2007 KIA Optima

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2014· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I HAVE A 2007 KIA OPTIMA AND IT HAS TERRIBLE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS ON AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. PER FORUM DISCUSSIONS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. *JS

• 12/30/2011· AIR BAGS

  AT 63,000 MILES, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ILLUMINATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THE ADULT/CHILD SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR NEITHER FRONT AIRBAG WOULD WORK. ESTIMATE WAS $1,600 PREPAID. PRIOR TO THIS, NO PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SENSORS IN THIS VEHICLE. *KB

• 12/29/2008· AIR BAGS

  THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SINCE SHE ONLY WEIGHS ABOUT 100 POUNDS I CALLED KIA THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT IT TOOK 120M POUNDS TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF. THIS DOES NOT SOUND CORRECT TO ME. THE VEHICLE IS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN GIVE ME WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED *TR

• 12/28/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  BROKEN CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND DRIVE BELT. *TR

• 12/21/2007· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF THE ROAD, DROVE INTO THE EMBANKMENT, AND STRUCK A TREE. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND A TREE CRASHED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND LANDED UPRIGHT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PRESUMED TO BE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. KIA STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND OUT A REPRESENTATIVE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS AND ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED. THE WIFE SUSTAINED BRUISES AND ALL THE OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11,000. UPDATED 02-12-08 BF * THE CONSUMER STATED DOES NOT FEEL FAIRLY COMPENSATED FOR THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DEFECT. UPDATED 02/12/08 *TR

• 12/16/2016· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS

  I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG CAME ON. A FEW MONTHS PRIOR, WE HAD TO REPLACE THE O2 SENSOR BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. NOW ON THE SECOND DAY WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON! IS IT BAD WIRING, WILL MY AIRBAG NOT WORK? *TR

• 12/11/2018· ENGINE

  MY KIA OPTIMA BEGAN CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL BUT IT WASN'T LEAKING OUT OR BURNING OFF ANYWHERE. I BEGAN TO WATCH THE OIL LEVELS CLOSELY AND WAS DOWN 2 QTS EVERY WEEK. AT SOME POINT THE OIL PRESSURE GOT TOO LOW AND WE THINK SUCKED AIR INTO THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN AS IT HAS BEEN FOR THE PPAST YR BUT FOR AN EVAP PROBLEM - A VERY SMALL LEAK KEPT GETTING DETECTED. I SPENT $1800 AT FIRESTONE THE PREVIOUS UR THE COLDER KEPT COMING BACK ON AND OFF. BUT THIS DIDN'T EXPLAIN THE SIDDEN MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. SUDDENLY ON OCT. 21 MY CAR SUDDENLY IDLED VERY HIGH WITHOUT MOVING AND THE THE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND STAYED ON. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK LOUDLY ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELLERATING OR CLIMBING HILLS. MY MECHANIC FRIEND TOLD ME ONE OF THE ENGINE RODS WAS DAMAGED AND THE COMPUTER CODE CHECK VERIFIED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT TIMING OIL CONTROL VALVE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THIS WOULD EXPLAIN THE LOW OIL PRESSURE AND DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM ON KIA'S WEBSITE WITH MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE. KIA HAD A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY OF THEIR CARS BUT OF COURSE NOT MINE. I WAS VERY UPSET OVER IT. I HAD GOTTEN THE CAR ONLY 3 YEARS PRIOR AND IT ONLY HAD 150K MILES ON IT. I TOOK REALLY GOOD CARE OF IT. KIA SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO JUNK THE CAR AND HAVE TO BUY A NEW WHEN I WASN'T IN A POSITION TO DO SO. KIA HAS DISAPPOINTED ME GREATLY. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM I MAY NEVER BUT ANOTHER KIA. I WAS SO EXCITED ABOUT GETTING MY KIA AS IT HAD ALL THE FEATURES I WANTED IN A CAR AND AT A VERY GOOD PRICE BUT IT IIS ONLY GOOD IF IT RUNS. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THW RECALL FOR MY CAR AS IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM AS I READ COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT ONLINE FROM OTHER KIA OPTIMA OWNERS. THE ENGINE COMPUTER CODE THAT CAME UP WAS PO600011

