We found the following complaints for KIA OPTIMA (2008)
Read complaints for KIA OPTIMA (2008)
After clockspring recall/ and repair the cars air bag signal now come on with a code of b1378 in which kia has told me that there is s high resistance dsab. I have been informed that this code is for a bad or faulty airbag. The car has never been in an accident and the airbag has never been deployed.
December 28, 2011, i noticed that my airbag light located on the dashboard continuously stays illuminated. I have taken it to the dealer to get it checked out. I was told that the airbag sensors are located in the driver/ passenger seats. The mechanic at kia dealer tried to fix the problem, but was unsuccessful. The service representative informed me that they would have to replace the sensors. I've viewed the complaints ofpeople that ownkia optima 2008. It states that these cars were recalled because of significant amount of defects. (i only have 43,000 miles)in addition, a week ago i've started hearing a ticking noise coming from the engine area when i accelerate going up in a roller coaster climbing position. Thank you for your expeditious response.
The kia 2008 optima's had a recall on their air bags. We took the car to kia to have the clock spring replaced. A short time after we got the car back i was driving to an appt. When my air bag deployed on it's own. This caused me to crash into a parked van, totaling both vehicles. I was taken to the hosp. By ambulance. The police officer came to give back my cards and papers he needed for the report. I was not charged he said because of the recall on our car, it was not my fault. We informed kia of what happened. They said they needed the blackbox info, but they never checked it out. Kia kept ignoring our calls and emails. They said they needed a special team to look at the black box, but they kept telling us the team wasn't together and it would take time for them to get together. When my 2008 kia optima got towed to a ford dealership garage my brother went to get pictures of the damage and to retrieve my belongings. 3 mechanics stood by my brother watching and asking what happened. 2 of the workers said the clock spring didn't look how it should have if my air bag went off. They said either the clock spring was a faulty one that kia replaced or that the mechanic did not replace it right. A guy named [xxx] at kia that we talked to wanted me to make a 63,000.00 settlement. I said no because i didn't know how bad my injuries would get. Telling [xxx] this, is when he started to ignore me and my insurance comp. Calls. I went a year before a doctor (150 miles away) removed a herniated disk in my back because of the accident (it took that long because they tried everything else before they would do surgery). My back is better but my shoulder isn't. Doctor's in my city want me to go 150 miles away to see a doctor there and that is hard to schedule and keep going there. Today 3/23/2014 kia will not do a settlement or talk to us. Car was under warranty still.information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While driving approximately 25 mph, the air bag inadvertently deployed with substantial force and struck the contact in the face. The impact of the air bag deployment knocked the contact unconscious for several minutes, which resulted in the vehicle crashing into an unoccupied parked vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the head, neck and shoulder. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to an authorized dealer. A police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 43,040.updated08-30-12 updated 09/07/2012
Airbag light remains on.took the vehicle to a repair shop which diagnosed passenger seat sensor is bad.must replace complete seat bottom and track at a cost of about 1700.00 usd.the airbag light was reset, but i was informed that if anyone sits on the passenger seat the system will trip again and not be active. I investigated online and found this is a common problem, and this was confirmed by the kia dealer parts department counter person . This should be a safety recall and not a repair for the customer to finance.
Driver on opposite side if road crossed center lane and crashed into the drivers side of my car, damaging the entire drivers side from the headlights to the taillights.it is within $1000 of being totaled, but the low mileage is what saved us by bringing the value up.the driver was going approximately 25-30mph when her car struck mine and she did not apply the brakes at all.she hit my car and the car behind me as well. My side airbags did not deploy during the impact, as i feel they should have.there were no other passengers in the car, and there have not been any issues with the air bag system that i am aware of.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat track failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to change gears without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v014000 (air bags); however, the clock spring assembly failed. The mechanic indicated that the part was on backorder and that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl * the contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but was not repaired. The vin was excluded in nhtsa campaign number: 12v014000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 95,085.
2008 kia optima. Passenger air bag light stays off even when 175 pound person is sitting in seat. Taken car in 4 times to be fixed. Kia says we are probably sitting in the seat wrong. Finally they replace seat. Still didnt solve problem. Doesent matter what speed.
We were hit in the passenger side and the entire side of the car was crushed and none of the air bags ever deployed and the passenger side seat belt did not lock.i had reported the fact that when someone was sitting in the passenger seat that the airbag light was not coming on to the car dealership that i purchased the car from but they just made excuses that the person sitting in the seat was not heavy enough even though they weighed over 150lbs.
While traveling at the posted speed limit of 55 mph a deer ran into the side of my 2008 kia optima which is equipped with side air bags in which the drivers side door was pushed in on the driver and the drivers side widow was destroyed inflicting cuts on the driver and with the entire drivers side of the vehicle received extensive damage including the hood of the vehicle. The side air bags never deployed to ensure the safety of the driver even with the severity of the impact of which kia national headquarters was contacted and the explanation was that the vehicle was not moving sideways at impact andthis is why the air bags did not deploy! this is not a valid excuse to me or i would think an consumer purchasing this vehicle with the assumption that they have side air bag protection!
Wife was coming back from walking the dogs in the park, at the park she was feeling dizzy, when she sat down in the car she was feeling better. As she was driving home, she passed a school and saw the sign to slow down. After that, she blacked out and she woke up after the accident, in a ditch on the other side of the street. She had hit a fence then head-on into a tree. The whole time all the air bags didn't deploy. The air bags not deploying is the reason for this complaintupdated 05-27-15 .....updated 06-12-15 updated 06/23/15
Summary: the contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the passenger side airbag sensor would not identify that a passenger was sitting in the vehicle, causing the airbag to indicate that the air bags were off. Complained to the dealer 4 times. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any wrong.. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was first reported 30,000 now has 49,000. They should recall these kia. Last time at the dealer was february, 2012.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag indicator did not register when the passenger seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Passenger air bag light comes on and reads, air bag off and stays o with an adult passenger in front seat. This is an intermittent problem which has been in different dealerships a number of times (ten) and has never been resolved. Kia said that they are not interested in making repairs because of the age and mileage on the vehicle. The light was on at one time when at the dealership and a diagnosis was performed. I was told that there was no problem found. The problem with this statement is that if the light is on and there a person in the seat, and an accident was to take place, the air bag would not deploy. I feel that this a real safety problem, one that should be address by kia and repaired or replace the vehicle because of the danger to the passenger in the front seat. I know i could just trade the vehicle in to get rid of my problem, but that will not solve the problem with the vehicle and the next owner will have the same safety issue. This condition can happen at any speed both or residential and expressways, it stays on until i turn the ignition off and stop the car. How do i know, if this system is ever working properly? ..updated 04-16-14
"air bag" light stays on after vehicle is turn on.dealer said there is no recall.code b1481.
Clock spring dont work causing air bag light to stay on
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated only when someone was sitting in the passenger seat. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated when the light was on it indicated that the air bag may not deploy in a crash or it may deploy without a crash occurring. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing.the failure mileage was 69,000 and the current mileage was 75,000. Updated 06/26/12a diagnostic revealer the oc passenger sensor mat was defective. The problem was corrected. However, three days later when a passenger sat in the seat, the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard again. The consumer returned to the repair shop again. The mechanic stated it seemed that if someone sat in the passenger seat, did a lot of moving around, or was slightly heavy in weight, it triggered the air bag light. The consumer stated the light is currently on. Updated 06/27/12.
As the driver's side air bag assembly is under a recall, the passenger side system should also be investigated. About 10-15% of the time the passenger side air bag will indicate that it is off after an adult sits in the seat. This requires that the person will need to get out then back in, or the car needs to be shut off and restarted and that doesn't guarantee that the system will operate properly.last week the passenger side air bag off light has now been coming on while the car is in motion. It will appear for a few seconds, then go off, reappear then go off.
