Kia Optima Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the Kia Optima have?

The Kia Optima has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 2007 through 2007. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my Optima under recall?

Whether your specific Optima is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled Optima year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 2007 Kia Optima has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 2 campaigns. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

2 recall campaigns on record across 1 model year of the Kia Optima. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

Check Your Specific VIN — Free All Kia Recalls

Recall Campaigns

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

1 affected model yearsMost recalled year: 2007

Affected Model Years

20072R

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Airbag1 campaign (50%)

Transmission1 campaign (50%)

All Kia Optima Recall Campaigns

#12V0140002007 Kia OptimaAirbag

Issued: Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 ASSEMBL…

Risk: 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 ASSIST…

#11V1530002007 Kia OptimaTransmission

Issued: Sep 3, 2011

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

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 …

Risk: 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.

Recalls by Component

1Airbag Recalls

#12V014000MY 2007

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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…

Kia Optima Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the Kia Optima have?

The Kia Optima has 2 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 2007 through 2007.

Is my Optima under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled Optima year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2007 Kia Optima has the highest recall campaign count (2 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a Optima recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a Optima?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific Kia Optima for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My Optima

Kia Optima Problems & Complaints All Kia Recalls All Makes — Recall Center