• 12/09/2015· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS WERE EXTREMELY DIM. THE LIGHTS HAD TO BE ON THE HIGH BEAM SETTING IN ORDER TO SEE ANYTHING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,805. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 12/06/2012· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  KIA IS FULLY AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUN VISORS. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WILL TURN UP THOUSANDS OF CASES. THE VISOR COMPONENTS BREAK CAUSING THEM TO HANG LOOSE, OBSTRUCTING VISION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE DEFECT HAS EXISTED FOR A LONG TIME (MY WIFE?S 2003 SORRENTO EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE IN 2004) AND IT CONTINUES TODAY. MY 2007 OPTIMA HAS BOTH VISORS HANGING PRESENTLY. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THESE VISORS, AND THE COST TO REPAIR THEM IS 100-200 EACH. *TR

• 11/30/2016· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOOSE PIN FITTING AIR BAG CONNECTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

• 11/30/2016· AIR BAGS

  "TAKATA RECALL" I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT JUST CAME ON. *TR

• 11/30/2010· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  WHILE PARKING 2007 OPTIMA I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR TAKE OUT THE KEY. THE SHIFTER LINKAGE AND CABLE HAD BROKEN. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER (SUMMIT KIA, WATERFORD, MI) THEY REPLACED THE VEHICLE SHIFTING LINKAGE AT A COST OF $750.00. THE DEALER STATED THE CABLE BROKE AND WHEN I ASKED IF THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE THEY STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UNUSUAL TO HAVE TO REPLACE THIS ON THE 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE VEHICLE HAS 108,000 MILES. IN 40 YEARS AND MANY VEHICLES I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS GO ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE I OWNED. *TR

• 11/30/2009· PARKING BRAKE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING

  PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, BRAKE LIGHTS. THE REAR STOP LAMP AND TAIL LAMP BULB HAVE A DEFINITE MALFUNCTION. WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE LIGHTS BLINK AND CERTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE AFFECTED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MUST BE COVERED IN THE RECALL. *TR

• 11/27/2009· AIR BAGS

  FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED APPROXIMATELY 60% OF THE TIME WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A PASSENGER. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN APRIL 2007. FROM ALL I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS THE MOST PREVAILING PROBLEM KIA OWNERS HAVE. KIA ACKNOWLEDGES THIS IS TRUE, BUT SAYS THIS IS SIMPLY HOW THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED. THEIR ONLY SOLUTION IS THAT PASSENGERS MUST SIT BOLT UPRIGHT AND WEIGH OVER 130 POUNDS. THEY ALSO ADVISE ME TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. NOT GOOD!!! *TR

• 11/26/2012· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPMITA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRUNK LOCK FAILED PREVENTING HIM FROM UNLOCKING OR LOCKING THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT HAD TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE LOCK SYSTEM FAILED, BUT THEY WERE NOT SURE IF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,404.

• 11/22/2016· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER RESET THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG INDICATOR ON APPROXIMATELY THREE OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR LESS THAN THIRTY MILES LATER. AFTER A RECENT OIL CHANGE, A DIFFERENT AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 01/05/17*LJ

