Owners have filed 166 complaints
about the 2009 KIA Optima with NHTSA between 2009 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the KIA Optima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 42
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
64.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
43.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
139.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1611.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4835.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2417.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1813.3%
150,000+ miles
64.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2009peak 7Nov 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 KIA Optima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
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 complain...
DP21003Opened 12 Nov 2021Closed 20 Jun 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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 b...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Oldsmar, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11433866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PAW PAW, WVCrash2 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11317876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWarrenton, MOFire
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11312041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWarrenton, MOFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11312041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWarrenton, MOFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11312041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11193878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 152,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11624035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, UT
STEERING
After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.
NHTSA complaint #11554765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, UT
SUSPENSION
After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.
NHTSA complaint #11554765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oldsmar, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11433866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesFranklin, IN
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11405236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,182 milesPhoenix, AZ
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11403684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesAtlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11394898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11353024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11353024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PAW PAW, WVCrash2 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11317876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWarrenton, MOFire
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11312041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWarrenton, MOFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11312041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWarrenton, MOFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11312041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, FL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11298828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesLutz, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AND DRAINS BATTERY. REAR BRAKE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONAL.
NHTSA complaint #11269021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Prague MN 56071, MN
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11256185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesBinghamton, NY
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11218787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11193878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11193878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11193878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocatello, ID
STEERING
MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND NOTHING WILL HELP UNLOCK IT. IS THERE A RE CALL
NHTSA complaint #11191747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,200 milesTucson, AZ
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11144815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesMarietta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11113658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesMarietta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11113658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,856 milesBelle Chasse, LA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11112018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.