Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
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Electrical System. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

9 reports

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Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2014

Engine And Engine Cooling

YOU CAN START IT UP. DRIVE IT FOR A LITTLE BIT, BUT AS SOON AS YOU MAKE A STOP OR SLOW DOWN, IT WILL STALL. CHANGED THE OIL, ALL FLUIDS. IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. SO I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611003

61,787 miles · Apr 7, 2011

Engine And Engine Cooling

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MY 2006 KIA OPTIMA JUST STOPPED RUNNING YESTERDAY, WITHOUT ANY WARNING, IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGH TRAFFIC STREET. IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO. SINCE THERE WAS NO WARNING (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOT ON, NO STUTTERING, ETC.), I WASN'T ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO NOT HIT ME. I'M A 67 YEAR OLD, DISABLED WOMAN WHO WAS STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THAT BUSY STREET FOR A HALF AN HOUR UNTIL MY CAR COULD BE TOWED. UPON DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, A MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE CAR NEEDS A CRANK SENSOR (AS WELL AS AN OXYGEN SENSOR). AS HE SAID, "WE REPLACE A LOT OF THESE ON THIS MODEL CAR". AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, ONLINE, READING BLOGS FROM OTHER KIA OWNERS, I'VE FOUND THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM I'VE HAD. A FRIEND OF MINE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON HIS WAY BACK FROM A TRIP. THE SENSOR JUST GOES OUT AND THE CAR DIES RIGHT WHERE IT IS, AND EVEN IF IT CAN BE STARTED AGAIN, IT WILL ONLY RUN FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME AND DIES AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY SCARY PROBLEM. AND VERY EXPENSIVE ALSO. IF KIA KNOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10396149

2,000 miles · Feb 17, 2010

Engine And Engine Cooling

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED AS SHE WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO THAT IT COULD BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WOULD REPLACED PARTS ON THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO SHUT OFF. THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE KIA MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY DO NOT COVER ANY PARTS THAT ARE NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY. VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #10311204

5,033 miles · Feb 14, 2008

Engine And Engine Cooling

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CAR PURCHASED NEW 3/1/2006. AT MILEAGE 5,033 AND TO CURRENT 16,675 BELTS AND PULLEYS PROBLEM EXISTS.. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A TECH EXPERT THAT THE MFR AND CUSTOMER AGREED TO ALLOW INSPECT THE CAR. A RECURRING DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AFTER SEVERAL BELTS AND TENSIONER HAVE BEEN REPLACED.....5 CONFIRMED REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN EXPRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURER THAT WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR. WE ARE AFRAID THE TENSIONER OR BELT MAY FAIL DURING OPERATION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE MOTOR CAN BE SEVERELY DAMAGED. POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP AND ALL ELECTRICAL CEASE TO FUNCTION. THIS IS THE EXPLANATION I HAVE FROM A KIA REP ON AUDIO. THE MANUFACTURE CLAIMS THERE ARE NO VERIFIABLE WARRANTY CONCERNS AND THE LOUD NOISE AT START UP AND CONSTANT SQUEALING AND CHIRPING WHILE DRIVING ARE NORMAL. THE KIA REP ALSO CLAIMS ON THE AUDIO THAT THESE PARTS HAVE NEVER FAILED ON THERE CARS. THE TECHNICAL EXPERT ALSO CONFIRMED A SURGING PROBLEM STILL EXISTS EVEN THOUGH THE MFR STATES THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE IT. THE FIRST TIME THE SURGE & STALL PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED (9/23/2006) IT WAS ALREADY A TSB ISSUED BY MFR TO NHSTA IN DEC 2004 FOR MODEL 2006 WITH REGARDS TO A CANISTER VAC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218079