After 50,000+ miles on our 2008 kia optima the passenger "air bag" light would come on (meaning the air bag was automatically turned off by the car's computer system) while driving with a passenger in the front seat. It would intermittently happen...sometimes it would and sometimes it wouldn't. We had it checked by a dealer and even though they saw the problem (passenger sitting in front seat and air bag was "off") it did not register a code in the car's computer system. This was reported to kia by the dealer but as of this date (09/11/12) kia has refused to repair the issue under warranty because it did not register a code. This poses a safety risk to passengers in the event of an accident. Failure to repair this issue could result in serious injury and even death. Kia has had this problem in other models and has even issued recalls but at this point has refused to fix our vehicle under the warrant contract we received when buying this car new in 2008.
My husband and daughter were involved in an accident where they struck a tree.the car was totaled and their was extensive damage to the front of the vehicle.the impact was more on the passenger front of vehicle.my daughterwas the passenger and she is full grown so she should of been detected in the seat.the driver side airbag did deploy the passenger side did not.i am very grateful that she did not suffer serious injuries (just lacerations from seatbelt).i notified kia motors and was given a case number. Somebody did follow up with me and asked that i send photos and told me someone else would be calling. I sent the photos.i did receive the second call from kia and was told that the engineers incharge of the airbags would be on vacation for a couple of weeks and as soon as they came back and examined the photos, i would receive a call back.that wasfive weeks ago.no follow-up as of today aug. 6, 2014.i was also told they do not have any other complaints.i told them they should go on safercar.gov and start reading.i do hope that this car gets recalled.my husband and daughter were very fortunate with no serious injuries, but someone may not be as lucky next time.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 85 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact went into an embankment and crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained minor injuries and the front passenger was killed.the vehicle was towed to a police impound lot. The vehicle was destroyed.the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was unavailable.....updated 12/30/15
I was driving southbound on sepulveda blvd on sep 6 at 0800am and i was over halfway through the green light when iwas struck by a toyota making a left turn on a green light who did not yield. The driver [xxx] struck my car on the front and left driver bumper and fender causing extensive damage. He failed to yield, lied about it and the front and side air bags did not deploy.information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Our son vehicle was driving on a 1 way street and crossing the 4 corner intersection on a green light when he was hit by a 2018 chevy trax running a red light. The rear passenger door was hit hard, which caused the car to spin, 3 tires were blown, the rear axle was broken and the car was now facing the opposite direction.during this process his air bags (front,side) did not deploy, which was one of the reasons for purchasing the vehicle for safety.now the other vehicle which hit him had front end damage, but only his side airs deployed.based on the impact and body damage the vehicle was considered totaled.
Takata recallairbag light for front passengerwas illuminated. Took it to dealer who put it on diagnostic unit for $95 & got light to go off for now but stated that the seat would need to be replaced to repair it at a cost of $1700.00. Apparently this particular vehicle was not listed on the recall. Owner has the bill for this dianostic service & estimate.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the occupancy sensor was defective and the front passenger seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated even with an occupant seated in the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v014000 (air bags), but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,233.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that the clock spring assembly for the air bag was damaged and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. Updated 02/05/16*ljthe consumer was informed, the vehicle was one month out of the covered date. Updated 03/01/16.
The passenger side airbag malfunctions. It may or may not engage when one sits in the seat. After moving around; getting out of car and/or refastening seat belt it will most of the time engages. The size of the person, the movement of the car (or not), and sitting position do not appear to matter. One knows that the airbag is not employed properly because the light indicating the functioning of the passenger side airbag will read "off."
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While driving with anoccupant in the passenger's seat, the contact noticed the passenger's air bag indicator light was not illuminated, indicating the air bag was not on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where thecontact was informed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle.the contact was also informed that the vehicle must be started prior to having an occupant in the passenger's seat in order for the passenger air bag to function correctly. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 32,000.
I noticed that there was a recall for 05 thru 08 on the clock spring in the front airbag. My airbag light came on and i guess mine is not covered. I took it in and they said mine was not covered under the recall but it was the same problem. Why if this is the same problem isn't it covered. I guess there needs to be an injury or death before its covered.
The air bag light came on in dash. The car dealer said it came from the passenger side seat and that the air bag is defective and will not deploy in a crash. He said that it would be $1600.00 to $1700.00 to fix if i wanted it fixed. My wife just pulled into her mother's driveway when the light came on and it will not go out and right now is scared that the bag will go off with her mother who is 92 in the seat. I think the price is steep and if anyone should pay to have it fixed that it should be kia to fix it.
Air bag warning light came on and stayed on. Fuses are good. Kia dealer wants 95$ to locate problem and much more to fix whatever may be wrong.
My car was hit in the side by another car going approx.40 mph. None of the airbags deployed. This model had a recall on the airbags 6 months previous. We took it in,they said a sensor needed to be replaced. They gave us a paper saying it was repaired and returned our car to us.
Kia recalled optimas up until january 2008 for faulty clock spring. I have a kia optima that was built in march 2008. I just paid almost 500.00 to replace the clock spring because my month and year was not included in the recall. Why did kia stop the recall after january 2008 when there were still 2008's with clock spring issues. I started my car and the airbag light would not go off. I took it to the dealership and was told i had a bad clock spring. I'm sure these things do not wear out being they are associated with the airbag system.
When front seat passenger sits in the passenger seat of the 2008 kia optima, the airbag "off" indicator doesn't switch to on.i was told by dealer that the steps is that the car needs to be off, passenger sits, then turn the car on.this automatic feature is going to get someone killed . . . Not turning on the passenger restraint. Unless the car is off.true situation - my wife gets discharged from hospital from having a baby, i pull car around, get out, load items in the car.my wife gets in the car.half way home, we realize the front passenger airbag is "off."
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.the contact stated that the passenger side airbag sensor would not identify that a passenger was sitting in the vehicle, causing the airbag to indicate that the air bags were off.the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle.the vehicle was not repaired.the failure mileage was 10 and the current mileage was 36,000.
Dealer has put off for over a month repairing functionality of passenger air bag system. System does not work. One month with run around and dealer seemingly unable to express concern over this safety issue. Kia customer service notified.
I have a 2008 kia optima that i purchased brand new in 2007 i have noticed that when i have a passenger the airbag lights states that air bag is off this is scary are my passengers not being protected by the air bag.
The passenger air bag does not activate with a 115lb woman in the seat. I have researched the web and understand that the air bag must activate in the event the occupant is 100lb or more. The manufacturer has indicated that their spec. Is 115lb.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.the contact stated that the passenger side air bag indicator illuminated, which meant that the air bag was deactivated.the indicator never illuminated to indicate that it was activated.the failure occurs intermittently and without warning.the contact finds this to be very unsafe because there was no guarantee that the air bag would activate in the event of a crash.the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that because passengers were seated improperly, the air bag module would not activate.no repairs have been made.the manufacturer could not find any recalls; therefore, no compensation would be made.the failure mileage was 5 and current mileage was 5,843.
Indicator light for passenger seat air bag has irregular performance.can't depend on operation of passenger side air bag.have made 4 or 5 complaints with dealer and no resolution.looking at internet it appears this is a problem with various model years on the kia optima and other models within the kia family.would like to have resolution prior to having an accident with someone in the passenger seat and the air bag does not function.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.while the vehicle was idling or in motion, the air bag warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel, which indicated that it was deactivated.the front passenger side air bag senor does not operate when the occupant seated in the passenger seat weighs less than 105 pounds.the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the sensor was operating properly.the failure continued and the contact was concerned of the safety risk involved with the air bag.the failure mileage was 50 and current mileage was 450.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.two days after purchasing the vehicle, the air bag off warning light continued to illuminate on the instrument panel while a passenger was present.the dealer stated that the adult passenger would either have to ride in the back seat of the vehicle or carry a 10 lbs. Weight while riding in the vehicle because the air bag sensor would only detect 110 lbs. And up.the failure mileage was 18.
Passenger airbag says off when passenger is sitting in the front seat.
Front passenger side air bag does not always activate when an adult sits in the front passenger seat. The dashboard light indicates that the airbag is off. Even with an adult weighing about 115 pounds occupies the seat.
Bought a new optima 2008. The passenger airbag is almost always off when a passenger is seating normally on the front seat. The dealer refuses to fix it despite the car being brand new.
