Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
290–25K
1725–50K
2050–75K
2075–100K
16100–150K
7150K+
109 reports with mileage · 35 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports4 fire reports15 injury reports
What owners actually said
144 reports
121,919 miles · Oct 9, 2019
Air Bags
KIA RECALLED OPTIMAS UP UNTIL JANUARY 2008 FOR FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. I HAVE A KIA OPTIMA THAT WAS BUILT IN MARCH 2008. I JUST PAID ALMOST 500.00 TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING BECAUSE MY MONTH AND YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHY DID KIA STOP THE RECALL AFTER JANUARY 2008 WHEN THERE WERE STILL 2008'S WITH CLOCK SPRING ISSUES…
Read full complaint
KIA RECALLED OPTIMAS UP UNTIL JANUARY 2008 FOR FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. I HAVE A KIA OPTIMA THAT WAS BUILT IN MARCH 2008. I JUST PAID ALMOST 500.00 TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SPRING BECAUSE MY MONTH AND YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHY DID KIA STOP THE RECALL AFTER JANUARY 2008 WHEN THERE WERE STILL 2008'S WITH CLOCK SPRING ISSUES. I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I HAD A BAD CLOCK SPRING. I'M SURE THESE THINGS DO NOT WEAR OUT BEING THEY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #11267367
79,000 miles · Sep 18, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED IN THE VEHICLE, HE SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE GEAR FAILED TO ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE DISCONNECT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED IN THE VEHICLE, HE SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE GEAR FAILED TO ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. GREENWAY KIA OF RIVERGATE (1536 GALLATIN PIKE N, MADISON, TN 37115, (615) 860-9888) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #11256489
160,000 miles · Jul 18, 2019
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SONS KIA (100 SONS DR, MC…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT CONTINUED TO MOVE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SONS KIA (100 SONS DR, MCDONOUGH, GA 30253, (678) 619-1393) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CLAIMING THAT THE SHIFTER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #11233205
160,000 miles · Jul 17, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
WHEN PLACING THE CAR IN PARK THE CAR ISN'T RECOGNIZING THAT THE CAR IS PARKED CAUSING IT TO CONTINUE TO ROLL. ONCE THE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED OFF THE CAR WILL NOT RESTART AND THE GEARS WILL NOT SHIFT.
NHTSA ODI #11232743
70,000 miles · May 9, 2019
Engine
I BOUGHT MY KIA OPTIMA IN 2009, IT WAS 1 YR OLD AT THAT TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT IN MARCH OF 2017 AND I AM HAVING TO REPLACE IT AGAIN. IT IS MAY OF 2019. MY CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON THE ORIGINAL ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11206633
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
2008 KIA OPTIMA FUEL PUMP BODY FAILURE. THE PUMP BODY CRACKS AND THE COMPUTER SETS EVAPORATED. LEAKAGE CODE. WE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OF THESE FROM A SALVAGE YARD AND ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.THIS SHOWS A PATTERN OF DEFECTS AND IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS IF THIS CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT AS THE FUEL WILL BURST OUT OF THE TANK AS A RESULT THIS …
Read full complaint
2008 KIA OPTIMA FUEL PUMP BODY FAILURE. THE PUMP BODY CRACKS AND THE COMPUTER SETS EVAPORATED. LEAKAGE CODE. WE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OF THESE FROM A SALVAGE YARD AND ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.THIS SHOWS A PATTERN OF DEFECTS AND IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS IF THIS CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT AS THE FUEL WILL BURST OUT OF THE TANK AS A RESULT THIS FUEL SENDER CRACKING.
