2007 Kia Optima recalls and problems

The 2007 Kia Optima has 2 safety recalls and 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
167
Crashes / fires
11 / 5
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2007 Kia Optima recalls

Recall 12V-014: Air Bags

Reported Jan 17, 2012 · 145,755 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

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.

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.

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.

Recall 11V-153: Power Train

Reported Mar 9, 2011 · 70,115 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

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.

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.

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.

2007 Kia Optima problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags68
Exterior Lighting27
Visibility/Wiper20
Engine16
Electrical System14
Power Train13
Visibility13
Vehicle Speed Control5
Service Brakes5
Equipment4
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Structure4

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 12
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Air Bags › On-Off Switch Assembly — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2007 Kia Optima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 82,000 miles · reported Aug 27, 2026
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 experienced failure described in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Engine · reported Aug 1, 2025
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
Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 8, 2024
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.
Power Train · reported Oct 12, 2023
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 so I can start getting tickets. I’ve gotten like four tickets because I’m scared to be buckled that it’s not gonna come on down when I need it to be I’ve got 40 bought tickets. I was going about 20 mph when I went to the brakes for my vehicle accelerated by itself…
Exterior Lighting · reported Apr 30, 2023
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.

Other Kia Optima years

Compare all Kia Optima years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2007 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2007 Kia Optima: 12V-014 (air bags), 11V-153 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2007 Kia Optima?

Owners report air bags problems most often (68 reports), followed by exterior lighting (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.