We have a 2008 kia optima, with 12,000 miles.. The passenger side airbag indicator light malfunctions. While people are seated, it comes on, indicating the air bag is off; which means, in case of accident it will not deploy. It has done this recently on three separate occasions with three different medium to large adults.we have taken this to the local kia service twice and have been told each time, "you are not sitting correctly." they even supplied us with a "service bulletin" instructing employees how to respond when people report this concern... Instructing the consumer how to "sit correctly."after, much conversation with the local kia dealership employees, everyone, the service manager, tech, and company manager agreed that we had a problem but they couldn't fix it. Their reason was kia would not recognize it as a problem and would not cover it under the warranty.as a matter of fact, the manager reported to me that the kia rep was not pleased that the employees had used the word "problem" when referring to my situation.this is a major safety concern and it leaves me with a car, that when the light comes on, i have to stop and move the passenger to the back seat, as the airbag would not deploy in case of an accident.upon checking the internet, i have discovered pages of others reporting this same problem with the same inane instructions of "not being seated properly."if the kia's sensor is that sensitive, it needs to be fixed.we feel this needs to be addressed and that kia needs to admit the problem and fix it!
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated while driving 70 mph the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and a fatality was reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was unknown.updated 06/12/12*ljthe consumer stated a recall came in the mail on april 12. 2012. Prior to the accident, there was a loud noise coming from under the hood.updated 06/13/12
I own a kia 2008 optima.every 3-5 days the passenger airbag sensors do not detect a person sitting in the passenger seat.i can drive for miles and have the person adjust their position and it still doesn't register.it seems to occur with people between 120-160 pounds.they are all over 5'5".i have contacted kia corporate case #[xxx] .because it happens every three to five days they won't do anything until the computer registers an error.the computer doesn't think anyone is there. It doesn't think there is an issue.they've basically told me when it happens to turn off the car and have the person get out of the car for 3 seconds and then try it again.this doesn't work well when you are picking hs kids up from school.you can't just stop your car in the middle of the street.i've done some research.it looks like kia has been aware of the problem since 2006.i believe it is a serious safety issue.if the system doesn't identify the person in the seat and there is a head on collision the airbag is not going to deploy.i have video and pictures of it recurring.kia will don't accept it as evidence.information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated only when someone was sitting in the passenger seat. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated when the light was on it indicated that the air bag may not deploy in a crash or it may deploy without a crash occurring. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing.the failure mileage was 69,000 and the current mileage was 75,000. Updated 06/26/12a diagnostic revealer the oc passenger sensor mat was defective. The problem was corrected. However, three days later when a passenger sat in the seat, the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard again. The consumer returned to the repair shop again. The mechanic stated it seemed that if someone sat in the passenger seat, did a lot of moving around, or was slightly heavy in weight, it triggered the air bag light. The consumer stated the light is currently on. Updated 06/27/12.
I called kia roadside assistance when locked my keys in the truck of my 2008 kia optima accidently. When he used his instrument to open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm sounded.he waited until it stopped and attempted to open the trunk with the release but it would not operate due to the car shuuting down.when i got in the vehicle and closed the door it locked again and i was not able to get out.i was literally trapped inside my car.there is no way to access the trunk from the inside.you can only fold the back seat down by using a release found only inside of the trunk.if i had been alone or the driver had left, i would have been trapped inside of my vehicle with no means of exit.the anti-theft devicce may protect the car from being stolen but it sure does nothing to protect the consumer.what would have happened if i had a baby inside with me or it was 100 degrees outside and i could not unlock the doors to get out?i contacted the dealership where i purchased the car and was promptly told that it was really my fault for locking my keys in the trunk in the first place.the also explained that the 'no access to the trunk from the inside' is to protect against thieves breaking into my car and entering the trunk through the backseat and steal something such as my suitcase.well, i think it would be easier to replace a suitcase than my life or the life of a child.needless to say, i definitely don't feel safe driving this car!
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.while the vehicle was idling or in motion, the air bag warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel, which indicated that it was deactivated.the front passenger side air bag senor does not operate when the occupant seated in the passenger seat weighs less than 105 pounds.the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the sensor was operating properly.the failure continued and the contact was concerned of the safety risk involved with the air bag.the failure mileage was 50 and current mileage was 450.
Today, the key would not turn in my 2008 kia, i had to have it towed to my home. This is a recurring issue and but usually i can turn the steering wheel or move around the gearshift to solve the problem. Although today my key will not turn and i can move the steering wheel around and push the gearshift over and it does nothing. I called kia and they said i would have to come in to get a diagnostic test for $107 , although i told them it seems to be the key ignition. I feel this is a safety issue which i am shocked there has not been a recall for it and also my car will completely shut off at random times when i start to drive and turn a corner .i also feel this is a safety issue. I have read many complaints online about the same issues.
February 2013 started experiencing electrical issues. Example: rear window brake light stopped working (had to have replaced), then trouble with turn signal light would at times not work. The air conditioner started blowing hot air: added coolant and fr( july 2013) but still isn't working right. Thencd player had issues where it would not eject cd or fail to read the disk at all. Then the radio stopped working too. June 2014 car wouldn't start had to replace battery but still wouldn't charge. January 2015 installed new alternator, still didn't fix the issue.had the charging system inspected february 2015. Turned out to be a short or failure due to electrical issue has to get it fixed. February 2015 electrical repairs (switch, plug, fuse).march 2015 car is making grinding noise when pressing down on the break, it is very hard to bring the car to a full stop and makes a grinding sound when making turns as well.
The rear passenger seat belt was jammed.i pulled it a few times and it became unjammed and i fastened the safety belt around my 4 year old child. Approximately 3-5 minutes later as i was driving i smelled smoke. I started checking the control panel and turned off the a/c and radio and rolled down the windows. The smoke stopped so i continued to drive about a mile and stopped the car in a parking lot. I was there approximately 4 minutes when i smelled smoke and turned my head to the rear of the vehicle towards my child. My child screamed for me the same moment i was turning my head and there were flames melting the plastic casing around the seat belt cover. The flames almost reached her head. I frantically got in the back seat and removed the safety belt and pulled her from the car to safety. The entire interior of the car was burned from the fire. There were no burn injuries due to the fact that i was stopped and able to remove myself and my child before the flames engulfed my car.
The gear shifter is freely allowed to move, yet the electrical system is registering that the car hasn't left neutral. (example: when i place the car in p(ark), the display above the odometer will remain in n(eutral). The shifter is freely allowed to move when the car is on and the brake is pressed down as usual.
Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima ls. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The sun visors would not remain in the closed, upright position and the driver side child door lock would not unlatch.in addition, the safety lock for the trunk would detach and cause the trunk to occasionally fly open while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would constantly break down and the dealer would not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted who sent her to a second dealer for the repairs. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 54,800.
On february 21 2015 i drove the car to the store when i turned the car off the key would not come out of the ignition. I called kia dealer and they had no solution.the kia dealer gave me an appointment for tuesday february 24 2015. I was able to drive the car home and put it in the garage. On sunday february 22 2015 i went into the garage and could smell something burning. I decided to back the car out of the garage and couldn'tbecause the battery was dead. On tuesday february 24 2015 i had the car towed to the kia dealer. They told me that the shifter release mechanism inoperative not allowing the key to be release in switch. They replaced shifter assembly and the battery. The cost for the repairs which i paid was $870. I picked up the car on february 25 2015.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle immediately restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
My transmission will not disengage from drive and rolls away.
Consumer states that the vehicle headlights dim at low speeds and when applying the brakes or just slowing down.*njthe consumer was informed it was the design of the vehicle.
When placing the car in park the car isn't recognizing that the car is parked causing it to continue to roll. Once the ignition has been turned off the car will not restart and the gears will not shift.