5,033 miles · Dec 19, 2007

Engine And Engine Cooling

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REF THE TWO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS FIRST. #10170291 & 10208029. THIS IS THE 3RD COMPLAINT ON OUR 2006 KIA OPTIMA LX. ON 11/5/07 A NEW TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT WERE REPLACED. THIS MADE THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE SAME PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM BEGAN @ MILEAGE 5033 IN SEPT 2006. APROX 16,500 MILEAGE AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE. ON 12/5/2007 I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP #113211 WITH SAME PROBLEM. LOUD BELT SQUEAL AT START UP AND CONSTANT CHIRP WHILE DRIVING. I WAS GIVEN A WRITTEN RECEIPT THAT STATED THE DEALERSHIP DROVE THE CAR 5 MILES AND HEARD A "SLIGHT CHIRP" COMING FROM THE BELT AREA. TECH ASST WAS CALLED AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED NOT TO ATTEMPT REPAIRS UNTIL A "PLATFORM MANAGER" WAS CONTACTED AND SPOKE TO SERVICE MANAGER. IT WAS PUT IN WRITING THAT THE CAR HAD NO DRIVABLE ISSUES OR SAFETY CONCERNS AND RELEASED TO THE OWNER. I EXPRESSED STRONG CONCERN TO THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT OUR RESERVATIONS DRIVING A CAR WITH THE PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM MAKING SUCH NOISES. I ALSO EXPLAINED THAT WE WERE GOING OUT OF STATE ON 12/7/07 AND WOULD BE TRAVELING I-65 SOUTH FROM INDIANAPOLIS, LATE AT NIGHT AND WITHOUT A CELL PHONE. WE TRAVELED WITH THE CAR IN THE CURRENT STATE OF DISREPAIR. THE PROBLEM HAS INCREASED. I HAVE EXPRESSED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 12/12/07. SINCE THE CAR WAS RELEASED TO ME ON 12/5/2007, I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE SENT A CERTIFIED LETTER REQUESTING THE CAR BE REPAIRED. THE PARTS PUT IN THE CAR ON11/5/2007 ARE UNDER WARRANTY. TODAY IS 12/19/2007 AND I HAVE STILL NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY KIA OR THE DEALERSHIP. IF THE PULLEYS & BELTS SYSTEM FAILS WE I WILL BE LEFT ON THE ROAD & I DO NOT CARRY A CELL PHONE. IF THE CAR IS REPAIRED AGAIN THIS WILL MAKE THE 5TH ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE CAR QUALIFIES FOR THE IN LEMON LAW. I HAVE CONSULTED THE CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK WHICH IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC AND HAS RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS TO INVOLVE AGENCIES WHO TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS FOR US. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10212289

15,948 miles · Nov 29, 2007

Engine And Engine Cooling

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ON 11/05/07 OUR 2006 KIA OPTIMA LX WAS TAKEN IS THE SHOP FOR A FIFTH TIME SINCE A SQUEALING NOISE HAD APPEARED AGAIN. THE CAR HAS NOW HAD 2 TENSIONERS AND THREE DRIVE BELTS REPLACED AS OF 11/5/2007. I STRONGLY EXPRESSED TO DEALER # 113211 THAT I WISHED TO HAVE THE IN STATE LEMON LAW APPLIED DUE TO THE FACT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF ATTEMPTS HAD BEEN MADE TO REPAIR A NONCONFORMITY PER IC 24-5-13-10. I WAS TOLD BY THE SHOP MANAGER AT DEALER 113211, THAT THE CAR IS IN WORKING CONDITION AFTER THE REAPER AND THE LEMON LAW DOES NOT APPLY TO A CAR THAT IS GOOD WORKING ORDER. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO LET THE DEALER KNOW IF THE PROBLEM RETURNED. ON 11/26/07 THE SQUEALING RETURNED. I SPOKE WITH KIA, I WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. I REQUESTED A KIA REP BE PRESENT. I WAS TOLD A REP WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JAN.08. I REQUESTED THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE CAR AND STOP AT THAT POINT SO A DECISION COULD BE MADE REGARDING THE IN LEMON LAW. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT UNLESS I SIGN A REPAIR ORDER TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED, IT CAN NOT BE DIAGNOSED PER KIA POLICY. I WAS TOLD I HAD TWO OPTIONS. SIGN AND ALLOW THE SQUEAL TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIR IF UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT LEAVE THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OUT OF SERVICE AS ON 11/28/07 WITH 15,974 MILES. IT IS IN MY GARAGE. I HAVE SENT THIS MATTER TO THE IN ATTY GEN OFFICE FOR REVIEW.THIS IS THE 3RD COMPLAINT FILED ON THIS CAR, PLEASE REF #10170291 & #10208029 ALSO. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IF A TENSIONER OR DRIVE BELT FAIL DURING OPERATION, I WILL BE LEFT STRANDED. I DO NOT OWN OR CARRY A CELL PHONE. I BOUGHT A NEW 2006 CAR FOR DEPENDABILITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10210275

