The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·11V153000·Announced 2011-03-09

Kia Recalls 2006-2008 Optima Vehicles Due to Shift Cable Defect

Kia is recalling 2006-2008 Optima vehicles because an incorrectly installed shift cable may detach, preventing the transmission from shifting into Park and allowing the vehicle to roll.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (transmission shift cable) that can lead to the vehicle rolling, posing a risk of injury or crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural vehicle defects or significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors Corporation is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Optima vehicles manufactured between September 29, 2005, and June 13, 2007. The recall addresses a potential defect where the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable.

This condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin, preventing the transmission from being shifted. If this occurs, the shift lever can be moved into the Park (P) position while the transmission remains in the last used gear. If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, potentially injuring a person in its path or causing a crash.

Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 23, 2011. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA OPTIMA
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
Category
Vehicle — Transmission / Shift Cable
Hazard
Affected units
70,115

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • OPTIMA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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