Kia recalls 70,000 Optimas for transmission glitch
Kia is recalling about 70,000 Optima sedans from model years 2006 through 2008 because the car's automatic transmission may remain in gear after being shifted to park, creating the risk of a roll-away crash.
In a filing with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Kia said a cable connected to the Optima's shifter assembly may not have been installed correctly and could become detached, reported Automotive News.
A detached cable would prevent the transmission from being shifted. If a driver shifts into park, the car could remain in gear and possibly roll away if the parking brake is not applied, Kia said in the March 3 filing.
Optimas with the potentially faulty cables were made from Sept. 25, 2005, through June 13, 2007. Kia said the issue has "not been creating real world safety incidents."
Owners can bring the affected vehicles to Kia dealerships to be inspected. Faulty cables will be replaced for free.
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