NHTSA Complaint #10178425 — 2006 KIA OPTIMA

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE AT 25 - 35MPH, HE EXPERIENCES AN ILLUMINATION PROBLEM WITH HIS LEFT HEADLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT OPERATING CORRECTLY, THE LEFT HEADLIGHT CASTS A DARK SHADOW, WHICH HAMPERS HIS ABILITY TO SEE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS NOT JUST A PROBLEM WITH HIS CAR, BUT WITH ALL OF THE KIA MODEL CARS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA CORPORATION ON 01/11/2007 AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER FOR HIS COMPLAINT (K1266127). KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA HAS ADMITTED THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS IN ALL OF THE MODELS AND IS UNCORRECTABLE, AND THAT THE VEHICLE MEETS FEDERAL STANDARDS, AND THEREFORE A RECALL IS NOT IN ORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE TAKEN OUT ON A DARK ROAD AND A LEFT TURN MADE TO SEE THE SHADOW FROM THE HEADLIGHTS.