Kia recalls over 70,000 2006-2008 Optima sedans

2008 Kia Optima
2008 Kia Optima

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced today that Kia is recalling 70,115 units of the 2006-2008 Kia Optima because the car’s automatic transmission may remain in gear after being shift to park, which of course causes the risk of a roll-away crash.

“There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable,” said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. “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 position while the vehicle’s transmission is still in the last gear used before detachment.

The recall is expected to begin this month. Kia dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it, if needed. Owners can contact Kia at (800) 333-4542.

– By: Omar Rana