• 11/22/2007· AIR BAGS

  WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 KIA OPTIMA THIS YEAR IN APRIL AND EVER SINCE WE'VE HAD THE CAR WE'VE HAD ISSUES WITH AIR BAG SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT. I RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND ABOUT 30% OF THE TIME THE AIR BAG IS OFF LIGHT DOESN'T TURN OFF WHEN I'M SITTING IN THE SEAT, ONCE I LIFT MY REAR END OFF THE SEAT AND PUT IT BACK DOWN THEN THAT LIGHT GOES OFF. I'VE TAKEN THIS IN TO THE DEALER ONCE ALREADY AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING APPARENTLY WRONG, WE BROUGHT THE CAR HOME AND WITHIN 2 DAYS THE PROBLEM WAS RECURRING. THE CAR WILL BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR A SECOND TIME WITH THIS ISSUE, I JUST WANT MY AIR BAG TO GO OFF IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, I BELIEVE THAT'S FAIR. THE LAST TIME WE TOOK IT IN THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH SENSOR ACCORDING THE COMPUTER, THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND SENT US ON OUR WAY. HOPEFULLY THIS TIME WE'LL BE MORE SATISFIED WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR

• 11/19/2017· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  EVER SINCE WE GOT THIS CAR IT HAS BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE RAIN, WHEN I STARTED TO LOOK INTO WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM I NOTICED THERE IS A HOLE IN THE PLASTIC RIGHT BELOW THE OIL FILTER. THIS ALLOWS WATER TO GET ON THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO SHORT POWER FOR THE CAR. THIS IN RETURN CAUSES THE POWER STEERING TO CEASE UP MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE CAR, HENCE WHY IT HAS BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS; ONE THAT PUT MY MOTHER IN THE HOSPITAL A FEW YEARS BACK. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS YESTERDAY BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, THIS FLAW IS A DEADLY PROBLEM.

• 11/11/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT

  BOUGHT A 2007 KIA OPTIMA IN JULY 2010, AFTER 3 MONTHS HAD TO HAVE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED. NOW ONLY A MONTH LATER THE BRAKES ARE BAD AGAIN. I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. THE BACK DRIVER SIDE BRAKES ARE GRINDING. THE CAR CONTINUES TO SQUEAL. I TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY SAID THERE WAS MORE THAN 50% BRAKE PADS LEFT. WHEN I CHANGED THEM THE FIRST TIME THEY WERE COMPLETELY GONE IN THE BACK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACING THE BRAKES AGAIN, JUST ONE MONTH LATER. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THAT. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY CAR OR THE DEALERSHIP AT THE MOMENT. *TR

• 11/10/2009· AIR BAGS

  IN 2007 I PURCHASED A NEW KIA OPTIMA 4CYL AUTOMATIC FROM A LOCAL DEALER. SOON AFTER, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD SOMETIMES REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG WAS OFF. KIA AUTHORIZED DEALER SAID THAT UNLESS PASSENGER IS SITTING IN UPRIGHT POSITION EXACTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT, THE SENSOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. WE ALSO NOTED THAT IF PASSENGER NOT SITTING CORRECTLY AT FIRST COUPLE OF MINUTES OF DRIVE, BUT THEN REPOSITION HIMSELF IN UPRIGHT POSITION, SENSOR WILL NOT REACT AND AIR BAG WILL BE OFF UNTIL CAR RESTARTED. DEALER SAID THAT SENSOR IS CHECKING FOR PASSENGER ONLY ONCE AT THE BEGINNING OF DRIVE AND DOES NOT RE-CHECK DURING THE DRIVE. IT SEEMS NOT LOGICAL - IF I AM PICKING UP THE PASSENGER AFTER HOUR OF DRIVE WITHOUT TURNING THE MOTOR OFF, THE SENSOR SHOULD SENSE THE PASSENGER AND TURN ON THE AIR BAG. THE DEALERS ANSWER ABOUT UPRIGHT POSITION OF PASSENGER IS NONSENSE - OUR NISSAN QUEST 2004 HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AND NISSAN COMPANY DID VOLUNTARY RECALL AND RE-DESIGN THE SEAT CUSHION SENSOR TO THE BIGGER AND MORE SENSITIVE ONE, SO POSITION OF THE PASSENGER ON THE SEAT DOES NOT MATTER ANYMORE. AS I SEE FROM SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH (JUST SEARCH FOR "KIA OPTIMA PASSENGER AIR BAG PROBLEM"), THERE IS A LOT OF CUSTOMER'S REPORTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE KIA COMPANY FOUND THAT DESIGN FLAW FOR SORRENTO MODEL, BUT I BELIEVE THEY WILL NEED TO CHECK OPTIMA 2007 AS WELL. I'VE BOUGHT KIA DUE TO ADVERTISEMENT OF KIA CAR'S 5-STAR SAFETY RATING, BUT NOW I AM REALLY CONCERN ABOUT SAFETY OF MY LOVED ONES IF THEY ARE ON THE PASSENGER SEAT IN MY CAR. IT IS A QUITE DANGEROUS CAR DEFECT AND I HOPE MY COMPLAINT WILL SPEED UP KIA RESPONSE TO THE POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM. *TR

