATICALLY TURNED OFF BY THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM) WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HAPPEN...SOMETIMES IT WOULD AND SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T. WE HAD IT CHECKED BY A DEALER AND EVEN THOUGH THEY SAW THE PROBLEM (PASSENGER SITTING IN FRONT SEAT AND AIR BAG WAS "OFF") IT DID NOT REGISTER A CODE IN THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM. THIS WAS REPORTED TO KIA BY THE DEALER BUT AS OF THIS DATE (09/11/12) KIA HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT DID NOT REGISTER A CODE. THIS POSES A SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. FAILURE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND EVEN DEATH. KIA HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM IN OTHER MODELS AND HAS EVEN ISSUED RECALLS BUT AT THIS POINT HAS REFUSED TO FIX OUR VEHICLE UNDER THE WARRANT CONTRACT WE RECEIVED WHEN BUYING THIS CAR NEW IN 2008. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475125
43,040 miles · Aug 27, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE. THE IMPACT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT KNOCKED THE CONTACT UNCONSCIOUS FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE. THE IMPACT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT KNOCKED THE CONTACT UNCONSCIOUS FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,040. UPDATED08-30-12 *BF UPDATED 09/07/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10472630
38,500 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Visibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA LS. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN-VISOR FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUN-VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA LS. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN-VISOR FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUN-VISOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,520.
NHTSA ODI #10468859
75,000 miles · Jul 24, 2012
Visibility
THE SUN VISOR BROKE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. IT WILL NOT STAY UP. I HAVE TRIED MANY DO-IT-YOURSELF FIXES, BUT IT CONTINUES TO FALL DOWN, WHICH INTERFERES WITH VISIBILITY, ESPECIALLY IN THE DARK. IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I PUSH IT BACK INTO POSITION, IT JUST FALLS DOWN. I…
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THE SUN VISOR BROKE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. IT WILL NOT STAY UP. I HAVE TRIED MANY DO-IT-YOURSELF FIXES, BUT IT CONTINUES TO FALL DOWN, WHICH INTERFERES WITH VISIBILITY, ESPECIALLY IN THE DARK. IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I PUSH IT BACK INTO POSITION, IT JUST FALLS DOWN. IT BLOCKS THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AS WELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467531
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2012
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsFire
THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED. I PULLED IT A FEW TIMES AND IT BECAME UNJAMMED AND I FASTENED THE SAFETY BELT AROUND MY 4 YEAR OLD CHILD. APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES LATER AS I WAS DRIVING I SMELLED SMOKE. I STARTED CHECKING THE CONTROL PANEL AND TURNED OFF THE A/C AND RADIO AND ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS. THE SMOKE STOPPED…
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THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED. I PULLED IT A FEW TIMES AND IT BECAME UNJAMMED AND I FASTENED THE SAFETY BELT AROUND MY 4 YEAR OLD CHILD. APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES LATER AS I WAS DRIVING I SMELLED SMOKE. I STARTED CHECKING THE CONTROL PANEL AND TURNED OFF THE A/C AND RADIO AND ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS. THE SMOKE STOPPED SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ABOUT A MILE AND STOPPED THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS THERE APPROXIMATELY 4 MINUTES WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND TURNED MY HEAD TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TOWARDS MY CHILD. MY CHILD SCREAMED FOR ME THE SAME MOMENT I WAS TURNING MY HEAD AND THERE WERE FLAMES MELTING THE PLASTIC CASING AROUND THE SEAT BELT COVER. THE FLAMES ALMOST REACHED HER HEAD. I FRANTICALLY GOT IN THE BACK SEAT AND REMOVED THE SAFETY BELT AND PULLED HER FROM THE CAR TO SAFETY. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS BURNED FROM THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO BURN INJURIES DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS STOPPED AND ABLE TO REMOVE MYSELF AND MY CHILD BEFORE THE FLAMES ENGULFED MY CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467019
2,800 miles · Jul 1, 2012
Air Bags
AS THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS UNDER A RECALL, THE PASSENGER SIDE SYSTEM SHOULD ALSO BE INVESTIGATED. ABOUT 10-15% OF THE TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL INDICATE THAT IT IS OFF AFTER AN ADULT SITS IN THE SEAT. THIS REQUIRES THAT THE PERSON WILL NEED TO GET OUT THEN BACK IN, OR THE CAR NEEDS TO BE SHUT OFF AND R…
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AS THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS UNDER A RECALL, THE PASSENGER SIDE SYSTEM SHOULD ALSO BE INVESTIGATED. ABOUT 10-15% OF THE TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL INDICATE THAT IT IS OFF AFTER AN ADULT SITS IN THE SEAT. THIS REQUIRES THAT THE PERSON WILL NEED TO GET OUT THEN BACK IN, OR THE CAR NEEDS TO BE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED AND THAT DOESN'T GUARANTEE THAT THE SYSTEM WILL OPERATE PROPERLY. LAST WEEK THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT HAS NOW BEEN COMING ON WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IT WILL APPEAR FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN GO OFF, REAPPEAR THEN GO OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463898
79,333 miles · Jun 22, 2012
Air Bags
AFTER CLOCKSPRING RECALL/ AND REPAIR THE CARS AIR BAG SIGNAL NOW COME ON WITH A CODE OF B1378 IN WHICH KIA HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE IS S HIGH RESISTANCE DSAB. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS CODE IS FOR A BAD OR FAULTY AIRBAG. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG HAS NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462688
80,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
WE WERE HIT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE ENTIRE SIDE OF THE CAR WAS CRUSHED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS EVER DEPLOYED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I HAD REPORTED THE FACT THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NOT COMING ON TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FRO…
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WE WERE HIT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE ENTIRE SIDE OF THE CAR WAS CRUSHED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS EVER DEPLOYED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I HAD REPORTED THE FACT THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NOT COMING ON TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM BUT THEY JUST MADE EXCUSES THAT THE PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT WAS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH EVEN THOUGH THEY WEIGHED OVER 150LBS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460853
65,000 miles · May 18, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ONLY WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ON IT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH OR IT MAY DEPLOY WITHOUT A CRASH OCCURRING. THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ONLY WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ON IT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH OR IT MAY DEPLOY WITHOUT A CRASH OCCURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 06/26/12 *BF A DIAGNOSTIC REVEALER THE OC PASSENGER SENSOR MAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. HOWEVER, THREE DAYS LATER WHEN A PASSENGER SAT IN THE SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AGAIN. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AGAIN. THE MECHANIC STATED IT SEEMED THAT IF SOMEONE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, DID A LOT OF MOVING AROUND, OR WAS SLIGHTLY HEAVY IN WEIGHT, IT TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHT IS CURRENTLY ON. UPDATED 06/27/12. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10458902
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2012
Air BagsEngineCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND A FATALITY WAS REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILAB…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND A FATALITY WAS REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/12/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL CAME IN THE MAIL ON APRIL 12. 2012. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPDATED 06/13/12
NHTSA ODI #10458486
Official recalls
3Apr 1, 2013
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.
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.
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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