2009 KIA OPTIMA

1 recalls — 50 complaints

13V114000 Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
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.
980,377 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking noise and then stalled. The contact stated that the battery and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the vehicle stalled several times while driving to the mechanic. The mechanic had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings in the oil pan and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
SUSPENSION Nov 12, 2023
After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.
STEERING Nov 12, 2023
After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.
AIR BAGS Sep 21, 2021
The airbags did not deploy while the car was being driven at 65 mph on Interstate 275 S and crashed into a wall barrier. Since the airbags did not deploy, the driver's head was thrown around because the rest of his body was held firm by the seat belt. The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital. After several tests, it was determined that the driver suffered a broken neck and spinal damage and must wear as an Aspen neck brace for 6 weeks and then be examined by a Neurosurgeon to determine if there is any further damage or additional medical care is required. The driver is unable to work until released by a Neurosurgeon. The car was declared a total loss.
Crash 1 injured
POWER TRAIN Mar 28, 2021
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WHEN COLD THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS HARD INTO FIRST AT ABOUT 20 MPH. ALMOST AT SOMETIMES FEELING LIKE I HAVE BEEN HIT FROM THE BACK. MY NECK HAS STARTED HURTING FROM WHIPLASH. THIS IS A VERY HORRIBLE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. IN STATES WHERE ROADS BECOME WET, ICY, AND COVERED WITH SNOW, THIS CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE/ POSSIBLY DEATH.
POWER TRAIN Mar 18, 2021
TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT VERY HARD FROM 2ND TO 1ST. DEALER RESET MODULE 10 MONTHS AGO. SOLVED PROBLEM. PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER RESET MODULE BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. CHECKED INTERNET, PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD.
POWER TRAIN Feb 5, 2021
WHEN CAR IS SLOWING DOWN AND /OR APPROACHING A STOP SIGN IT GIVES A HARD JERK. EVEN IF TRAFFIC SLOWS DOWN ON THE EXPRESS WAY IT GIVES A HARD JERK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOVEMBER 2020.
SERVICE BRAKES Sep 3, 2020
LAST WEEK, ON AUG 29TH 2020, I TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT U-TURN ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I GOT SCARED AND JUST DROVE FORWARD TO THE NEXT STREET AND TURNED RIGHT ONTO THAT STREET. ON AUG THE 17TH, 2020 I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC SAID THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO FIX THAT. APPROX 2 WEEKS LATER, SEPT 2ND, THE MOTOR BLEW ON MY CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A HWY. THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE A/C VENT RIGHT BEFORE IT HAPPENED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
ENGINE Sep 3, 2020
LAST WEEK, ON AUG 29TH 2020, I TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT U-TURN ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I GOT SCARED AND JUST DROVE FORWARD TO THE NEXT STREET AND TURNED RIGHT ONTO THAT STREET. ON AUG THE 17TH, 2020 I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC SAID THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO FIX THAT. APPROX 2 WEEKS LATER, SEPT 2ND, THE MOTOR BLEW ON MY CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A HWY. THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE A/C VENT RIGHT BEFORE IT HAPPENED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
AIR BAGS Mar 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DECEASED DAUGHTER WHO WAS DRIVING A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND WENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE HEAD ON WHERE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE EXACT EVENTS WERE UNCERTAIN. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE DAUGHTER WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED FEMUR AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER (RIVERSIDE COLLISION CENTER LOCATED ON 1441 SOUTH BRANCH RIVER RD, ROMNEY, WV 26757) WHERE THEY WERE REFUSING TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER REPURCHASED IT. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN POSSESSION OF THE COLLISION CENTER. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *LN*JB*DT*JB*DT*DT*JB*DT*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT*DT
Crash 2 injured 1 deaths
ENGINE Feb 28, 2020
DRIVING AT 70 MPH, ENGINE DIED AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SHOULDER, FRONT END OF CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED WITH FOAM. CAR A TOTAL LOSS.
Fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 28, 2020
DRIVING AT 70 MPH, ENGINE DIED AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SHOULDER, FRONT END OF CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED WITH FOAM. CAR A TOTAL LOSS.