• 11/09/2007· AIR BAGS

  THE KIA OPTIMA WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2007. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SIGNALS THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF AS IF THERE WERE NO PASSENGER WHEN A PASSENGER IS PRESENT. THIS OCCURS EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PASSENGER WEIGHING OVER 120 POUNDS PROPERLY SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ABOUT 75% OF THE TIME OVER THE LAST MONTH . SERVICE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED FOR 11/13/07. *TR

• 11/07/2014· AIR BAGS

  AIR BAG LIGHTS COM ON WITH NO ACCIDENTS INVOLVED. I CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS MY ISSUE NOT THEIRS. I HAVE FILED PREVIOUS TIME AND YET NO ANSWER FROM ANYONE. KIA OWNER ARE BEING LEFT OUT ON THESE RECALLS ON AIR BAGS. THEY HAD IN THE PAST RECALLS ON THE SAME ISSUE. AIR BAGS. *TR

• 11/06/2015· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

• 11/05/2012· AIR BAGS

  I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN MY OPTIMA TO THE DEALER FOR THIS RECALL ALREADY AND THEY FIXED THE RECALL THE FIRST TIME, BUT I TOOK IT AGAIN LAST WEEK FOR THE SAME THING AND NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC FEE SO THEY CAN TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS ? THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY KNOW WHAT IT IS AND IT IS A DEFECT AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT. THIS A RECALL AND THEY NEED TO FIX IT AND NOT ME PAY FOR IT.... *TR

• 11/05/2008· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL WHILE AVOIDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ROADS WERE WET DUE TO RAINY CONDITIONS. AFTER STRIKING THE RAIL, THE FRONT END SLID AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS DAMAGED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP AND WAS CONSIDERED TO BE DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND MAY HAVE FAILED DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,000. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF

• 11/03/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  MY LOW BEAM LIGHTS HAVE NO VISIBILITY AND I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE USED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY BECAUSE IT COSTS $400 FOR BOTH SIDES THAT I DONT HAVE I REPLACED MY LOW AND HIGH BEAM BULBS THE HIGH BEAMS WORK JUST FINE BUT AS I WAS DOING RESEARCH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVE THE SAME REOCCURRING PROBLEM I SEEN WHERE THEY HAVE RECALLED 2011 AND UP FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I GUESS DECIDED TO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE OLDER MODELS I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT BUT THAT IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR WORK AND MY DAUGHTERS NOW IT IS GETTING DARKER EARLIER AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE AROUND WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF

• 11/01/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  I HAVE A 2007 KIA OPTIMA, I PURCHASED IT ON 9/2009. THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS AS FOLLOWS: WHEN I AM PUMPING FUEL , I REMOVE THE CAP AND PUT THE NOZZLE AND PUMP GAS AND THERE ARE TIMES I HOLD THE NOZZLE OR I PUT THE LOCK SO IT DISPENSES ON IT OWN AND WHENEVER THE TANK IS FULL IT STOPS. WHEN I REMOVE THE NOZZLE SUDDENLY THE FUEL FLUSHES OUT OF THE TANK.SOMETIMES ITS ALOT AND OTHERS ITS A LITTLE. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN I (FILL) MY TANK. THE FUEL FLUSHES OUT ONTO THE FLOOR AND MY CAR. I ALWAYS HAVE TO CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR AND TELL THE GASOLINE ATTENDEE THAT THERE IS FUEL ON THE GROUND AND THEY CLEAN IT UP. NO REPAIRS HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS MATTER. I ONLY PUMP 1/2 A TANK NOW OR JUST PUMP $20 TO AVOID HAVING THIS INCIDENT AGAIN. IS THERE A REPORT ON THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM? *TR

