7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
50,700 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
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problem #3

Jan 012014

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Along with the transmission downshifting HARD from second to first, the air bag light has stayed on. When we get the computer upgrade these issues go away but come back shortly thereafter. We were told the airbag light has to do with some sensor in the seat and the cost to fix is $1,500 plus. No thanks. We received a letter from Kia (July of 2016) requesting to take the car to a dealership regarding the airbag light - at no cost. Just got a call from the dealership that they are going to "let me know how much it costs to fix." Ummm no. This is a KNOWN Kia problem and should be fixed by Kia. Otherwise, why send the letter?

- Margi D., Cypress, TX, US

problem #2

Jan 012015

Optima LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I have a 2009 Kia Optima and like many other owners, I'm dealing with the airbag light being on. I agree with them - the 2008 recall needs to be extended to the 2009 models.

My issue here is that my car will NOT PASS INSPECTION with that light on. It's not the battery, the seat or anything else - it's a sensor deep inside the car that could cost anywhere from $200 to $2500 to fix it. Guess what I don't have... $2500 to put into a seven year old car with now 118k on it. I am seriously between a rock and a hard place. I am a single mom and I really need my car! Hope you guys can sleep at night because I can't.

Last year, the dealership made it work so the car could pass inspection but the light came on again the next day. Now, I'm up for inspection again. Kia, why the slow drag on not researching this issue when so many people have reported it as well as apparent air bag malfunctions. Thankfully, no one has died but it's only a matter of time. Imagine what will happen when the media gets a hold of this site then? The company will be destroyed and it still won't be worth the loss of a human life.

- jslusher, Leesburg, VA, US

problem #1

May 102013

Optima LX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

2009 kia...same car..i called the service department because the air bag light was on. i was told to bring it in when i come for my oil change, so i did...the oil change was done another $177.00 paid out but i was told when asked about the air bag light,t oh well you would have to bring it back because the technician that handles that is off today. well now why would you people tell me come in today if the technician was not going to be here. i was told to bring it back during the week, it will take a few days to repair. get this No Loaner Car to be given. so i had to drive around with this light on what if i had an accident oh yeah they don't care Rick Case Kia again. look for my other issues on the next complaint.

- shirwill, Duluth, GA, US