NHTSA ODI #11161480
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2018
Unknown Or Other
2008 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE CRASH. *LD *JS
NHTSA ODI #11112693
136,000 miles · Jun 25, 2018
Power Train
MY HUSBAND WENT TO WALMART TO DROP OFF A MOVIE. WHEN HE CAME OUT HE SAW ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES HOLDING THE CAR FROM BEHIND BECAUSE IT WAS ROLLING BACK. MY HUSBAND PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF AND THE CAR STILL ROLLED BACK. WHEN HE GOT IN THE CAR AND TURNED IT ON THE HEAD BOARD SHOWED IT WAS ON 'N'. NO CHECK ENGIN LIGHT OR…
Read full complaint
MY HUSBAND WENT TO WALMART TO DROP OFF A MOVIE. WHEN HE CAME OUT HE SAW ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES HOLDING THE CAR FROM BEHIND BECAUSE IT WAS ROLLING BACK. MY HUSBAND PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF AND THE CAR STILL ROLLED BACK. WHEN HE GOT IN THE CAR AND TURNED IT ON THE HEAD BOARD SHOWED IT WAS ON 'N'. NO CHECK ENGIN LIGHT OR ANY OTHER WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. THE SHIFT GEAR WAS STUCK ON N. AND IF MANUAL BRAKE IS NOT ON THEN THE CAR WILL ROLL BACK. YOU CAN MOVE THE GEAR STICK IN CAR TO PARK OR DRIVE BUT THE ACTUAL CAR IS STUCK ON N. SHIFT GEAR WILL NOT CHANGE FROM N. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE WALMART EMPLOYEE STOPPING OUR CAR THAN IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE BY CRASHING INTO OTHER CARS BEHIND IT OR EVEN RUNNING OVER SOMEBODY CAUSING A FATALITY!!! CALLED KIA COMPANY TO REPORT IT BUT THEY DENIED IT BEING RELATED TO THE RECALL THAT SHOWS ONLINE ON KIA OPTIMAS 2006-2008. THEY TOLD ME ONLY SPECIFIC OPTIMAS HAVE THAT RECALL. WE HAVEN'T EVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH OUR CAR SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2008. WE HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED IT AND TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT. THIS IS A FIRST FOR OUR CAR AND THIS INCIDENT WE HAD WITH OUR CAR IS THE SAME DESCRIPTION AS THE RECALL. WE FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD COVER THIS COST DUE TO IT BEING A MANUFACTUER ERROR. THE RECALL STATES ' INCORRECTLY INSTALLED CABLES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO COME LOOSE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, DISABLING THE SHIFTER. IF THE CABLE COMES LOOSE, A CAR IN PARK WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR WHILE A VEHICLE ALREADY IN GEAR WOULDN'T SHIFT TO REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR PARK. IF A CAR WAS PARKED AND ACCIDENTALLY LEFT IN GEAR, AND IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED, THE CAR COULD POTENTIALLY ROLL AWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY.' KIA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM AND STOP SAYING ONLY SPECIFIC VEHICLES HAVE THE RECALL. WELL MY CAR DID!! ITS A 2008 KIA OPTIMA AND HAD THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPEN THATS ON RECALL. HELP!!
NHTSA ODI #11103720
131,500 miles · Jun 4, 2018
Electrical SystemPower Train
THE GEAR SHIFTER IS FREELY ALLOWED TO MOVE, YET THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS REGISTERING THAT THE CAR HASN'T LEFT NEUTRAL. (EXAMPLE: WHEN I PLACE THE CAR IN P(ARK), THE DISPLAY ABOVE THE ODOMETER WILL REMAIN IN N(EUTRAL). THE SHIFTER IS FREELY ALLOWED TO MOVE WHEN THE CAR IS ON AND THE BRAKE IS PRESSED DOWN AS USUAL.
NHTSA ODI #11099510
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2018
EngineSteering
FIRST THING IN THE MORING WHEN I START MY CAR UP. YOU DON'T HEAR THE KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE BUT SOON AS THE CAR GET THE ENGINE WARMED UP YOU CAN HEAAR A VERY LOUD TICKING NOISE. EVEN AS YOU DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE HIGHWAY YOU CAN STILL HEAR IT. ALSO THE STEERING IS VERY HARD TO OPERATE IT HAS BEEN LIKE THAT SINCE…
Read full complaint
FIRST THING IN THE MORING WHEN I START MY CAR UP. YOU DON'T HEAR THE KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE BUT SOON AS THE CAR GET THE ENGINE WARMED UP YOU CAN HEAAR A VERY LOUD TICKING NOISE. EVEN AS YOU DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE HIGHWAY YOU CAN STILL HEAR IT. ALSO THE STEERING IS VERY HARD TO OPERATE IT HAS BEEN LIKE THAT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I SAID SOMETHING TO KIA ABOUT IT THEY STATED THEY DIDN'T SEE A PROBLEM. IT'S VERY HARD TO BACKED UP AND TRY TURNING THE STEERING WHILE OPERATING THE CAR.
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