• 10/27/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE VISORS FAILED AND ARE FLOPPING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE VISOR IS OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW, AND HITTING MY HEAD. I CAN'T SEE. THE FAULTY PART HAS BEEN RE-DESIGNED....WHY NO RECALL??? I HAVE INSTRUCTED MY FAMILY THAT IF I AM INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT TO SUE KIA SINCE THEY HAVE KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS!!! PASSEGER SIDE 2010, DRIVER'S SIDE 10/2017. I AM HOLDING THE VISORS UP WITH BUNGEE CORDS!!!! THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THESE KIAS!!!!!

• 10/27/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BROKE.... PASSENGER SIDE PREVIOUSLY BROKEN I FILED A COMPLAINT YEARS AGO....NO CONTACT FROM KIA. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!!! IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM! KIA REDESIGNED THE SPRING....WHY ISN'T THIS BEING RECALLED?! I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN IT BROKE.

• 10/27/2010· VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS

  MY 2007 KIA OPTIMA HAS HAD BOTH SUN VISORS BREAK MAKING THEM UNABLE TO REMAIN IN THE UPWARD POSITION. INITIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR BROKE AND SEVERAL MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE. IT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE TRAFFIC LIGHTS WHEN STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION SO I HELD THEM UP WITH STRAPS. NOW I CANT USE THEM TO BLOCK THE SUN. I WOULD REPLACE THEM BUT THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE THEY WERE USED NORMALLY, I DO NOT ATTACH ANYTHING TO THE VISORS AND THEY WERE USUALLY UP. ADDITIONALLY WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN THERE IS NO OCCUPANT IN THE SEAT. IM NOT SURE WHY BUT IT ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I AM IN THE SEAT. I WEAR MY SEATBELT AND SIT NORMALLY IN THE CHAIR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT USED IN 2008. *TR

• 10/27/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE IGNITION WOULD LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD LOCK BECAUSE THE WHEELS WERE TURNED WHILE PARKED. HE ADDED THAT SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE THE WHEELS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN PARKED AND TO ENSURE THAT THE WHEELS WERE PARALLEL WHEN PARKED. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CURRENT WAS 9,000.

• 10/26/2015· STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER

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

• 10/26/2011· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,533 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,353.

• 10/25/2012· AIR BAGS

  AIR BAG DASH BOARD LIGHT CAME ON. BEFORE THIS THE PASSENGER SENSOR WOULD BE HIT OR MISS. DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS A SHORT IN THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR $1400.00. IT COST ME $60 JUST FOR THEM TO TELL ME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE FOR THIS TO BE OK. *TR

• 10/23/2012· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WILL NO LONGER STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. I DROOP ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN OBSCURING VISION. MUST BE HELD UP BY HAND. *TR

• 10/18/2010· VISIBILITY

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS BROKE WHICH IMPAIRED HIS VISION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS/WARRANTIES THAT WOULD COVER REPAIRS AND HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR EXPENSES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

• 10/14/2007· AIR BAGS

  THE KIA OPTIMA WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2007. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SIGNALS THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF AS IF THERE WERE NO PASSENGER WHEN A PASSENGER IS PRESENT. THIS OCCURS EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PASSENGER WEIGHING BETWEEN 120 AND 150 POUNDS PROPERLY SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS . OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS, THE LIGHT GOES OUT IF THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR 5 TIMES. SEAT HARNESS CONNECTIONS WERE CHECKED, THE SEAT BOTTOM WAS REPLACED AND, MOST RECENTLY, THE SEAT MODULE WAS INCLUDING A "REPROGRAMMED". HOWEVER THE FAILURES CONTINUE. THERE IS ANOTHER REPAIR APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 15, 2007. PASSENGER SAFETY IS AT RISK BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. *TR