2008 kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to problem with ignition. *ldthe consumer stated the ignition would stick, the battery needed to be replaced and the back rotors needed to be replaced. Updated 05/15/2017
2008 kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to problem with ignition. *ldthe consumer stated the ignition would stick, the battery needed to be replaced and the back rotors needed to be replaced. Updated 05/15/2017
February 2013 started experiencing electrical issues. Example: rear window brake light stopped working (had to have replaced), then trouble with turn signal light would at times not work. The air conditioner started blowing hot air: added coolant and fr( july 2013) but still isn't working right. Thencd player had issues where it would not eject cd or fail to read the disk at all. Then the radio stopped working too. June 2014 car wouldn't start had to replace battery but still wouldn't charge. January 2015 installed new alternator, still didn't fix the issue.had the charging system inspected february 2015. Turned out to be a short or failure due to electrical issue has to get it fixed. February 2015 electrical repairs (switch, plug, fuse).march 2015 car is making grinding noise when pressing down on the break, it is very hard to bring the car to a full stop and makes a grinding sound when making turns as well.
My 2008 kia optima was a good car wiith no problems at all so when my car cut off on i 95 during rush hr. I was scared to death. As i was entering the ramp for i-95 my check engine light came on . I had a clickin noise in engine but within less then 2 min. As i merged into traffic my engine shut off and would not turn back on. After getting it towed to dealer ,everyone including dealer thought it wasthe starter or alternator because oil was fine and nothin was wrong.. The dealer said he couldnt find anything that should have caused engine to lock . He also was confused.still to this day no body can tell me why this happened. I could have been killed or seriously injured on the highway.now my only option is to buy a engine when my old one should have still had a lot more miles left.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle immediately restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
2008 kia optima. I had been driving around town for about 20 minutes. It was 93 degrees outside air was running. Came to a stop atred light and the engine shut off the radio still worked the check engine light. And the other lights that come on when you start the car. There was no warning to this the before it happened. I put my car back in park and turned the ignition off and then tried to start it up. It started and didn't have any problems for the rest of the day. Happened before noon drove until 430 off and on and it was fine. Has 78000 miles on it. When i turned it back on the check engine light did not come back on so when i went to auto zone to check it no alerts cam up but they said it was strange and the light should have stayed on. Have read many similar problems.
I bought my kia optima in 2009, it was 1 yr old at that time. I had to replace my timing belt in march of 2017 and i am having to replace it again. It is may of 2019. My car only has 70,000 miles on the original engine.
While driving down the interstate the engine began to knock.as i pulled off the interstate the engine shut down and would not restart.the car only has 96,000 miles.this motor has been recalled by hyundai and kia but only in certain models, while the engine has yet to be recalled for all models.i believe the issue is the connecting rod bearings have failed due to insufficient oil flow.the car's oil level was at the proper amount.
Engine started making a clicking sound when the car was accelerating. Took my car in to kia and found out that one of the rods in the short engine block was failing. My engine only has 86464 miles on it and its an 2008. Bought the car with 69000 miles on it, only had the car for 7 months before the engine began to fail. I took this problem up with the dealership and kia headquarters. Was told they would not honor the 100,000 mile warranty because the car was not certified. I was not offered a warranty/ did not obtain an extended warranty, was not disclosed to that the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty did not extend to the next owner, nor was i told that they could not certify it. Was not offered a car fax, buyers guide or told about any type of warranty information. Kia dealerships do not certify cars after 60,000 miles even though there is still 40,000 miles on the original warranty. There way of getting around having to honor the original warranty and offer this to the next owner(s). Very angry with kia, they are deceitful, liars, and do not stand behind their product. They should not be able to sell any cars with out the original warranty being offered! with a history of there engines failing and having major mechanical problems i find it very disgraceful how they operate and enforce policy. If my engine actually fails while i am driving, i could easily get into a major accident and be critically injured. I drive a major freeway every single day, and to me this is very dangerous. If my engine failed and stalled going 70 miles an hour, i could easily be killed or get into a major accident. Please recall 2008 optimas or complain to kia regarding there policy. They should have to offer and stand behind the original warranty or be required to disclose there policy to customers up front. Commercials and parking lot advertise per owned certified cars and 100000 warranty.
Car has 29,061 miles on it when the engine cracked. The car is 12 years old and well maintained. My dad drove this vehicle and had noticed the car making grinding noise. Prior to and during the day it stopped along a windy road driving 30 miles per hour. I researched this problem there is a noted issue that this happens at this mileage. Kia district manager declined to help with this issue. No car at 29000 miles should have engine crack.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated while traveling approximately 35 mph, smoke emitted from under the hood and the vehicle stalled. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle failed to restart. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle's speed decelerated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. She exited the vehicle and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by other drivers on the scene. The police and fire departments were notified. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine caused the fire. The contact was waiting for the insurance company to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated while driving various speeds and idling, the vehicle made a loud puffing sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was not repaired but diagnosed as a resignator failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 66,800.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While attempting to park the vehicle, it continued to move without warning while in the park position. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Once the emergency brake was applied, the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to sons kia (100 sons dr, mcdonough, ga 30253, (678) 619-1393) where it was diagnosed that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 13v114000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting); however, the dealer refused to replace the transmission shifter claiming that the shifter was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
My 2008 kia optima stalls randomly. It does not matter if the car is stationary or in motion. There are times that i start it and it will stall immediately and sometimes it will stall as i am backing out of my parking space. There are also times when i will be driving and it will stall which has nearly caused an accident. The problem does not produce a check engine light and no one has been able to successfully diagnose the problem. The issue that i am experiencing sounds very familiar to the newer optimas that have recently been recalled. The most recent stalling occurred yesterday, 04/10/2017, and there was a knocking sound along with the stalling out.
Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated while driving 70 mph the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and a fatality was reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was unknown.updated 06/12/12*ljthe consumer stated a recall came in the mail on april 12. 2012. Prior to the accident, there was a loud noise coming from under the hood.updated 06/13/12
My 17 year old daughter was driving my 2008 kia optima when she noticed a loud clattering noise coming from under hood. She pulled over at a gas station. A gentleman there checked the oil and said that it was low, he added 2 quarts, i change the oil in this vehicle personally and know that it doesn't use any oil. She drove home 3 miles with the engine still clattering. I checked the oil and the stick showed 1 quart low. I immediately drained the oil and put on a new filter and poured 4.5 quarts in the engine. I started up the car, it clattered and ran in the driveway for 10 minutes and the engine locked up. The kia roadside picked up the car and towed it to the dealer. He informed me that the engine was 2 quarts low on oil. There was no oil leaking from the car, where did the oil go??? the dealer says that i need to come up with receipts before they will honor the warranty. If my daughter would have been driving the car when the motor locked up, she would have not been able to control it with all power gone. I have read many cases just like this one. Someone will get seriously hurt from this kind of engine failure. Will kia step up and recognize that maybe the oil control valve is the weak link. My dealer said that was what sent the code to the computer and over-retarded the timing.
First thing in the moring when i start my car up. You don't hear the knocking sound coming from the engine but soon as the car get the engine warmed up you can heaar a very loud ticking noise. Even as you driving the car down the highway you can still hear it. Also the steering is very hard to operate it has been like that since i bought the car. I said something to kia about it they stated they didn't see a problem. It's very hard to backed up and try turning the steering while operating the car.
My 2008 kia optima stalled, without warning, while driving approximately 35-40 mph on a busy highway near an exit.the car lost all power, including steering.the car ended up riding a guardrail and landed on top of it.the end result was, for me, a broken neck!there was absolutely no warning prior to this happening.i was on my way to pick my 3 year old son up from school.had he been in the car, this may have been catastrophic!my airbags did not deploy!this is unacceptable.the car is undergoing bodywork repairs and i am scared to death to step foot in this death trap ever again.calls to the kia dealer where i bought the car go unanswered, as they usually do.this is serious!if your optima has stalled while driving without warning please post a complaint. This needs to be a recall!
December 28, 2011, i noticed that my airbag light located on the dashboard continuously stays illuminated. I have taken it to the dealer to get it checked out. I was told that the airbag sensors are located in the driver/ passenger seats. The mechanic at kia dealer tried to fix the problem, but was unsuccessful. The service representative informed me that they would have to replace the sensors. I've viewed the complaints ofpeople that ownkia optima 2008. It states that these cars were recalled because of significant amount of defects. (i only have 43,000 miles)in addition, a week ago i've started hearing a ticking noise coming from the engine area when i accelerate going up in a roller coaster climbing position. Thank you for your expeditious response.
