At 63,000 miles, the red airbag light came on and stayed illuminated. Took it to the dealer, and they said the adult/child sensor needed to be replaced or neither front airbag would work. Estimate was $1,600 prepaid. Prior to this, no problem with airbag sensors in this vehicle.

- Antioch, TN, USA

The Kia Optima was purchased in September 2007. Within a few days, the passenger air bag indicator light signals that the airbag is off as if there were no passenger when a passenger is present. This occurs even though there is a passenger weighing over 120 pounds properly seated in the passenger seat about 75% of the time over the last month. Service appointment scheduled for 11/13/07.

- Aiken, SC, USA

The Kia Optima was purchased in August 2007. Within a few weeks, the passenger air bag indicator light signals that the airbag is off as if there were no passenger when a passenger is present. This occurs even though there is a passenger weighing between 120 and 150 pounds properly seated in the passenger seat about 25% of the time over the last 2 months. Often, but not always, the light goes out if the car is shut off and restarted. The car has been to the dealer for repair 5 times. Seat harness connections were checked, the seat bottom was replaced and, most recently, the seat module was including a "reprogrammed". however the failures continue. There is another repair appointment scheduled for October 15, 2007. Passenger safety is at risk because the air bag will not deploy if the indicator light is on.

- Essex Junction, VT, USA