Fire
POWER TRAIN Feb 28, 2020
DRIVING AT 70 MPH, ENGINE DIED AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SHOULDER, FRONT END OF CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED WITH FOAM. CAR A TOTAL LOSS.
Fire
ENGINE Jan 12, 2020
AFTER I BOUGHT MY USED 2009 KIA OPTIMA, I WAS EXPERIENCING A HARD DOWNSHIFT WHEN IT DECELERATED, IT WAS SO ABRUPT IT FELT AS IF THE BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED VERY RAPIDLY AND THE CAR WOULD JERK FORWARD. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE FIRST STARTS AND GOES AWAY AFTER IT HAS WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A KIA DEALER AND WE BELIEVE THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. IT STOPPED FOR A WHILE BUT IT IS DOING IT AGAIN AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Oct 16, 2019
BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AND DRAINS BATTERY. REAR BRAKE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONAL.
STEERING Sep 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF BELZER'S KIA CHEVROLET DODGE RAM KIA (21111 CEDAR AVE, LAKEVILLE, MN 55044, (952) 232-6897), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO LUTHER BLOOMINGTON KIA (1701 AMERICAN BLVD W, BLOOMINGTON, MN 55431, (612) 424-7641) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ENGINE Jun 9, 2019
A BEARING IN THE MOTOR OR SOMETHING GAVE OUT AS I WAS DRIVING. I AM UNABLE TO START IT AND KEEP IT STARTED. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE CEASED UP. IT ONLY HAS LIKE 126000 MILES ON IT.
ENGINE Apr 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT NOTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FROM MARCH 29, 2013. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER, AN OFF DUTY FIRE FIGHTER FLAGGED THE CONTACT TO QUICKLY PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE FIGHTER REMAINED AT THE SCENE AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A FACILITY, INSPECTED THE COLLISION DAMAGES, AND CLAIMED THE VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT INVESTIGATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT NOTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FROM MARCH 29, 2013. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER, AN OFF DUTY FIRE FIGHTER FLAGGED THE CONTACT TO QUICKLY PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE FIGHTER REMAINED AT THE SCENE AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A FACILITY, INSPECTED THE COLLISION DAMAGES, AND CLAIMED THE VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT INVESTIGATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT NOTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FROM MARCH 29, 2013. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER, AN OFF DUTY FIRE FIGHTER FLAGGED THE CONTACT TO QUICKLY PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE FIGHTER REMAINED AT THE SCENE AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A FACILITY, INSPECTED THE COLLISION DAMAGES, AND CLAIMED THE VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT INVESTIGATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fire
STEERING Mar 26, 2019
MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND NOTHING WILL HELP UNLOCK IT. IS THERE A RE CALL
AIR BAGS Nov 1, 2018
THE AIRBAG (SRS) WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AT ABOUT 88,200 MILES IN OCTOBER, 2018. I FIRST NOTICED THIS WHILE DRIVING BUT THE LIGHT STAYED ON EVER SINCE THEN. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALER WHO CHECKED THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC CODE (B1346) AND TOLD ME THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED . THIS WAS DONE AFTER THEY ORDERED THE PART FOR A TOTAL COST TO ME OF $329.72. THE CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL FOR 2008 OPTIMAS AND SOME OTHER KIA MODELS. SINCE THE SRS SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WITH A FAULTY AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY COMPONENT PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY KIA LIKE IT WAS FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jul 25, 2018
HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 25, 2018
HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jul 17, 2018
SRS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE STATIONARY AND CONTINUED WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING..NOW IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY RESET IT COMES BACK NEXT DAY AND STAYS ON.
SEAT BELTS Jul 17, 2018
SRS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE STATIONARY AND CONTINUED WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING..NOW IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY RESET IT COMES BACK NEXT DAY AND STAYS ON.
AIR BAGS Jul 17, 2018
SRS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE STATIONARY AND CONTINUED WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING..NOW IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY RESET IT COMES BACK NEXT DAY AND STAYS ON.