15,263 miles · Nov 6, 2007

Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

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BEGINNING 9/9/2006 OUR 2006 KIA OPTIMA LX HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES NOW FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.....EXCESSIVE NOISE AT START UP. .9/9/06,2/22/07,3/8/07,4/10/07,11/5/07. 3 DRIVE BELTS AND 2 DRIVE BELT TENSIONERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT KIA WAS CONTACTED AND "SHOULD "BE ISSUING A TSB. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT KIA IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD TO LET THE DEALERSHIP KNOW IF THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE EXCESSIVE NOISE AT START UP AND TO GIVE IT 3-4 MONTHS FOR A TSB TO GET ISSUED, THEN BRING THE CAR IN AGAIN. I CAN ONLY ASSUME WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE DRIVE BELT OR TENSIONER FAIL DURING OPERATION OF THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN THIS MATTER. THIS IS THE SECOND ODI COMPLAINT FILED ON THIS CAR. PLEASE REF # 10170291 FOR THE DETAILS OF THE FIRST COMPLAINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10208029

10,000 miles · Jan 18, 2007

Engine And Engine Cooling

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TL* - ON 11/8/06, THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE OIL PUMP EXPLODED AND CRACKED THE ENGINE BLOCK. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. THE VEHICLE IS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF FAILURE WAS 10,123 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHORT BLOCK ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE VEHICLE BACK ON 12/11/06 AND ON 12/14/06 THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE ENGINE HEAD WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, SHE HEARS A TAPPING NOISE, THE VEHICLE RUNS ROUGH WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10179048

6,119 miles · Oct 9, 2006

Engine And Engine Cooling

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AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 200 MILES I STOPPED FOR A MEAL. APPROX. 30 MINUTES LATER I STARTED MY KIA OPTIMA (2006). IT RAN VERY ROUGH THEN STALLED & DIED. I HAD PLANNED TO STOP AT WINERY APPROX. 3-4 MILES FROM CAFE I ATE AT. I STARTED CAR AGAIN. DROVE TO WINERY AND AS I PULLED INTO PARKING SLOT, CAR RAN ROUGH & DIED AGAIN. I WENT BACK TO SHELL STATION ACROSS FROM CAFE I ATE AT. CALLED KIA ROADSIDE ASST. CAR WAS TAKEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN PEORIA,IL. SERVICE DEPT FOUND MISFIRE AND CHANGED CRANK SENSOR. ALSO PERFORMED OTHER TESTS WITH REGARDS TO FUEL PRESSURE, ETC. RETRIEVED CAR THE FOLLOWING SAT 9/30/06. APPROX. 100 MILES LATER THAT DAY ON WAY TO INDIANAPOLIS, WE STOPPED AT MUSEUM. STARTED CAR APPROX. 2 HOURS LATER, CAR RAN EXCESSIVELY ROUGH AT START UP , BUT DID NOT DIE THIS TIME. DROVE BACK TO INDIANAPOLIS. INFORMED KIA AND TOOK CAR TO LOCAL KIA DEALER ON 10/3/06. CAR DID NOT DISPLAY SYMPTOMS UNTIL LATER IN THE DAY APPROX. 2-3 P.M. WHEN I DROVE BACK IN AFTER START UP WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS. SERVICE DEPT DID NOTICE MISFIRE AT THAT TIME. I AM NOW WAITING ON A LOANER CAR FROM KIA, SO MY CAR CAN GO IN FOR TESTING TO FIND PROBLEM. KIA AUTHORIZED WAITING REF#K1230868 ON 10/4/06. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10170291

Official recalls

12V014000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jan 17, 2012

KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

11V153000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Mar 9, 2011

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL INJURE A PERSON IN ITS PATH OR CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE10046 · Transmission Shift Cable Detachment

Opened Nov 22, 2010 · Closed Apr 5, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the vehicle transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.If this were to occur, and if the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may inadvertently roll away thus creating the risk of a crash.Kia is conducting a safety recall (11V-153) to correct the subject problem in approximately 70,115 model year (MY) 2006 through 2008 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 9/29/2005 to 6/13/2007.Kia has stated that the early MY 2006 Optima vehicles built before 9/29/2005 had different automatic transmission shift cables and shift levers than the subsequent MY 2006 through early MY 2008 Optima vehicles built up to 6/13/2007.Beginning 6/14/2007, Kia changed the assembly process for the shift cables to ensure correct installation.As for the recall remedy, Kia dealers will inspect the shift cables for correct installation, and re-install them, if necessary.For more details on the recall, see NHTSA recall 11V-153.This investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift