2009 Kia Optima problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
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Common 2009 Kia Optima problems
The Kia Optima, a popular midsize sedan, has been known for several common problems over the years, particularly with the 2009 model. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints:
- Faulty Starter: Many owners of the 2009 Kia Optima have reported issues with the starter, where the engine suddenly won't start at all. The cause of this issue is not always clear, but several owners have resolved the problem by replacing the battery and/or parking sensor.
- Faulty Door Latch: The 2009 Kia Optima has been known for its faulty door latch problem, making it difficult to open the vehicle doors from both the inside and outside of the car. The cause of this issue is a faulty door latch assembly, and replacing the worn latch typically resolves the problem.
- Faulty Throttle Position Switch (TPS): A faulty TPS can cause the check engine light to illuminate, accompanied by misfiring and power loss. This issue tends to occur just after crossing the 100,000 miles milestone. Kia has taken steps to improve the necessary parts, which tends to resolve this issue.
- Weak Alternator: The Kia Optima's weak alternator issue is also high on the list of reported problems. This issue generally arises when the car has been operating with high electrical loads, such as running the lights, AC, etc., all at the same time. The weak alternator results in insufficient battery charging capability, making it difficult to start the vehicle. Some owners have reported that jump-starting their batteries or replacing the batteries helps solve the issue. However, several owners have experienced the same issue over time. Kia has released a new alternator that owners can purchase and install to resolve this problem.
It is important to note that these issues are based on owner complaints and may not represent all 2009 Kia Optima vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or detect these problems early on, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Are 2009 Kia Optima good cars?
The kia optima scores very high in reliability ratings, getting 4/5 in the repair pal rating the annual cost of repair is lower than average. The frequency of repair is also low when compare to other cars in that range, severity of repair is normal for its type of car.
What is the common issue with Kia Optima?
Kia Optima Engine Problems
Over the years, the Kia Optima has been reported to have severe engine manufacturing and failure issues that may be causing its bearings to wear prematurely. In some cases, premature bearing wear and tear can trigger uncontrollable engine seizing, increasing the risk of causing an accident.
How many miles does a 2009 Kia Optima last?
If you take good care of your Kia Optima, it can easily go beyond 100,000 miles. If you follow its regular maintenance and service schedule properly, it can last up to 200,000 miles.
What year Kia Optimas have engine problems?
The Worst Years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 are undoubtedly the worst Kia Optima years you should avoid at any cost. The 2011 Kia Optima year was notably afflicted with engine, transmission, and exterior lighting issues.
2009 Kia Optima car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Kia Optima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2009 Kia Optima
The NHTSA has received 115 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Kia Optima. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2009 Kia Optima vehicles.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-10
- VIN: KNAGE228595
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAGE228995
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbags did not deploy while the car was being driven at 65 mph on Interstate 275 S and crashed into a wall barrier. Since the airbags did not deploy, the driver's head was thrown around because the rest of his body was held firm by the seat belt. The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital. After several tests, it was determined that the driver suffered a broken neck and spinal damage and must wear as an Aspen neck brace for 6 weeks and then be examined by a Neurosurgeon to determine if there is any further damage or additional medical care is required. The driver is unable to work until released by a Neurosurgeon. The car was declared a total loss.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-18
- VIN: KNAGE228695
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WHEN COLD THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS HARD INTO FIRST AT ABOUT 20 MPH. ALMOST AT SOMETIMES FEELING LIKE I HAVE BEEN HIT FROM THE BACK. MY NECK HAS STARTED HURTING FROM WHIPLASH. THIS IS A VERY HORRIBLE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. IN STATES WHERE ROADS BECOME WET, ICY, AND COVERED WITH SNOW, THIS CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE/ POSSIBLY DEATH.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-05
- VIN: KNAGE228X95
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT VERY HARD FROM 2ND TO 1ST. DEALER RESET MODULE 10 MONTHS AGO. SOLVED PROBLEM. PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER RESET MODULE BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. CHECKED INTERNET, PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-20
- VIN: KNAGE228295
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN CAR IS SLOWING DOWN AND /OR APPROACHING A STOP SIGN IT GIVES A HARD JERK. EVEN IF TRAFFIC SLOWS DOWN ON THE EXPRESS WAY IT GIVES A HARD JERK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOVEMBER 2020.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-02
- VIN: KNAGE228795
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: LAST WEEK, ON AUG 29TH 2020, I TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT U-TURN ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I GOT SCARED AND JUST DROVE FORWARD TO THE NEXT STREET AND TURNED RIGHT ONTO THAT STREET. ON AUG THE 17TH, 2020 I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC SAID THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO FIX THAT. APPROX 2 WEEKS LATER, SEPT 2ND, THE MOTOR BLEW ON MY CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A HWY. THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE A/C VENT RIGHT BEFORE IT HAPPENED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-25
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAGE228995
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS DECEASED DAUGHTER WHO WAS DRIVING A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND WENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE HEAD ON WHERE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE EXACT EVENTS WERE UNCERTAIN. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE DAUGHTER WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED FEMUR AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER (RIVERSIDE COLLISION CENTER LOCATED ON 1441 SOUTH BRANCH RIVER RD, ROMNEY, WV 26757) WHERE THEY WERE REFUSING TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER REPURCHASED IT. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN POSSESSION OF THE COLLISION CENTER. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *LN*JB*DT*JB*DT*DT*JB*DT*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT*DT
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAGE228595
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING AT 70 MPH, ENGINE DIED AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SHOULDER, FRONT END OF CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED WITH FOAM. CAR A TOTAL LOSS.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-30
- VIN: KNAGE228295
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: AFTER I BOUGHT MY USED 2009 KIA OPTIMA, I WAS EXPERIENCING A HARD DOWNSHIFT WHEN IT DECELERATED, IT WAS SO ABRUPT IT FELT AS IF THE BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED VERY RAPIDLY AND THE CAR WOULD JERK FORWARD. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE FIRST STARTS AND GOES AWAY AFTER IT HAS WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A KIA DEALER AND WE BELIEVE THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. IT STOPPED FOR A WHILE BUT IT IS DOING IT AGAIN AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-27
- VIN: KNAGE228495
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AND DRAINS BATTERY. REAR BRAKE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONAL.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-20
- VIN: KNAGE228595
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF BELZER'S KIA CHEVROLET DODGE RAM KIA (21111 CEDAR AVE, LAKEVILLE, MN 55044, (952) 232-6897), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO LUTHER BLOOMINGTON KIA (1701 AMERICAN BLVD W, BLOOMINGTON, MN 55431, (612) 424-7641) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-20
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: A BEARING IN THE MOTOR OR SOMETHING GAVE OUT AS I WAS DRIVING. I AM UNABLE TO START IT AND KEEP IT STARTED. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE CEASED UP. IT ONLY HAS LIKE 126000 MILES ON IT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAGE228595
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT SENT NOTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FROM MARCH 29, 2013. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER, AN OFF DUTY FIRE FIGHTER FLAGGED THE CONTACT TO QUICKLY PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE FIGHTER REMAINED AT THE SCENE AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A FACILITY, INSPECTED THE COLLISION DAMAGES, AND CLAIMED THE VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT INVESTIGATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-25
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND NOTHING WILL HELP UNLOCK IT. IS THERE A RE CALL
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-01
- VIN: KNAGE228495
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG (SRS) WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AT ABOUT 88,200 MILES IN OCTOBER, 2018. I FIRST NOTICED THIS WHILE DRIVING BUT THE LIGHT STAYED ON EVER SINCE THEN. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALER WHO CHECKED THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC CODE (B1346) AND TOLD ME THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED . THIS WAS DONE AFTER THEY ORDERED THE PART FOR A TOTAL COST TO ME OF $329.72. THE CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL FOR 2008 OPTIMAS AND SOME OTHER KIA MODELS. SINCE THE SRS SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WITH A FAULTY AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY COMPONENT PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY KIA LIKE IT WAS FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-07
- VIN: KNAGE228795
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 6 TIMES.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-13
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE STATIONARY AND CONTINUED WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING..NOW IT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY RESET IT COMES BACK NEXT DAY AND STAYS ON.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-12
- VIN: KNAGE228095
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR LURCHES AT 20 MPH WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENS AFTER JUST STARTING THE CAR, ONCE DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY IT DOWNSHIFTS WITHOUT LURCHING FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED YEARS AGO AROUND 70,000 DEALER FLUSHED TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS OK UNTIL NOW AT 120,000. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON REOCCURRING PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-07
- VIN: KNAGE228595
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (UNIVERSITY KIA, 6519 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806, (256) 217-1700) TO INSPECT AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,913.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-02
- VIN: KNAGE228595
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 2009 KIA OPTIMA WITH 90,000 MILES IS EXPERIENCING A HARD DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR WHEN IT DECELERATES TO ABOUT 20 MPH. IT IS SO ABRUPT, IT FEELS AS IF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED VERY RAPIDLY. THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD AND GOES AWAY AFTER IT HAS WARMED UP. IT JUST STARTED AND I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO BE SERVICED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-28
- VIN: KNAGE228695
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND WE'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT'S A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS A RECALL UP TO 2008 OPTIMA'S FOR THIS ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2009. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A KNOWN ISSUE AS I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE THAT KIA SHOULD PAY SINCE THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AN IT'S AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT AND SPECIAL ORDER. THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER THIS REPLACEMENT.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-21
- VIN: KNAGE228495
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING TWO MONTHS AGO AND YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WITH NO WARNING.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-02
- VIN: KNAGE228295
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY CAR HAS 60,603 MILES ON IT THE SRS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED IT HAS REMAINED ON FOR THE PAST WEEK. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF KIA'S RECALLED ALL THE WAY UP TO 2008 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM AS IT STANDS NOW ALTHOUGH IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER ANY HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES WARRANTY.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-15
- VIN: 5XXGN4A61CG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA WAS FOUND TO HAVE A LEAKING OIL LINE WHICH FEEDS LUBRICATION OIL FROM THE ENGINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER. THIS OCCURRED AT 58,000 MILES, WELL WITHIN THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR THE DRIVE TRAIN. HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE OIL SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, BUT THE ENGINE AND TURBO WERE. THE LOSS OF THIS LINE WOULD RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE DUE TO NO OIL, AS WELL AS THE TURBO, AND THIS WAS MOST LIKELY TO FAIL WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION IN TRAFFIC AS THAT IS WHEN THE LOAD ON THESE COMPONENTS IS GREATEST. FAILURE OF THE ENGINE AT THIS TIME COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. EVEN IF THE LINE DID NOT FULLY FAIL, THE LEAKING OIL IS LOCATED AT THE TURBO HOUSING WHICH IS PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IS LIKELY, AFTER SOME TIME, TO RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE WHICH WOULD LIKELY DESTROY THE CAR. SINCE THIS COMPONENT, THE OIL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTS THE ENGINE AND THE TURBO I FIND THAT IT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE DRIVE TRAIN AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER THE WARRANTY. IT ALSO IS A SEVERE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. I WISH TO ENTER MY CONCERNS TO THE NHTSA.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
- VIN: KNAGE228195
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE THE SPEED BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD REDUCE SPEED AS NORMAL TIL AROUND 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY JERK FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
2009 Kia Optima recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Kia Optima.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Negative 2009 Kia Optima car reviews
Positive 2009 Kia Optima car reviews
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I purchased this car for $17500 and I am extremely satisfied with it. I have been driving it for 5 months now and it has not required any repairs or maintenance. The car has 8500 miles on it and it still feels brand new! Although I do wish that Kia and Hyundai would consider replacing the 2.7 V6 engine, as it is underpowered (only 190 hp) and not very fuel efficient (20 city and 26 highway). A 3.2 V6 engine would provide more power without sacrificing fuel economy. The I-4 engine is sufficient, but it's not the most sporty option. However, considering it's a Kia, it's a great choice. The car gets an impressive 32mpg on the highway and 25mpg in the city, which is excellent mileage. Kia did an excellent job with the design, it's very modern. I was considering the 09 Fusion, 09 G6, or the Optima, and I ultimately chose the Optima. It's a great deal and I strongly recommend that you add it to your list.
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I never used to consider anything other than a Honda or a Toyota. I had a strong bias against Kia and didn't even bother to look at their features. However, while driving past the Kia dealership, I saw the redesigned 2009 Optima EX V6 in Metal Bronze and it caught my eye! I decided to stop and take a test drive, and I was pleasantly surprised! Kia has made the redesigned Optima look like a real competitor, and my car turns heads! I am amazed at the power from the small V6, better gas mileage than my Honda, better warranty, and it was surprisingly inexpensive for the features. I can't wait till the dealership installs my OEM navigation system! I have to admit, for being a Kia hater, I now wouldn't drive anything else. Kia's slogan is definitely true!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my Kia Spectra and my current car, the 2009 Optima Midnight Blue. I have to say, I absolutely love my Optima! The price, style, and performance are all fantastic. It's hard to believe that a car this great is in the low 20's price range. Plus, as a current Kia owner, I was able to take advantage of some amazing rebates. Overall, I have to say that Kia is definitely my car of choice. Keep up the great work, Kia!
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I was originally considering replacing my 2000 Hyundai Accent with a new one when I stumbled upon the 2009 Optima for only $500 more. I test drove both the Sonata and the Optima, and while the Sonata had a nicer interior, it seemed to float down the road more than the Optima and was $2000 more expensive than the new Accent I was originally looking at. As someone who prioritizes low cost and high mileage, I ultimately settled on the Optima for $15500. According to Edmunds' specifications page, this car is right in line with other midsize sedans when it comes to safety, quality, and room. Since my last car from Hyundai only required $500 in repairs over 100,000 miles, I felt confident in purchasing this car from them.
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I'm so glad I was able to pick up my LX automatic during the last weekend of Cash for Clunkers. With the $3000 rebate, the car became very affordable for me. The list of standard equipment is great, and the exterior and interior design are both impressive. The killer warranty also made this an easy purchase for me. I've been getting an average of 25 mpg in mixed city driving, and on a recent 300 mile road trip, I was able to average 31 mpg. It's amazing to think that I traded in a 13 mpg SUV and am now saving so much on gas!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Kia Optima problems:
2009 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top 2009 Kia Optima Problems · Door Locks Malfunction Not Allowing Driver or Passanger to Open Their Doors · Faulty Throttle Position Switch · Software Update ...
2009 Optima Auto-Transmission Issues | Kia Forum
Jan 13, 2010 ... The Issue looks pretty strange. Usually, the transmission gets bang upon the deceleration and acceleration. Try out checking driveline struts, ...
2009 Kia Optima Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2009 Kia Optima? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2009 Kia Optima | CarComplaints.com
The 2009 Kia Optima has 180 problems & defects reported by Optima owners. The worst complaints are seat belts / air bags, windows / windshield, ...
2009 Kia Optima Transmission Problems - Q&A for Kia Optima LX
Dec 22, 2011 ... A bad vehicle speed sensor will cause shifting problems, and will trigger an abs code since the abs cannot work if it does not know the vehicle ...
Other years of Kia Optima
Are you having problems with your 2009 Kia Optima?
Alexie Aufderhar 2024-07-20
This car has vibrated since the day you bought it. Despite replacing 11 tires, the car still shudders and vibrates going down the highway. According to the Kia representative, this is normal. If you are looking for a smooth highway ride, it is not recommended to buy a Kia. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.