POWER TRAIN Jun 30, 2018
CAR LURCHES AT 20 MPH WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENS AFTER JUST STARTING THE CAR, ONCE DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY IT DOWNSHIFTS WITHOUT LURCHING FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED YEARS AGO AROUND 70,000 DEALER FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS OK UNTIL NOW AT 120,000. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON REOCCURRING PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED.
AIR BAGS Aug 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (UNIVERSITY KIA, 6519 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806, (256) 217-1700) TO INSPECT AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,913.
POWER TRAIN Aug 6, 2017
MY 2009 KIA OPTIMA WITH 90,000 MILES IS EXPERIENCING A HARD DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR WHEN IT DECELERATES TO ABOUT 20 MPH. IT IS SO ABRUPT, IT FEELS AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED VERY RAPIDLY. THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD AND GOES AWAY AFTER IT HAS WARMED UP. IT JUST STARTED AND I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO BE SERVICED.
AIR BAGS Jul 28, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND WE'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT'S A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS A RECALL UP TO 2008 OPTIMA'S FOR THIS ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2009. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A KNOWN ISSUE AS I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE THAT KIA SHOULD PAY SINCE THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AN IT'S AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT AND SPECIAL ORDER. THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER THIS REPLACEMENT.
ENGINE Jun 22, 2017
THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING TWO MONTHS AGO AND YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WITH NO WARNING.
AIR BAGS Jun 9, 2017
MY CAR HAS 60,603 MILES ON IT THE SRS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED IT HAS REMAINED ON FOR THE PAST WEEK. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF KIA'S RECALLED ALL THE WAY UP TO 2008 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM AS IT STANDS NOW ALTHOUGH IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES WARRANTY.
ENGINE Mar 6, 2017
MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA WAS FOUND TO HAVE A LEAKING OIL LINE WHICH FEEDS LUBRICATION OIL FROM THE ENGINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER. THIS OCCURRED AT 58,000 MILES, WELL WITHIN THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR THE DRIVE TRAIN. HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE OIL SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, BUT THE ENGINE AND TURBO WERE. THE LOSS OF THIS LINE WOULD RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE DUE TO NO OIL, AS WELL AS THE TURBO, AND THIS WAS MOST LIKELY TO FAIL WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION IN TRAFFIC AS THAT IS WHEN THE LOAD ON THESE COMPONENTS IS GREATEST. FAILURE OF THE ENGINE AT THIS TIME COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. EVEN IF THE LINE DID NOT FULLY FAIL, THE LEAKING OIL IS LOCATED AT THE TURBO HOUSING WHICH IS PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IS LIKELY, AFTER SOME TIME, TO RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE WHICH WOULD LIKELY DESTROY THE CAR. SINCE THIS COMPONENT, THE OIL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTS THE ENGINE AND THE TURBO I FIND THAT IT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE DRIVE TRAIN AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER THE WARRANTY. IT ALSO IS A SEVERE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. I WISH TO ENTER MY CONCERNS TO THE NHTSA.
SERVICE BRAKES Jan 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE THE SPEED BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD REDUCE SPEED AS NORMAL TIL AROUND 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY JERK FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
AIR BAGS Oct 4, 2016
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS IS APPARENTLY AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH 2009 OPTIMAS
AIR BAGS Sep 21, 2016
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON, AFTER PASSENGER MAT REPLACED ON RECALL. THEY FOUND CODES B1346 AND B1481 FOR DRIVER'S AIRBAG RESISTANCE TOO HIGH FOR STAGES 1 AND 2. NEED TO DIAGNOSE IF AIRBAG IS FAULTY OR CLOCK SPRING.
ENGINE Sep 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Fire
AIR BAGS Aug 12, 2016
TOOK 2009 KIA TO DEALERSHIP, TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016 BECAUSE OF AIR BAG ILLUMINATION. WAS TOLD IT WAS TWO THINGS. THE OCS MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. KIA ISSUED A RECALL ON THE 2008 OPTIMA FOR THIS VERY SAME ISSUE (CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY). THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WE DID, HOWEVER, RECEIVE A LETTER FROM KIA REGARDING THE OCS MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. UNFORTUNATELY, KIA WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. PRICES FOR REPAIR? OVER $1,500. THESE TWO ITEMS ARE CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE REPAIR THESE SAFETY ISSUES. THESE ISSUES DID NOT OCCUR BECAUSE OF MISUSE - THEY ARE OCCURRING AND HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF KNOWN DEFECTS.
