The 2008 Kia Optima has two recalls, the more serious involving a shift cable that can detach from the shifter assembly, leaving the transmission stuck and the vehicle unable to be placed in park, which can allow it to roll.
The second recall involves the clock spring, an electrical component behind the steering wheel that maintains a connection to the driver's airbag as the wheel turns. If the clock spring develops high electrical resistance, the driver's airbag may not deploy in a crash, reducing protection at the moment it's needed most.
At a glance
What can fail
The clock spring contact assembly in the driver's air bag system can become damaged over time. When damaged, it creates high electrical resistance that may prevent the driver's air bag from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag clock spring contact assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The shift cable may have been installed with improper tension, causing it to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin. This prevents the transmission from shifting and allows the shift lever to move to Park while the transmission remains in its previous gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
