2009 KIA OPTIMA

1 recalls, 166 complaints - 50 TSBs

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

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 201... Read more

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... Read more

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

Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

Complaint Statistics

166 total complaints 7 crashes 10 fires 6 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
POWER TRAIN	29
AIR BAGS	29
SERVICE BRAKES	17
ENGINE	14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	11
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	8
STEERING	6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4

Incident date: Dec 18, 2023

The contact owned a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision, which was no fault of the contact. The contact's vehicle was damaged to the front of the vehicle and on the passenger's front side of the veh... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

I had a flat tire while driving to work and was unable to pull over for about a few thousand feet. As the tire went flat I swirled into the grass on a street without a shoulder. The tire snapped off and was not locatable. I filed a police report and called the police at time of incident. The total d... Read more

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

Incident date: Sep 8, 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 h... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 18, 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 WI... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 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.

Incident date: Nov 20, 2020

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.

Incident date: Sep 2, 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 LEAK... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2020

Incident date: Feb 25, 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... Read more

Crash 2 injured 1 deaths

Incident date: Feb 19, 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

Incident date: Feb 19, 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

Incident date: Feb 19, 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

Incident date: Jun 30, 2016

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 TA... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2019

BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AND DRAINS BATTERY. REAR BRAKE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONAL.

Incident date: Aug 20, 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 WITH... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2018

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.

Incident date: May 20, 2015

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 HIGH... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 20, 2015

Fire

Incident date: May 20, 2015

Fire

Incident date: Mar 25, 2019

MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND NOTHING WILL HELP UNLOCK IT. IS THERE A RE CALL

Incident date: Oct 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... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2018

HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.

Incident date: Jul 7, 2018

HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.

Incident date: Jul 13, 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.

Incident date: Jul 13, 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.

Incident date: Jul 13, 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.

Incident date: Apr 12, 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 REOCCURRIN... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 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 AP... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 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 ... Read more

Incident date: 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 S... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 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.

Incident date: Jun 2, 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... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 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 WARRANT... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2015

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 T... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2016

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS IS APPARENTLY AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH 2009 OPTIMAS

Incident date: 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.

Incident date: Oct 2, 2015

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... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 2, 2015

Fire

Incident date: Aug 2, 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 SP... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2016

Incident date: Apr 10, 2013

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 (C... Read more

Incident date: 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... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 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... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 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.

Incident date: Jul 8, 2016

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON, WON'T GO OFF AND NOW EHICLE WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION.

Incident date: Jun 2, 2016

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. NOTHING HAPPENS ON THE VEHICLE

Incident date: Jan 1, 2015

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 L... Read more

Incident date: 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 APP... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2016

Showing 50 of 166 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2009 KIA OPTIMA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	32.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	32.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500
2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	28.0	23.0	Regular	$2,700

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2009 KIA OPTIMA

50 manufacturer communications from 31 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	12
143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION	6
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	5
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	4
100000 POWER TRAIN	3
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	3
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	2
160000 STRUCTURE	2

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

160000 STRUCTURE

TSB_BOD056R1_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY002 (REVISION #1) - 2006~2010MY OPTIMA PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OC

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

OWNER LETTER: WTY002 OPTIMA - DEAR KIA OPTIMA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA?S HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT TO 1

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

350000 EQUIPMENT

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY002 OPTIMA - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

350000 EQUIPMENT

"Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION"

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

"Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION"

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

"Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION"

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 ? UNDERBODY ? ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT

350000 EQUIPMENT

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA OPTIMA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2010 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINA

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 20

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2

350000 EQUIPMENT

"TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMP

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PE

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIF

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLI

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM

140000 AIR BAGS

KIA: THE AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IN CERTAIN VEHICLES IS SENSITIVE AND CAN BE DEFEATED BY ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR WATER. *RM

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

KIA: PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTC(S). *PE

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: ECM UPGRADE FOR IMPROVED SHIFT QUALITY-EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE AND A/T. PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU) OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.4L ENGINES. COMPLAINTS OF POOR SHIFT QUALITY/PATTERN DURING UP SHIFTS

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

KIA: ECM UPGRADE WITH TP SENSOR REPLACEMENT-MIL ON WITH DTC P2135/P0638. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA MOTORS: RELATING TO OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) USED IN CONSTANT VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (CVVT). IF AT ANY TIME OCV IS SUSPECTED AS A CAUSE OF ROUGH IDLING, POOR ACCELERTION, CAMSHAFT TIMING MISALIGNMENT RELATED TROUBLE CODES, MISFIRE RELATED

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optim... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Scope and Timeliness

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s asserti... ons of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Transmission Shift Cable Detachment

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 ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA across all model years (2001, 2019).

59 Total Recalls

10,296 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

524 Reported Crashes

467 Reported Fires

24 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2020	0	199	View
2019	1	309	View
2018	2	329	View
2017	3	351	View
2016	5	1,067	View
2015	4	1,389	View
2014	7	780	View
2013	9	1,872	View
2012	5	1,260	View
2011	5	771	View
2010	1	99	View
2009 (current)	1	166
2008	3	188	View
2007	2	217	View
2006	2	214	View
2005	0	180	View
2004	1	306	View
2003	2	190	View
2002	3	168	View
2001	3	231	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2009 KIA OPTIMA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2009 KIA OPTIMA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2009 KIA OPTIMA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models