2008 kia optima exv6, since new, when lightly braking while decelerating from 40 mph, the car downshifts and has an acceleration surge at around 25 mph. When complaining to the dealer, they said the kia's were made that way. This is an unsafe condition that can cause a rear end collision. The car should have normal engine braking that allows for continuous deceleration as long as the accelerator pedal is not touched. Thank you for your consideration of this complaint.
2008 kia optima stalls while in motion.vehicle will shut itself off.it is as if someone reaches over and turns the key off.it has happened with the car standing still and with the car in motion.stalling usually occurs within first few minutes of operation and with hot outdoor temperatures.first visit to kia resulted in replaced fuel tank (codes for bad roll over valve).problem went away for about a year then came back.car has been in the shop 4 times over the last month and a half.shop can't duplicate the problem, so therefore, can't fix the problem.the car is subject to shutting itself off at anytime with no warning, the last occurrence happened just before my wife was to merge onto a busy highway.apart from fuel tank, dealer has done nothing substantial to repair the issue (computer update, tightened loose wires).
2008 kia optima 4cyl automatic.i live in florida, hot all the time, use air almost all year. Car will stall out while in motion within first few minutes while ac is on when i am slowing down to stop signs or when crossing intersections where i have to get across quickly then let off gas to make turn. Car becomes hard to steer when engine cuts off, worse than a car without power steering, sometimes it feels like it wont make it through the intersection to the median safely. Can start the car again, but it takes a few seconds to throw car into neutral, turn ignition, and put back into drive. As i said this happens a lot while going through the turn of intersection/ divided highway and those few seconds make the difference between a safely timed turn and a potential collision. Problem occurs frequenlty for a week or two, then goes away for a while and comes back. Once the engine has warmed up and has been moving for 5 minutes or so, it doesn't happen. Took it to kia dealership since this vehicle has 45000 miles on it and is still under manufactures bumper to bumper warranty, dealership service department said they were aware of the issue with that generation of optimas and that it was only with the 4cyl motors, the v6's were fine. Service department said at this time there is not a fix for it and would not replace any parts since they don't know which part(s) are causing the malfunction. Was told to let my car warm up longer and to hope that kia/hyundai comes up with a recall on it soon.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.the contact stated that the low beam headlights were not providing the appropriate lighting distance.the dealer was unable to correct the failure.it would cost approximately $100 to replace each bulb.the bumper would have to be removed from the vehicle in order to install the bulb.the manufacturer stated that they would not assist since there was no defect.the failure mileage was 1,000 and current mileage was 3,878.
I was driving southbound on sepulveda blvd on sep 6 at 0800am and i was over halfway through the green light when iwas struck by a toyota making a left turn on a green light who did not yield. The driver [xxx] struck my car on the front and left driver bumper and fender causing extensive damage. He failed to yield, lied about it and the front and side air bags did not deploy.information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I took my car in on 4 sep 2014 i got this car in good faith from [xxx] i have had my car back at least 3 time already and i will be taking it back on november 3, 2014 where my light have been flashing and my light is out again.my gas pedal when i am going about 40or 50 and i have to get out of the way of other cars and it's like i haven't done anything. I don't even want to drive my car i don't every no when my lights are going to go out. I have had to come out on my job because of breast cancer. And the money that had wasmy 2000 cadillac deviled which the only gave me 1500 wish i found out they should have given me more wish my warranty run out in lest then 90 days. I was unable to get another warranty so what do i do i need a car to get back and forth to the doctor. I need some help. So please don't let me down.information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Head lightsare not adjusted correctly,left light is low causing a dark spot on that side. This happens when low beam is used. Right side shines out further,but it takes effect at the solid white line at the right side of road. I have had one close call i did not see the person till he got into the light of the right head light.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.whenever the contact would drive down a hill or slope with the low beams activated, a blind spot would appear three car lengths ahead of his view.the contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure.the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer.the speed was unknown.the current and failure mileages were 2,000.updated 07/31/08.*ljupdated 08/05/08
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who detected that the brake light would not illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number 13v114000 however, the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Consumer states that the vehicle headlights dim at low speeds and when applying the brakes or just slowing down.*njthe consumer was informed it was the design of the vehicle.
When i fill my 2008 kia optima with gasoline, the pump shuts off but gas gushes out of the tank.my local dealerhas claimed to fix the problem, but it still happens.the service dept. Rarely answers their telephone so i can't even call them to get the problem handled.
When i fill my 2008 kia optima with gasoline, the pump shuts off but gas gushes out of the tank.
When placing the car in park the car isn't recognizing that the car is parked causing it to continue to roll. Once the ignition has been turned off the car will not restart and the gears will not shift.
2008 kia optima fuel pump body failure. The pump body cracks and the computer sets evaporated. Leakage code. We looked at several of these from a salvage yard and all had the same problem.this shows a pattern of defects and is highly dangerous if this car is in an accident as the fuel will burst out of the tank as a result this fuel sender cracking.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima ls. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The sun visors would not remain in the closed, upright position and the driver side child door lock would not unlatch.in addition, the safety lock for the trunk would detach and cause the trunk to occasionally fly open while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would constantly break down and the dealer would not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted who sent her to a second dealer for the repairs. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 54,800.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was parking the vehicle, the shifter cable detached and the vehicle kept rolling. The contact stated that the gear shifter was in park but the transmission was still in drive position. The contact stated that his daughter had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he temporary fix the vehicle and later the vehicle was taken to taylor kia of boardman, 7870 market st, youngstown, oh 44512, and was diagnosed that the entire shift cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
My 2008 kia optima was a good car wiith no problems at all so when my car cut off on i 95 during rush hr. I was scared to death. As i was entering the ramp for i-95 my check engine light came on . I had a clickin noise in engine but within less then 2 min. As i merged into traffic my engine shut off and would not turn back on. After getting it towed to dealer ,everyone including dealer thought it wasthe starter or alternator because oil was fine and nothin was wrong.. The dealer said he couldnt find anything that should have caused engine to lock . He also was confused.still to this day no body can tell me why this happened. I could have been killed or seriously injured on the highway.now my only option is to buy a engine when my old one should have still had a lot more miles left.
The gear shifter is freely allowed to move, yet the electrical system is registering that the car hasn't left neutral. (example: when i place the car in p(ark), the display above the odometer will remain in n(eutral). The shifter is freely allowed to move when the car is on and the brake is pressed down as usual.
My car suffered the same problem with the shift lever explained under nhtsa campaign number: 11v153000, however. My car was not part of that recall. The dealer said that the problem was caused by a damage bushing in the shift cable. The cost of the repair was $150.00 labor, $8.28 bushing and $50.00 for the tow.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the gear lever was difficult to shift out of park. The contact mentioned that excessive force was required when shifting out or into the park position. The contact mentioned that when the failure occurred, the key remained stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
While driving, i tried to reverse my vehicle and it got stuck in drive , and wouldn't and my gear shift no longer responded to the gear and my vehicle was locked in place in drive mode.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While attempting to park the vehicle, it continued to move without warning while in the park position. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Once the emergency brake was applied, the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to sons kia (100 sons dr, mcdonough, ga 30253, (678) 619-1393) where it was diagnosed that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 13v114000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting); however, the dealer refused to replace the transmission shifter claiming that the shifter was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
My husband went to walmart to drop off a movie. When he came out he saw one of the employees holding the car from behind because it was rolling back. My husband put the car in park and turned it off and the car still rolled back. When he got in the car and turned it on the head board showed it was on 'n'. No check engin light or any other warning light was on. The shift gear was stuck on n. And if manual brake is not on then the car will roll back. You can move the gear stick in car to park or drive but the actual car is stuck on n. Shift gear will not change from n. If it had not been for the walmart employee stopping our car than it could have been alot worse by crashing into other cars behind it or even running over somebody causing a fatality!!! called kia company to report it but they denied it being related to the recall that shows online on kia optimas 2006-2008. They told me only specific optimas have that recall. We haven't ever had any issues with our car since we bought it new in 2008. We have always maintained it and taken good care of it. This is a first for our car and this incident we had with our car is the same description as the recall. We feel that kia should cover this cost due to it being a manufactuer error. The recall states ' incorrectly installed cables have the potential to come loose from the transmission, disabling the shifter. If the cable comes loose, a car in park wouldn't shift into any gear while a vehicle already in gear wouldn't shift to reverse, neutral or park. If a car was parked and accidentally left in gear, and if the parking brake was not applied, the car could potentially roll away and cause an accident or injury.' kia should be held responsible and take care of the problem and stop saying only specific vehicles have the recall. Well my car did!! its a 2008 kia optima and had the same incident happen thats on recall. Help!!
