Worst 2007 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbags
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Wipers & Visibility
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2007 Kia Optima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 48 | 6 | — | 85,336 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 25 | — | — | 115,949 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 20 | — | — | 83,100 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 16 | 1 | 5 | 113,966 mi | |
| Visibility | 13 | — | — | 60,035 mi | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 12 | — | — | 32,081 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | — | 85,200 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 3 | — | 70,651 mi | |
| Brakes | 5 | 2 | — | 86,867 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 2 | — | 45,000 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Air Bags:On-Off Switch Assembly | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2007 Kia Optima
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~215,870 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Kia Optima Years
2007 Kia Optima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2007 Kia Optima reliable?
What are common problems with the 2007 Kia Optima?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Kia Optima?
How safe is the 2007 Kia Optima?
Does the 2007 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2007 Kia Optima?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2007 Kia Optima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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