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2009 Kia Optima Problems: 1 Known Issue

2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Kia Optima has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Brake Switch Failure Causing Inoperative Brake Lamps and Shift Issues. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Optima Brakes1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Brakes1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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On the 2008-2010 Kia Optima, kia recall SC098 (NHTSA 13V-114) covers 2008-2011 Optima vehicles with a stop-lamp switch that may malfunction. Brake lamps may fail to illuminate, cruise control may not disengage, push-button start or brake-transmission shift interlock operation may be affected, and the ESC warning light may illuminate. This indexed page retains its existing 2008-2010 year scope.

This issue also affects: Kia Sedona

Common Symptoms

  • Brake lamps do not illuminate
  • Cruise control does not disengage with brake pedal
  • Shift interlock or push-button start operates intermittently
  • ESC warning light illuminated

How to Fix

Check the VIN for open recall SC098/13V-114 and have the free dealer repair completed. Kia dealers replace the stop-lamp switch. Because recall applicability is VIN-specific and the campaign remedy is free, no retail switch is linked.

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Research This Issue

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

Campaign #13V11400001/04/2013

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Optima problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Kia Optima has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Brake Switch Failure Causing Inoperative Brake Lamps and Shift Issues. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Optima reliable?

The 2009 Kia Optima has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Brake Switch Failure Causing Inoperative Brake Lamps and Shift Issues. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2008-2010 Kia Optima Brake Switch Failure Causing Inoperative Brake Lamps and Shift Issues?

Kia recall SC098 (NHTSA 13V-114) covers 2008-2011 Optima vehicles with a stop-lamp switch that may malfunction. Brake lamps may fail to illuminate, cruise control may not disengage, push-button start or brake-transmission shift interlock operation may be affected, and the ESC war… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #12V01400017/01/2012

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

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.

Campaign #11V15300009/03/2011

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.