• 10/12/2023· POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  My vehicle speed up and slow down all that itself. It will not maintain speed even with my foot steady on the gas. It will not accelerate, but the major problem is my seatbelt gets stuck all the time I’m afraid to get buckled. I am unable to remove my seatbelt multiple times so now I have buckled my seatbelt behind me so I can start getting tickets. I’ve gotten like four tickets because I’m scared to be buckled that it’s not gonna come on down when I need it to be I’ve got 40 bought tickets. I was going about 20 mph when I went to the brakes for my vehicle accelerated by itself crashing into a pillar at the mall. I did call the police.

• 10/09/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS BURN OUT REPEATEDLY. AT LEAST ONE OF THEM BURNS OUT EVERY 2-3 MONTHS. *TR

• 10/08/2024· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  My headlights are preventing me from passing motor vehicle inspection low beam are on doesn't look like their on so I have to drive with high beams and with that no one flashes me. Because all four are on but u can't tell if the low ones on it looks like I just have my parking lights on.

• 10/08/2016· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  UNLESS THE BRIGHTS ARE ON I CAN HARDLY SEE AT NIGHT. I AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS.

• 10/08/2015· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN BEARING IN THE ENGINE FAILED CAUSING ONE OF THE RODS TO FRACTURE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

• 10/07/2011· AIR BAGS

  2007 KIA OPTIMA AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAY ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT UNTIL THE ENGINE IS SHUTOFF. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS TO KIA CONCERNING THIS PROBLEMS.THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA NEEDS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. NHTSA PLEASE INVESTIGATED KIA AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT PROBLEMS. *TR

• 10/05/2011· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL AWAY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V153000(POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

• 10/01/2016· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  OEM HEADLIGHTS GO BAD. LIGHTS GOT PROGRESSIVELY DIM WITH TIME. GOT TO THE POINT I COULD BARELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. DANGEROUS! STARTED LEAVING LIGHTS ON HIGH BEAMS - NOBODY WOULD FLASH ME BECAUSE THEY WERE BARELY ADEQUATE. CHECKED VOLTAGE/GROUND WAS OK. REPLACED FACTORY HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES WITH AFTERMARKET UNITS - FIXED THE PROBLEM. CAN NOW DRIVE AROUND SAFELY AT NIGHT. KIA SHOULD RECALL THE DEFECTIVE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES.

• 09/30/2009· SUSPENSION

  KIA OPTIMA 2006.5 FROM DAY OF NEW CAR PURCHASE IN DEC 2006, CAR HAS HAD A FRONT END PROBLEM THAT RESULTS IN EXCESSIVE NOISE, VIBRATION, AND A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE STRIKES A SERIES OF BUMPS IN THE ROAD. DEALER AND OTHER OWNERS ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS TYPICAL OF MOST VEHICLES IN THIS MODEL YEAR. I AM CONCERNED THAT I COULD LOSE CONTROL IF THE CONDITION DETERIORATES FURTHER WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER DID REPLACE THE FRONT STRUTS A MONTH AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, BUT THE CONDITION PERSISTS. VEHICLE NOW HAS 12000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR

• 09/29/2014· ENGINE

  MY HUSBAND AND I USED A PREMIUM OIL FILTER (NOT KIA), AND A FEW WEEKS LATER HAD A KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP UP THE STREET AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE WE USED AN OIL FILTER THAT WAS NOT KIA, THE FILTER CAUSED METAL IN THE ENGINE WHICH NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT WAS SENT TO ME IN 6 YEARS, NOT ONE PIECE STATED THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO USE A KIA OIL FILTER. THE SHOP THAT I ORIGINALLY TOOK THE CAR TO HAD TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND STATED THAT THERE ARE BULLETINS OUT THAT ARE ONLY AROUND 2 YEARS OLD. WHILE SPEAKING WITH CONSUMER AFFAIRS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR NEEDED TO GO TO A KIA DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHICH STATED THE SAME THING. NOW, THE KICKER, THEY WILL NOT HELP IN FIXING THE ENGINE BECAUSE I AM OVER THE 100,000 MILE MARK. ON TOP OF THAT, I AM NOW CHARGED A TOW BILL AND MORE DIAGNOSTIC FEES ON TOP OF WHAT I ALREADY PAID IN WHICH THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR EITHER (SINCE THEY REQUIRED THE CAR TO BE AT A DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE). I CALL THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS LADY THAT I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH, AND SHE WILL NOT RETURN MY CALL UNTIL I CALL THE 800 NUMBER AND TELL THEM I NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE OR I WILL BE GOING TO THE LOCAL MEDIA AS WELL AS ANY SOCIAL MEDIA AVENUE I CAN. THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM WILL ALSO NOT HONOR THE "ENGINE FOR LIFE" THAT I SIGNED UNLESS I CAN PROVIDE ALL RECEIPTS FROM THE LAST 5 YEARS ON ANY MAINTENANCE THAT I DID ON THE CAR OUTSIDE OF A DEALER (AIR FILTER, ETC). I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN MARRIED AND THE ACCOUNT CLOSED. AND - WHO KEEPS THEIR RECEIPTS FOR 5 YEARS ON AIR FILTERS?? THIS IS NOT ONLY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR A LOYAL CONSUMER, BUT THE LACK OF FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT YOU "AGREED" TO AND SIGNED UPON PURCHASE NOT BEING HONORED. *TR

• 09/28/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM. TRIED REPLACING THE BULBS, BUT NO CHANGE. CLEANED THE OUTER LENS TO IMPROVE CLARITY AND GET RID OF YELLOWING. BUT DID NOT HELP. THE OUTER LENS LOOKS JUST FINE. WHEN I REMOVED THE ASSEMBLY TO CHECK IF THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG INSIDE, I WAS SHOCKED. THE PROJECTOR BOWL HAD CAUGHT RUST ON BOTH SIDES, THUS CAUSING POOR REFLECTIVITY AND LOW LIGHT ON THE ROAD. TURNS OUT EVERY 2006/2007 OPTIMA OWNER HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I FOUND THIS OUT WHEN I LOOKED ONLINE TO PURCHASE A NEW ASSEMBLY.

• 09/26/2022· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  The contact owned a 2007 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 5-10 MPH, the vehicle before her vehicle slowed down suddenly. The contact slammed the brakes and the air bags deployed and deflated. However, the brake pedal hesitated to respond and became soft, causing the contact to crash into the vehicle in front of her. The contact was unsure whether there were warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that it appeared that the air bag deployment overrode the brake system and caused the stopping distance delay. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated that what appeared to be a deflated airbag blocked her view of the road in the same moment that she slammed on the brakes. There was a delay in the brakes actually stopping the vehicle so as a result, her vehicle hit the vehicle in front of it. The vehicle is now a total loss. The contact was not aware that the dealer and manufacturer were supposed to be notified of this incident.

• 09/23/2010· TIRES

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO MODEL#KH17 (NA) SIZE 205/60R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED TWO FRONT TIRES DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AND WITHIN THREE MONTHS THE TIRES EXHIBITED TREAD WEAR PREMATURELY AND CRACKING. THE TIRES WAS PURCHASE 1/30/2010. THE REMAINING TREAD DEPTH WAS 5 AND THE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS ONLY 6,300. THERE WAS NO TIRE IMPACT SUCH AS POTHOLE OR OTHER ROAD HAZARDS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AND INFORMED HIM TO RETURN THEM TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.