2009 Kia Optima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 24%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,100miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the air bags of the 2009 Kia Optima, 24% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,100 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10994142, filed 2017-06, 60,603 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11011323, filed 2017-07, 88,000 miles“While hitting several trees in my Kia Optima, going about 45mph, the air bags did not deploy. My insurance company said from their experience and from looking at the damage of the car, they also think the air bags should have deployed. However, nobody was seriously injured, no thanks to the air bags.”
NHTSA complaint #10789825, filed 2015-11, 95,000 miles“Seatbelt light is on. Dealer says it's a clock spring that's not under my warranty or extended warranty and will cost $335.00 on top of the $84.00 I paid for diagnosis. It appears there have been several complaints on 2009's and there was a recall on 2008's for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10885306, filed 2016-07, 65,000 miles“There is an existing recall for this problem for this model up to manufacture date of jan 2008 (sc094). However, my vehicle manufactured oct 2008 exhibits the same failure. I believe this recall should be extended to the 2009 model year.”
NHTSA complaint #10668318, filed 2014-12, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10090092Aug 10, 2016Warranty bulletin: wty002 (revision #1) - 2006~2010my optima passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - this bulletin provides information related to the…
- 10094562Jun 17, 2016Owner letter: wty002 optima - dear kia optima owner: kia motors americas highest commitment is to your safety. To that end, kia is extending the warranty coverage for the front…
- 10094564Jun 8, 2016"q and a: wty002 - certain 2008-2011 my kia rio vehicles and all 2006-2010 my kia optima vehicles front passenger ocs sensor mat kia new vehicle limited warranty extension"
- 10094167Jun 8, 2016Request for reimbursement form: wty002 optima - if you have paid to have the front passenger ocs sensor mat replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of…
- 10094137Jun 8, 2016Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty002 - 2008~2011my rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - kia motors america, inc. Is extending the warranty…
- 10094136Jun 8, 2016Dealer principal memo: wty002 - 2008~2011my rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - kia motors america, inc. Is extending the warranty coverage for the…
- 10037244Oct 1, 2010Kia: the air bag occupant detection system in certain vehicles is sensitive and can be defeated by electronic devices or water.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 62 | 4% |
| 2012 | 48 | 5% |
| 2011 | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 | 17 | 23% |
| 2009 | 28 | 24% |
| 2008 | 57 | 40% |
| 2007 | 65 | 39% |
| 2006 | 46 | 30% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 26 | 12% |
| 2003 | 17 | 12% |
| 2002 | 19 | 18% |
| 2001 | 27 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2009 Kia Optima
33 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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