2007 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 16%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2007 Kia Optima, 16% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The headlights are very dim,was reported to Kia at the time and the car was under warranty at the time, Kia would not address the problem they just told me to pay to have them replaced. I feel like Kia should to replace them at there cost not mine, the replacement headlights are $360.00 a piece. We have tried restoring them and having them adjusted this didn't fix the problem { feeling hopeless }.”
NHTSA complaint #10606703, filed 2014-06, 31,000 miles“Low beam headlights are too dim. Tried replacing the bulbs, but no change. Cleaned the outer lens to improve clarity and get rid of yellowing. But did not help. The outer lens looks just fine. When I removed the assembly to check if there's anything wrong inside, I was shocked. The projector bowl had caught rust on both sides, thus causing poor reflectivity and low light on the road. Turns out every 2006/2007 Optima owner has had the same issue. I found this out when I looked online to purchase a new assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #11132052, filed 2018-09, 166,000 miles“Frequent low beam and high beam headlight failures over last 4 years..last month I had to replace the whole passenger side headlight assembly..my left headlight assembly is currently out on the low settings..”
NHTSA complaint #10904387, filed 2016-09, 160,000 miles“The low beams are very dim. The fog lights light up the road better than the low beams. I replaced the lowbeam bulbs with sylvania silverstar ultra bulbs which are very bright in my other car, they still are very dim.”
NHTSA complaint #10788891, filed 2015-11, 60,000 miles“I have a 2007 Kia Optima and it has terrible exterior headlights. The headlights are so dim that I have to drive with high beams on as much as possible. Per forum discussions I have seen online this is an ongoing issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10669072, filed 2014-12, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2007 Kia Optima
65 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology