Lights

2005 Kia Optima Lighting problems

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2005 Kia Optima's lights with NHTSA - 3% of all its complaints, most recently on August 24, 2009. They describe 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries. Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and interior lighting failures.

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Complaints: 4
Recalls: 0
Crashes: 0
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Deaths: 0

Lighting complaints

Electrical systemLightsSeats & seat beltsBody, doors & structure

Both low beam headlights blow out simultaneously. When this happened, high beams (separate bulbs and switch) would only work sporadically (switched 'on', nothing. Switched again, may come 'on', turned 'off' then 'on' may or may not come on). Dealer states 'it happens, they burn out', yet said the battery needed to be replaced.(?) Non warranty, so you pay. Another complaint on the same car year/make/model, same issue, has already been filed with you. In addition, 'google' search shows many entries for this...

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same problem on kia and hyundai vehicles (same manufacturer) over many models/years. Signs point to possible defective charging of battery by vehicle's electrical system (maybe why they replaced the battery at the same time). Battery was previously fine. I've had many electrical problems with the car, things stop working, then work on their own (power window won't work, sticks part open. Switch does nothing. Then suddenly later window lowers/raises without switch being touched. Trunk suddenly pops open). Definite electrical problem on these make of vehicles over many years which neither manufacturer is going to address themselves. Unless you do something, many will be paying for service caused by their negligence. . Also, seat belt does not retract all the time. My vehicle was purchased new. *Tr

Lights

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia optima. Ever since the vehicle was purchased, the low beam bulbs constantly blow out. The dealer stated that the cluster connectors failed and they cleaned the connector and replaced the bulbs. This did not correct the failure and the dealer stated that they could not provide a remedy. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the vehicle was not purchased with an original warranty; therefore, they would not assist. They further stated that if the contact were to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic, they would consider assisting with the repair. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 65,000.

Electrical systemLightsFire

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia optima. While driving 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the dashboard while the air conditioner was running. The smoke was so thick that he could not see through the smoke. The dealer was notified and stated that the cigarette lighter could be the possible cause of the failure. They stated that nothing could be done because the vehicle was out of warranty. Upon further investigation, the contact noticed a black box on the driver's side underneath the dashboard...

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covered in electrical tape. It was discovered that the previous owner installed after market floor board lights in the vehicle that required a massive amount of power. The tail lights on the vehicle were inoperable. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were less than 77,000.

Lights

This car is equipped with automatic headlights that come on when you start the car at night.The problem I had was we could not turn on the high beams when using this feature.My dealer showed me they all do this.I had to slow way down because of this unsafe feature. We have had other car with this same feature and we could always use the high beams.

Kia Optima lighting complaints by year

'01 '02 '03 '04 4'05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20

Optima lighting problems, every year

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked 2 days ago. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2005 Kia Optima Lighting problems

Lighting complaints

Kia Optima lighting complaints by year

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