STEERING Aug 12, 2016
TOOK 2009 KIA TO DEALERSHIP, TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016 BECAUSE OF AIR BAG ILLUMINATION. WAS TOLD IT WAS TWO THINGS. THE OCS MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. KIA ISSUED A RECALL ON THE 2008 OPTIMA FOR THIS VERY SAME ISSUE (CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY). THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WE DID, HOWEVER, RECEIVE A LETTER FROM KIA REGARDING THE OCS MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. UNFORTUNATELY, KIA WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. PRICES FOR REPAIR? OVER $1,500. THESE TWO ITEMS ARE CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE REPAIR THESE SAFETY ISSUES. THESE ISSUES DID NOT OCCUR BECAUSE OF MISUSE - THEY ARE OCCURRING AND HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF KNOWN DEFECTS.
POWER TRAIN Aug 11, 2016
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HARD - STARTED AROUND 60,000 MILES. SHIFTS HARD FROM SECOND GEAR TO FIRST GEAR - AROUND 20 MPH. TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE SYSTEM (COMPUTER) UPGRADE IN JANUARY OF 2014 ($500) -- THIS FIXED THE ISSUE FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. TOOK IT BACK IN JANUARY OF 2015 ($500) FOR ANOTHER SYSTEM (COMPUTER) UPGRADE. IT FIXED THE ISSUE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. TOOK IT BACK TO KIA AND THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I ASKED THE TECH IF HE COULD GUARANTEE ME THAT THIS WOULD STOP THE ISSUE. HE TOLD ME HE COULD NOT GUARANTEE ME THAT INSTALLING A NEW TRANSMISSION WOULD STOP THE HARD DOWNSHIFTING ISSUE. IT DOWNSHIFTS SO HARD THAT YOU FEEL LIKE SOMEONE HAS SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES.
AIR BAGS Aug 11, 2016
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. RECEIVED LETTER FROM KIA IN JULY 2016 THAT IT WOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS ISSUE. IT STATED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN AND HAVE IT CHECKED AND THAT IF ANY PROBLEMS IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF. IN REALITY, THAT IS NOT TRUE. ONLY IF YOU PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD THESE KNOWN AIR BAG ISSUES BE HANDLED BY KIA. THE COST TO REPAIR? $1,500.
POWER TRAIN Aug 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SHIFTER'S POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
AIR BAGS Jul 16, 2016
SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON. DEALER SAYS IT'S A CLOCK SPRING THAT'S NOT UNDER MY WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WILL COST $335.00 ON TOP OF THE $84.00 I PAID FOR DIAGNOSIS. IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON 2009'S AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2008'S FOR THIS PROBLEM.
AIR BAGS Jul 9, 2016
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON, WON'T GO OFF AND NOW EHICLE WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION.
AIR BAGS Jun 12, 2016
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. NOTHING HAPPENS ON THE VEHICLE
AIR BAGS May 15, 2016
MY COMPLAINT REGARDS THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN 2015 AND HAS REMAINED ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE LIGHT ON AND WHILE KIA RECALLED THE 2008 MODELS, THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THE 2009 MODELS DESPITE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF ISSUES WITH BOTH THE AIR BAGS AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT. LAST YEAR, THE DEALER FOUND A LOOSE SENSOR THAT THEY RECONNECTED, IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO PASS INSPECTION. HOWEVER, THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON THE NEXT DAY. AT THIS POINT, I DON'T KNOW IF MY AIR BAGS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND I'M STUCK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THE DATE IS ESTIMATED AS IT HAPPENED BETWEEN JUNE 2014 AND JUNE 2015 WHEN I WAS UP FOR MY NEXT INSPECTION.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
SERVICE BRAKES Apr 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.