IllustrationI HAVE A 2006.5 KIA OPTIMA. I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STICKING AS OTHER KIAS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL. MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. AM I OUT OF LUCK ON THIS ONE?
2006 Kia Optima
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2006 Kia Optima do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Optima years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
410–25K
1225–50K
2950–75K
1575–100K
23100–150K
8150K+
128 reports with mileage · 27 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- 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
Exterior Lighting complaints
16 reportsWE BOUGHT OUR KIA WITH LESS THEN 10 MILES ON IT, RIGHT OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR, WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMPS (TOTAL TO DATE 5/15/2015) 15 TIMES, BOTH REAR TURN SIGNALS BULBS AND REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN EVER THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD BE MOVED AND NOW THE AIR BAG LI…
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WE BOUGHT OUR KIA WITH LESS THEN 10 MILES ON IT, RIGHT OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR, WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMPS (TOTAL TO DATE 5/15/2015) 15 TIMES, BOTH REAR TURN SIGNALS BULBS AND REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN EVER THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD BE MOVED AND NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD FLICKERED DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST NIGHT AND REMANDS ON. *TR
LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
I BROUGHT TWO NEW 2006.5 KIA OPTIMAS (A RED ONE AND A BLACK ONE) FROM OUR LOCAL DEALER. SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CARS, BOTH OF THE VEHICLES HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH STARTED WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE. THE TAIL LAMPS ONLY LAST ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS BEFORE I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULBS. FIRST ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER WILL B…
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I BROUGHT TWO NEW 2006.5 KIA OPTIMAS (A RED ONE AND A BLACK ONE) FROM OUR LOCAL DEALER. SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CARS, BOTH OF THE VEHICLES HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH STARTED WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE. THE TAIL LAMPS ONLY LAST ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS BEFORE I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULBS. FIRST ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER WILL BLOW OUT, AND THEN WITHIN WEEKS, THE OTHER SIDE WILL GO TOO. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH BOTH CARS EVER SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CARS. WHEN I CALL THE DEALER AND ASK ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THEY JUST TELL ME I'VE BEEN BUYING CHEAP BULBS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD LAMPS ON BOTH VEHICLES AT THE RATE OF ABOUT ONE EVERY SIX-MONTHS ON BOTH VEHICLES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE WHAT THEY CALLED THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ON BOTH VEHICLES. NOW THERE IS A NEW PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEM. ABOUT 52,000 MILES, I STARTED HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE PARKING LIGHTS. THE PARKING LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND NO MATTER WHAT I DO, THE PARKING LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE BATTERY FROM GOING DEAD WAS TO DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. ABOUT A MONTH AGO, WE TOOK THE CARS TO OUR LOCAL KIA DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WHEN WE DROPPED THEM OFF FOR THE SERVICE, I ASKED THE REPRESENTATIVE ([XXX]), TO ALSO LOOK INTO THE PARKING LIGHT ISSUE AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM I HAD BEEN HAVING. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, [XXX] SAID THEY FORGOT TO LOOK AT THE PARKING LIGHT ISSUE, ADDING SHE WOULD CONTACT KIA DIRECTLY TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN SHE HAS AN ANSWER, IT HAS BEEN A MONTH . TODAY SHE TOLD ME IT WILL COST $400 TO FIX THE LIGHTS PROBLEM. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. THIS IS NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMERS WHO INVEST MONEY INTO PURCHASING A NEW CAR. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS A MATTER OF CONSUMER RIGHTS AND PROTECTION AGAINST MANUFACTURES KNOWN DEFECTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
A CO-WORKER FOLLOWED ME HOME AND TOLD ME MY RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT. THEN MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ON THE DASH STARTED FLASHING REAL FAST. FEW DAYS LATER MY DASH LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON & OFF. HAD A FRIEND WATCH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HE SAID THEY WERE FLASHING ON & OFF WITH THE DASH. SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANY…
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A CO-WORKER FOLLOWED ME HOME AND TOLD ME MY RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT. THEN MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ON THE DASH STARTED FLASHING REAL FAST. FEW DAYS LATER MY DASH LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON & OFF. HAD A FRIEND WATCH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND HE SAID THEY WERE FLASHING ON & OFF WITH THE DASH. SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT! IF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THE LIGHTS DON'T FLASH. EVEN THOUGH MY LIGHTS COME ON, THE BRAKE & SIGNAL LIGHTS DON'T WORK WHEN I APPLY THEM. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR BECAUSE OF IT. EVERY ONE TELLS ME WITH AS LITTLE MILEAGE AS I HAVE ON MY CAR - I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF PROBLEMS. I HAVEN'T TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO GET A TICKET OR POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY LIGHT DON'T WORK! I'M SINGLE MOTHER AND CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE A MECHANIC TEAR MY CAR UP TO SEE IF HE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
I HAVE A 2006 KIA OPTIMA WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 61,960 MILES ON IT. FOR THE PASS 12 MONTHS I HAVE REPLACE A FRONT HEADLIGHT A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE BULBS FOR ME TWICE SO FAR FREE OF CHARGE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO INFORM THE…
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I HAVE A 2006 KIA OPTIMA WHICH CURRENTLY HAS 61,960 MILES ON IT. FOR THE PASS 12 MONTHS I HAVE REPLACE A FRONT HEADLIGHT A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE BULBS FOR ME TWICE SO FAR FREE OF CHARGE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO INFORM THEM OF THE ISSUE TO SEE IF MAYBE ITS SOMETHING FAULTY WITH THE CAR OR MAYBE A RECALL THAT I MAY HAVE MISSED. THEY WERE NOT AS HELPFUL OR NICE AS THEY WERE WHEN I SIGNED MY NAME ON HE DOTED LINE. THEY IMMEDIATELY INFORMED ME I NEEDED TO PAY THEM 59.99 BEFORE THEY WOULD EVEN LOOK AT THE CAR !! THE NERVE !! WITH ME HAVING 5 MORE PAYMENTS TO GO, I FEEL I AM GOING TO SEE BE INVESTING IN THIS CAR LONGER THEN NECESSARY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND EVALUATED AS A COURTESY CHECK UP FOR US KIA OPTIMA OWNERS. AGAIN I HAVE REPLACED 5 HEADLIGHT BULBS IN 12 MONTHS !! THIS IS NOT NORMAL, NOR SHOULD ANYONE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS ON A CONSISTANT BASES. PLEASE HELP !! *TR
KIA CURRENTLY HAS A RECALL ON 2006 OPTIMAS FOR AN AIR BAG ISSUE AND WARNS CONSUMERS WITH THIS VEHICLE TO CONTACT KIA IF THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. IN MY CAR, THE LIGHT CAME ON ON 4/1/12 AND IS STILL ON. I CONTACTED KIA OF COLUMBUS, GA WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN AND WE DID TO ONLY BE TOLD THE CAR …
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KIA CURRENTLY HAS A RECALL ON 2006 OPTIMAS FOR AN AIR BAG ISSUE AND WARNS CONSUMERS WITH THIS VEHICLE TO CONTACT KIA IF THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. IN MY CAR, THE LIGHT CAME ON ON 4/1/12 AND IS STILL ON. I CONTACTED KIA OF COLUMBUS, GA WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN AND WE DID TO ONLY BE TOLD THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT WAS A FEW MONTHS OLD THAN THE CAMPAIGN. KIA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE AND INCLUDE ALL OF 2006 OPTIMAS, AS THEY ARE HAVING THE AIR BAG ISSUE AS WELL. KIA HAS NEVER HONORED ANY REPAIR ON THE CAR EVEN WHEN BRAND NEW AND HAD ISSUES WITH HEADLIGHTS WHICH WE STILL HAVE TO DO THIS DAY. *TR
MY KIA OPTIMA 2006 HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS: BAD OXYGEN SENSOR, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND MOST RECENTLY- WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. KIA SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO A KIA DEALER A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE GEARS QUIT SHIFTING, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED SIX HEADLIGH…
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MY KIA OPTIMA 2006 HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS: BAD OXYGEN SENSOR, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND MOST RECENTLY- WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. KIA SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO A KIA DEALER A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE GEARS QUIT SHIFTING, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED SIX HEADLIGHTS AND THREE TAIL LIGHTS. THIS CAR IS A LEMON! PLEASE ASK KIA TO EXTEND THEIR CURRENT RECALL AS, OBVIOUSLY MORE CARS ARE AFFECTED THAN THEY ARE REPORTING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS EVERY SIX MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER ADDED AN EXTRA GROUND WIRE TO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS EVERY SIX MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER ADDED AN EXTRA GROUND WIRE TO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,983. UPDATED 8/9/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIRES WERE TOO SMALL WHICH PREVENTED AMP FLOW, WHICH CAUSED THE BULBS TO BURN. UPDATED 08/11/10
I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. MY SAME LEFT TURN SIGNAL BURNS OUT EVERY MONTH- MONTH AND A HALF. MY HEAD LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT AT THE SAME RATE. MY PARKING LIGHTS GET STUCK ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND THE SWITCH IS OFF. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE CAR ON TURN THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF A COUPLE OF TIMES TO GET THEM TO GO OFF. THE ALARM H…
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I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. MY SAME LEFT TURN SIGNAL BURNS OUT EVERY MONTH- MONTH AND A HALF. MY HEAD LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT AT THE SAME RATE. MY PARKING LIGHTS GET STUCK ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND THE SWITCH IS OFF. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE CAR ON TURN THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF A COUPLE OF TIMES TO GET THEM TO GO OFF. THE ALARM HAS JUST GONE OFF WITH NO ONE AROUND IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE TO BE FIXED BUT THEY KEEP SAYING IF THEY DON'T SEE IT HAPPEN THEY CANNOT FIX IT. *TR
Official recalls
212V014000 · 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
3DP22003 · 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)
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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.
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.