CarRecallDB

2007 Kia Optima recalls and problems

2 recalls and 167 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2007 Kia Optima.

2
recalls
167
owner complaints
11
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2007 Kia Optima recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 12V014000 · reported January 17, 2012 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 145,755 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Power train: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift

NHTSA campaign 11V153000 · reported March 9, 2011 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 70,115 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 27, 2026 · Air bags · 82,000 miles

The contact owns a 2007 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving, the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V014000 (Air Bags); however, the contact stated that the vehicle…

Aug 1, 2025 · Engine · fire reported

After adding oil..Car stopped while driving…Smoke and Fire occurred.. Now engine will not start.. 2 Mechanics Stated “Engine needs to Be Replaced”… A/C Front Blower Doesn’t Work Console Has a Short and Doesn’t Work

Oct 8, 2024 · Exterior lighting

My headlights are preventing me from passing motor vehicle inspection low beam are on doesn't look like their on so I have to drive with high beams and with that no one flashes me. Because all four are on but u can't tell if the low ones on it looks like I just have my parking lights on.

Oct 12, 2023 · Power train · crash reported

My vehicle speed up and slow down all that itself. It will not maintain speed even with my foot steady on the gas. It will not accelerate, but the major problem is my seatbelt gets stuck all the time I’m afraid to get buckled. I am unable to remove my seatbelt multiple times so now I have buckled my seatbelt behind me…

Apr 30, 2023 · Exterior lighting

headlights very dim . replaced bulbs . replaced wiring harness. replaced alternater . still dim . cannot see more than a few feet at night. have heard this is a common problem . would like any info to correct problem .no longer safe to drive vehicle at night. please reply asap.

Optima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2004 122583
2005 014471
2006 215531
2007 2167115
2008 3144204
2009 111654
2010 17572

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2007 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2007 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on January 17, 2012 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (65 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (27).
How many 2007 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?
11 of 167 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 27, 2026.