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that upon driving the vehicle, the contact was unable to remove the gear from out of park. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
My vehicle locked up while turning around in a driveway so i could park at my daughter's house on the street. It was working fine before that. It got stuck in the drive mode and then i couldn't get it to start or move. I'm referring to nhtsa campaign id # 11v15300. I am currently stuck at my daughter's home in norfolk, virginia
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While the contact was waiting to have the oil changed in the vehicle, he shifted from park into neutral; however, the gear failed to engage. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed by aaa to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shifter cable disconnected from the shifter. The vehicle was not repaired. Greenway kia of rivergate (1536 gallatin pike n, madison, tn 37115, (615) 860-9888) was contacted and stated that the vin was not included in a recall. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the shift lever ailed to shift gears. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included under nhtsa campaign number: 11v153000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to her local kia dealer to have her vehicle diagnosed. The contact informed that she was unable to have the vehicle diagnosed due to the diagnostic fee. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that while in reverse, the gear shifted without warning into neutral. The contact managed to stop the vehicle but was unable to change the gear from neutral to drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the shifter cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 11v153000 (power train) as a possible solution to the failure however, the vin was not included. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 57,960.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to change gears without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v014000 (air bags); however, the clock spring assembly failed. The mechanic indicated that the part was on backorder and that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
I went to back out of my driveway and ended up in the middle of the road and not able to shift into drive.the dash shows that i am currently stuck in neutral and am not able to change gears.i looked up recalls and i see that there is a power train:automatic transmission lever and linkage column shift recall from march 2011.i bought this car in june 2011.when i and the kia dealership here in town look up my vin number, it is not showing any recalls currently.how do i go about getting this fixed if it is in fact the exact issue from the recall no:11v153000?the dealership would not even look at the recall information i have found.i have not had any issues related to this until yesterday afternoon.i ended up pushing my car up into my driveway for now.
My new kia has about 700 miles on it, and when i park it on an incline such as the one entering my garage and i shut the engine off and place it into 1st gear (it is a standard shift), the car slips backward.upon taking it to the dealership, they informed me that the engine compression in the car is too low to hold the car in 1st gear alone, and that the emergency brake must also be applied.my question is: i have a 3 yr old grandson, but let's suppose he is 5 and he wants to go out and play, which he could do unsupervised, and he decides he wants to get in grandma's car and play and accidentally lets the emergency brake off.my car would then begin slipping backward with the child inside.i consider that to be a big safety hazard.further i have always been taught that if your parking brake fails, the gear box would still keep the car from rolling backwards.2.my car stalls fairly frequently in 1st gear, and very frequently in reverse, both incidents occur when the car is inching up or out of a parking space.the dealership said they are looking into it and will let me know, but again, in heavy traffic this runs the risk of being rearended.if you can inform me on either of these items, i would appreciate it as the dealership doesn't seem inclined to do anything about either problem at the moment.it may just be a fuel to air ratio mix going into the engine on the stalling, which should be simple enough to fix, but surely the compression in the engine can also be adjusted so the car will not slip backward when in first gear.
The rear passenger seat belt was jammed.i pulled it a few times and it became unjammed and i fastened the safety belt around my 4 year old child. Approximately 3-5 minutes later as i was driving i smelled smoke. I started checking the control panel and turned off the a/c and radio and rolled down the windows. The smoke stopped so i continued to drive about a mile and stopped the car in a parking lot. I was there approximately 4 minutes when i smelled smoke and turned my head to the rear of the vehicle towards my child. My child screamed for me the same moment i was turning my head and there were flames melting the plastic casing around the seat belt cover. The flames almost reached her head. I frantically got in the back seat and removed the safety belt and pulled her from the car to safety. The entire interior of the car was burned from the fire. There were no burn injuries due to the fact that i was stopped and able to remove myself and my child before the flames engulfed my car.
We were hit in the passenger side and the entire side of the car was crushed and none of the air bags ever deployed and the passenger side seat belt did not lock.i had reported the fact that when someone was sitting in the passenger seat that the airbag light was not coming on to the car dealership that i purchased the car from but they just made excuses that the person sitting in the seat was not heavy enough even though they weighed over 150lbs.
The air bag light came on in dash. The car dealer said it came from the passenger side seat and that the air bag is defective and will not deploy in a crash. He said that it would be $1600.00 to $1700.00 to fix if i wanted it fixed. My wife just pulled into her mother's driveway when the light came on and it will not go out and right now is scared that the bag will go off with her mother who is 92 in the seat. I think the price is steep and if anyone should pay to have it fixed that it should be kia to fix it.
Reference: defective driver's seatthis letter is in reference to a faulty seat in the 2008 kia optima ex, one i currently own. I am bringing this matter to your attention because of the danger this represents to drivers of kia vehicles that have electric adjustable seats. My wife and i were very fortunate we were not involved in a traffic fatality due to this.recently, while traveling, the driver's seat retracted to its full-upright, full-forward position. In this position, the headrest forced my wife's head down into the steering wheel and up against it. She was able to stop the car safely. The only way to drive the car was to remove the headrest, which allowed enough room between the steering wheel and the body to steer the car.i contacted casey kia while stopped to ask what could be done to release the seat. I was told to remove the seat's fuse from the inside cabin fuse panel, which should disengage it; this did not work, and we were forced to drive three hours to the nearest repair shop. There is no manual override mechanism in the 2008 kia optima ex to unlock a seat when the electric seat adjustment mechanism fails.this is the second time there have been problems with the driver-side seat. The first driver's seat was replaced because of a faulty seat-heater while under the original warranty. The replacement seat when installed in the car because the adjustment knob was loose and never secure.three issues are paramount, the safety for kia drivers, the fact there is no manual override for electric seats, and no warranty for replacement seats on such occasions, the first here being of most importance.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the occupancy sensor was defective and the front passenger seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat track failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
February 2013 started experiencing electrical issues. Example: rear window brake light stopped working (had to have replaced), then trouble with turn signal light would at times not work. The air conditioner started blowing hot air: added coolant and fr( july 2013) but still isn't working right. Thencd player had issues where it would not eject cd or fail to read the disk at all. Then the radio stopped working too. June 2014 car wouldn't start had to replace battery but still wouldn't charge. January 2015 installed new alternator, still didn't fix the issue.had the charging system inspected february 2015. Turned out to be a short or failure due to electrical issue has to get it fixed. February 2015 electrical repairs (switch, plug, fuse).march 2015 car is making grinding noise when pressing down on the break, it is very hard to bring the car to a full stop and makes a grinding sound when making turns as well.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. While attempting to park the vehicle, it continued to move without warning while in the park position. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Once the emergency brake was applied, the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to sons kia (100 sons dr, mcdonough, ga 30253, (678) 619-1393) where it was diagnosed that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 13v114000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting); however, the dealer refused to replace the transmission shifter claiming that the shifter was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
2008 kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to problem with ignition. *ldthe consumer stated the ignition would stick, the battery needed to be replaced and the back rotors needed to be replaced. Updated 05/15/2017
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.while driving approximately 25 mph in the rain on a highway and applying pressure to the brake pedal it locked up.the contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the emergency lane and was unsuccessful. He rear-ended the proceeding vehicle and caused a multi-vehicle traffic collision.the air bags did not deploy with theimpact to the front of the vehicle.the "air bag" warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained on until the engine was shut off.in addition, the seat belt shoulder harness straps were non-functional on the front passenger side. The police and ambulance arrived and a police report was filed. There was no personal injury. The vehicle sustained damages and was driven to his residence. The failure and current mileages were 2,600.
