VehicleVerdict

2007 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2007 Kia Optima sits mid-pack among Optima years: 217 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 268, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 67 reports (31% of the total).

217

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags6731%
Visibility & Wipers3315%
Lighting2813%
Engine209%
Electrical System167%
Transmission136%
Brakes84%
Other73%
Speed Control52%
Body & Structure42%
Suspension31%
Seat Belts31%
Fuel System31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Steering21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats10%

Does the 2007 Kia Optima have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V014000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2012 · 145,755 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

11V153000TransmissionMarch 9, 2011 · 70,115 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ON HYWY 80 WEST, HIT BLACK ICE, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE SPUN AND THEN FLIPPED END OVER END CAUSING EXTENSIVE IMPACT TO FRONT AND REAR OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 6 AIR BAGS. NOT ONE OF THEM DEPLOYED!!!! BY THE GRACE OF GOD NO ONE WAS KILLED. THE TWO OCCUPANTS WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 17, 2015 · crash

“BOTH SUN VISORS ARE UNABLE TO STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. I WAS UNABLE TO USE BOTH VISORS AS THEY WOULD HANG LOOSELY DOWNWARD FLAPPING ABOUT AIMLESSLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAD TO ANCHOR THEM TO THE ROOF OF THE CAR TO DRIVE. DEALER STATES COST TO REPAIR IS ALMOST $500.00 AND THEY NEED MY CAR FOR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 5, 2013

“I WAS AT THE GAS STATION AND MY SON NOTICED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STILL ON, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY CUT OFF. THEY WOULD NOT GO OFF. I HAD TO TAKE OUT THE FUSE TO CUT THEM OFF WHEN I GOT HOME LATER THAT NIGHT. I NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE SWITCH, BUT, THE RECALL STARTED FOR 08. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 11, 2018

“I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PROCEEDED TO TURN LEFT WHEN I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AS I PULLED OVER THERE I NOTICED A THICK CLOUD OF BLUE SMOKE OUT OF MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES AT THE BACK OF THE ENGINE AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND AIRCONDITIONER AREA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 15, 2012 · fire

“I WAS IN A CRASH AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. AFTER I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK FROM THE BODY SHOP THE CAR HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING ! THE 2.7L HAS STUMBLE ON AND AT ACCELERATION THE FAILURE IS THE THROTTLE POSITION SWITCH THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM FOR ALL DRIVER'S THAT DRIVE A 2007 KIA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 12, 2014 · crash

2007 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2007 Kia Optima reliable?

It is close to typical for the Optima: 217 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2007 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (67 complaints), visibility & wipers (33 complaints), lighting (28 complaints).

Does the 2007 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.