Police request for vehicle inspection of 2008 kia optima.the information is being provided by the detective of winchester police department in winchester tn...updatedlocal law enforcement request for assistance with an alleged sudden unintended acceleration incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The driver of the 2008 kia optima was traveling at a high speed in the area of 90 mph. The driver traveled down the turning lane and struck a 2003 ford windstar from the rear. The ford windstar was pushed across the intersection into a third vehicle which was stopped in the turning lane. The kia optima came to rest in the left hand lane.the driver stated the vehicle accelerated out of control and it could not be stopped. Upon further investigation, the speedometer was stuck at 93 mph and the rpm's were stuck at 4500. The ignition was stuck in the accessory position and the gear shift was in neutral.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact was driving 65 mph when the brake was applied and the abs system activated without warning. The failure caused the steering wheel to seize and the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle was injured. The contact also sustained injuries to the right wrist.the vehicle was towed by the contact's insurance company and a police report was filed (austin police department case number: 1200904053). The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and the current mileage was 100,000.
I was turning into a parking spot, and while braking, the vehicle shuttered and hit a concrete pole.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated the steering wheel would intermittently lock and the entire instrument cluster would illuminate. The vehicle was shut off and when restarting it resumed normal operation. The contact stated she had experienced the failure over a dozen times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer four different times but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer advised that without a proper diagnosis, they were unable to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500 and the current mileage was approximately 35,000.
First thing in the moring when i start my car up. You don't hear the knocking sound coming from the engine but soon as the car get the engine warmed up you can heaar a very loud ticking noise. Even as you driving the car down the highway you can still hear it. Also the steering is very hard to operate it has been like that since i bought the car. I said something to kia about it they stated they didn't see a problem. It's very hard to backed up and try turning the steering while operating the car.
This is the 3rd to 4th time the car loosing power steering after driving thru a puddle at a low speed. We have taken this to our local mechanic two times with really no known cause. Mechanic replaced the belt but apparently this did not resolve this issue.
Had in possession for 2 days a 2007 kia optima, pulled to the right. Couldn't be financed. Received a 2008 kia optima right off of delivery truck,it pulls to the right even worse. Told dealership of problem. Told it was most likely low tire pressure and sent it for an alignment. Still pulls to right. I was told as a joke to turn on blinker if i was to let go of wheel!the front end of both new cars, from 2 different years, looking down on the hood, are tweaked. The drivers side is flush and passenger side is off and sits funny. No accidents yet!
While traveling at the posted speed limit of 55 mph a deer ran into the side of my 2008 kia optima which is equipped with side air bags in which the drivers side door was pushed in on the driver and the drivers side widow was destroyed inflicting cuts on the driver and with the entire drivers side of the vehicle received extensive damage including the hood of the vehicle. The side air bags never deployed to ensure the safety of the driver even with the severity of the impact of which kia national headquarters was contacted and the explanation was that the vehicle was not moving sideways at impact andthis is why the air bags did not deploy! this is not a valid excuse to me or i would think an consumer purchasing this vehicle with the assumption that they have side air bag protection!
I was driving southbound on sepulveda blvd on sep 6 at 0800am and i was over halfway through the green light when iwas struck by a toyota making a left turn on a green light who did not yield. The driver [xxx] struck my car on the front and left driver bumper and fender causing extensive damage. He failed to yield, lied about it and the front and side air bags did not deploy.information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
My husband and daughter were involved in an accident where they struck a tree.the car was totaled and their was extensive damage to the front of the vehicle.the impact was more on the passenger front of vehicle.my daughterwas the passenger and she is full grown so she should of been detected in the seat.the driver side airbag did deploy the passenger side did not.i am very grateful that she did not suffer serious injuries (just lacerations from seatbelt).i notified kia motors and was given a case number. Somebody did follow up with me and asked that i send photos and told me someone else would be calling. I sent the photos.i did receive the second call from kia and was told that the engineers incharge of the airbags would be on vacation for a couple of weeks and as soon as they came back and examined the photos, i would receive a call back.that wasfive weeks ago.no follow-up as of today aug. 6, 2014.i was also told they do not have any other complaints.i told them they should go on safercar.gov and start reading.i do hope that this car gets recalled.my husband and daughter were very fortunate with no serious injuries, but someone may not be as lucky next time.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.while driving 40 mph, air would seep through the window while it was closed.the contact could hear the wind at speeds of 40 and 60 mph.one dealer suggested driving with the rearview mirror closed towards the door.another dealer attempted to adjust the door, but was unsuccesful.the vehicle has not been repaired.the current and failure mileages were less than 4,000.
Received the voluntary recall notice to have the underbody components sprayed with what might be called a rust inhibitor or preventative, so i made an appointment and took the car in for service.car was at the dealership 8/24/15 for the application when the service manager came into the waiting room and said that the left rear lower control arm is completely rusted through, split and deemed the car unsafe to drive. Took a look and sure enough, rusted completely through and split down the back side.glad kia decided to do the rust inhibitor recall or i would have never known about the problem until the arm actually disintegrated and broke.this volunatry "recall" is like closing the barn door after the horses have escaped, and to continue to build a car with inferior parts, a coating isn't going to help the rust problem.
Earlier this year we purchased a new 2008 kia optima lx/ex 4d. Yesterday my husband was driving south on florida's turnpike he was slowing down to get off on an exit when the car made a loud noise and it started pulling to the right. He tried very hard to gain control of the car but it kept on pulling right. He crashed into two parked vans that were on the side of the road (county workers). When the car finally stopped he noticed that the driver's side wheel was facing forward while the passenger side front tire was facing completely to the right. Since the accident i have contacted the kia headquarters and reported the defect. They told me that it first had to be evaluated by a kia service center but they are refusing to pay for the towing. They do not want to provide a rental car and they told me it will be at least four days before they can evaluate the car.
I had to have my 2008 optima taken to the only dealership in town for a broken shifting cable. I went on the internet for some information and i read that optima has had several problems over the years with the shifting cable on the car over different years. Internet is saying that at the end october that kia is going to announce that install shifting cable incorrectly.
There is currently a recall on the same year make and model of my car, yet my car is not cover. I was told that my car was not included because it was manufactured in a different area. However i am having the same issue that is caused by the recall on the part that is currently out. I wanted to file a formal complaint because the cost to have this part fixed not affordable for me at this moment and i feel it is unjust that i have to pay the out of pocket expenses seeing that there is a known problem regarding this part and this issue with this make and model car.
2008 kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to unintended acceleration which resulted in vehicle crash. *ld
Today, the key would not turn in my 2008 kia, i had to have it towed to my home. This is a recurring issue and but usually i can turn the steering wheel or move around the gearshift to solve the problem. Although today my key will not turn and i can move the steering wheel around and push the gearshift over and it does nothing. I called kia and they said i would have to come in to get a diagnostic test for $107 , although i told them it seems to be the key ignition. I feel this is a safety issue which i am shocked there has not been a recall for it and also my car will completely shut off at random times when i start to drive and turn a corner .i also feel this is a safety issue. I have read many complaints online about the same issues.
Was driving on the highway when the car burst into flames
My transmission will not disengage from drive and rolls away.
Engine noise
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that when they try to stop the vehicle the engine revs up and it feels like the vehicle does not wanted to stop. The contact stated that if they take their foot off of the brake, it feels like the vehicle is going to accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told nothing was found wrong with the vehicle. The failure mileage was 34,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.
While backing into my parking space in the employee private parking lot the vehicle was stationaryi stopped put my car in drive to pull forward a little the car would not move forward or backward i tried the shifter in all gears still no movement had the car towed to a dealer .
Letter from congressman desjarlais re the winchester police department requesting assistance with an issue involving the dot.the operator of the impacting vehicle stated her 2008 kia optima accelerated out of control. Please mark this document for deletion. It is being replaced with document number 10838296. *cwthe consumer rear ended a minivan and was pushed across the intersection, into a third vehicle.upon further investigation of the kia optima, the speedometer was stuck at 93 mph and the rmp's were stuck at 4500. The ignition was stuck in the accessory position and the gear shift was in neutral.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact turned the ignition off and activated the opening of the rear trunk when suddenly the radio unit began to function for approximately five seconds. The engine was restarted and the gear shifter was placed into the "drive" position, while pressure was applied to the brakepedal, there was uncontrollable acceleration. The driver turned the ignition off and pulled over to the side of the road. After restarting the vehicle he was able to resume normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection where the technician was unable to locate the failure. The current and failure mileages were 6,835.
Engine started making a clicking sound when the car was accelerating. Took my car in to kia and found out that one of the rods in the short engine block was failing. My engine only has 86464 miles on it and its an 2008. Bought the car with 69000 miles on it, only had the car for 7 months before the engine began to fail. I took this problem up with the dealership and kia headquarters. Was told they would not honor the 100,000 mile warranty because the car was not certified. I was not offered a warranty/ did not obtain an extended warranty, was not disclosed to that the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty did not extend to the next owner, nor was i told that they could not certify it. Was not offered a car fax, buyers guide or told about any type of warranty information. Kia dealerships do not certify cars after 60,000 miles even though there is still 40,000 miles on the original warranty. There way of getting around having to honor the original warranty and offer this to the next owner(s). Very angry with kia, they are deceitful, liars, and do not stand behind their product. They should not be able to sell any cars with out the original warranty being offered! with a history of there engines failing and having major mechanical problems i find it very disgraceful how they operate and enforce policy. If my engine actually fails while i am driving, i could easily get into a major accident and be critically injured. I drive a major freeway every single day, and to me this is very dangerous. If my engine failed and stalled going 70 miles an hour, i could easily be killed or get into a major accident. Please recall 2008 optimas or complain to kia regarding there policy. They should have to offer and stand behind the original warranty or be required to disclose there policy to customers up front. Commercials and parking lot advertise per owned certified cars and 100000 warranty.
Police request for vehicle inspection of 2008 kia optima.the information is being provided by the detective of winchester police department in winchester tn...updatedlocal law enforcement request for assistance with an alleged sudden unintended acceleration incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The driver of the 2008 kia optima was traveling at a high speed in the area of 90 mph. The driver traveled down the turning lane and struck a 2003 ford windstar from the rear. The ford windstar was pushed across the intersection into a third vehicle which was stopped in the turning lane. The kia optima came to rest in the left hand lane.the driver stated the vehicle accelerated out of control and it could not be stopped. Upon further investigation, the speedometer was stuck at 93 mph and the rpm's were stuck at 4500. The ignition was stuck in the accessory position and the gear shift was in neutral.
December 28, 2011, i noticed that my airbag light located on the dashboard continuously stays illuminated. I have taken it to the dealer to get it checked out. I was told that the airbag sensors are located in the driver/ passenger seats. The mechanic at kia dealer tried to fix the problem, but was unsuccessful. The service representative informed me that they would have to replace the sensors. I've viewed the complaints ofpeople that ownkia optima 2008. It states that these cars were recalled because of significant amount of defects. (i only have 43,000 miles)in addition, a week ago i've started hearing a ticking noise coming from the engine area when i accelerate going up in a roller coaster climbing position. Thank you for your expeditious response.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.whenever the contact would drive down a hill or slope with the low beams activated, a blind spot would appear three car lengths ahead of his view.the contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure.the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer.the speed was unknown.the current and failure mileages were 2,000.updated 07/31/08.*ljupdated 08/05/08
The sun visor broke. This is a known problem with these vehicles. It will not stay up. I have tried many do-it-yourself fixes, but it continues to fall down, which interferes with visibility, especially in the dark. It is an accident waiting tohappen. No matter how many times i push it back into position, it just falls down. It blocks the rear view mirror as well.
The driver's side sun visor suddenly dropped down from its stowed position, directly in the driver's line of sight while driving on the freeway at 55mph. This blocked the driver's view of the road and other traffic. The driver attempted to push the visor back up to the roof, but it would not stay and again fell, blocking vision. The driver also tried to push the visor up toward the windshield, but again, it would not stay and dropped back into the line of sight. During this time, the driver was dangerously distracted trying to get the visor out of the line of sight, and almost had an accident. Finally, the driver had to exit the freeway while holding the visor with one hand, and the other hand on the wheel, just to be able to see. The car is now unsafe to drive until the visor is removed or repaired. A quick internet search reveals that this is a widespread problem with 2006-2008 kias and has been encountered by numerous drivers. This is a safety hazard and should be fixed by kia before someone is hurt or killed as a result of a defective visor blocking the view of the road and creating a very dangerous situation.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima ls. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The sun visors would not remain in the closed, upright position and the driver side child door lock would not unlatch.in addition, the safety lock for the trunk would detach and cause the trunk to occasionally fly open while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would constantly break down and the dealer would not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted who sent her to a second dealer for the repairs. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 54,800.
I have owned many cars and have never seen sunvisors sag until i owned this car. I am very disappointed and would like to have this problem resolved.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the sun visors on the front passenger and driver side failed to remain closed. The contact discovered that both sun visors were fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 56,000.
The drivers side sunvisor broke this time, drops down into line of sight. The passenger side sunvisor broke over two years ago, was finally replaced last christmas.
Driver side visor would not go back up flush to the interior ceiling.i hit my head on it constantly getting in and out of the vehicle.i took the car to the dealer and they saidit would cost $143 plus labor which i cannot afford.he advised maybe i could find a cheaper one on the internet.going on the internet is when i discovered that this is a defective part that kia will not fix!naturally my warranty expired 6-2-2013.i have been driving with it all the way down so i only have half my visibility and need to lean forward and scrunch down to see signs and street signal lights.also, if i have the dealer order one will it do the same thing again?
Message: i have a 2008 kia optima that after a search of the internetthat kia motor company has an issue with their sun visors on the carthat i have. I have taken it back to the dealer but they said there isno recall for this type of safety issue. I send you this email so youcan be made aware of the safety issues involved with the blocked visionofa driver when this incident occurs while driving down the road. Itis very scary when you get the visor back up and see you are headed intoon coming traffic. I would like to thank you for your time and anyassistance to kia owners who have this problem. If they replace thevisor at the dealer they just put another defective visor on and chargeyou $180.00. We need a fix. Thanks.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima. The contact stated that the driver and passenger's side sun visors failed and could not be adjusted to shield upward or downward. The sun visor fell touching the driver's head. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The sun visor was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.the failure and current mileage was 128,000.
This report is similar to reports 10523036 and 10523357 in this database. Passenger side visor failed approximately 1.5 years into the operation of the vehicle: it will not retract into the full flush position with the car roof, obscuring driver visibility to the right. Driver side visor failed a short four months later (1.8 years), and hangs low directly in the forward view of the driver, at an angle in excess of 45 degrees, severely impeding forward visibility. The driver is tall, and the driver's head comes into contact with the visor while entering/exiting the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima ls. The contact was traveling 35 mph when the driver's side sun-visor failed to work properly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The dealer stated that the sun-visor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired and the vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 38,500 and the current mileage was 38,520.
My drivers side sun visor began failing it wouldn't stay up any longer then the insides finally snapped breaking the plastic inside. Now the passenger side is doing the same. It obstructs field of vision and does not provide adequate blockage of sun when needed. Kia is aware of the problem as they have created a fixed visor with improved mechanical parts inside. The new visor ranges any where from 140.00 to 200.00 dollars plus a fee for installing if not capable of doing this yourself. I have researched this on the internet and see there are several complaints for this issue.
The contact owns a 2008 kia optima.while driving 40 mph, air would seep through the window while it was closed.the contact could hear the wind at speeds of 40 and 60 mph.one dealer suggested driving with the rearview mirror closed towards the door.another dealer attempted to adjust the door, but was unsuccesful.the vehicle has not been repaired.the current and failure mileages were less than 4,000.
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