WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY002 (REVISION #1) - 2006~2010MY OPTIMA PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT IN 2006 ~ 2010 MY OPTIMA (MG) VEHICLES. IF THE SENSOR MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE AND DTC(S) B1447, B1448, B1449 AND/OR B1450 MAY BE STORED. IF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND ONE OR MORE THE ABOVE DTCS ARE STORED, FOLLOW THE REPAIR PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN TO REPLACE THE OCS MAT. KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR THE OCS SENSOR MAT FOR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO 15
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Kia Optima airbags problems
critical 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
4crashes
4injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 22 airbags complaints filed for the 2009 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
OWNER LETTER: WTY002 OPTIMA - DEAR KIA OPTIMA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT TO 15 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDRESSES FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS. THE SENSOR MAT IS INTENDED TO DETECT CHILD SEATS AND SMALL STATURE OCCUPANTS WHO COULD BE HARMED BY DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG. IF THE SENSOR MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE OCS WILL NOT SUPPRESS THE AIR BAG. ACCORDINGLY, IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY OCCURS, THE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT FOR CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 8, 2007 AND ALL 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION WILL ADDRESS FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT FOR CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 8, 2007 AND ALL 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION WILL ADDRESS FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY002 OPTIMA - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM TO KIA, ALONG WITH DOCUMENTATION SPECIFIED BELOW, FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC., P.O. BOX 52410, IRVINE, CA 92619-2410
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report the airbag warning light coming on and staying on, sometimes returning within days after a dealer clears it. Several owners cite diagnostic codes pointing to a faulty clock spring in the steering column (B1346)—the same defect Kia recalled in 2006–2008 Optimas but did not extend to 2009 models. One owner paid $329.72 to replace the clock spring 52 days after the basic warranty expired. Others report codes for faulty occupant detection mats on the passenger side (B1448), with replacement estimated at $1,700–$2,000.
A peculiar issue: two dealerships told one owner that placing a cell phone on a car seat triggers the light even though the system is working correctly—a design sensitivity not seen in the owner's Ford or Hyundai.
Four owners report airbags failing to deploy during crashes ranging from 30 to 65 mph, resulting in injuries including a broken neck, spinal damage, and one fatality. These are unverified allegations.
Kia sent at least one owner a warranty extension letter in July 2016 for this issue, but actual coverage applied only to extended-warranty buyers. Multiple owners say the light has been cleared three or more times, and all note that a permanently-on warning light is useless for alerting drivers to actual airbag problems.
Same Kia Optima airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag warning light stays on continuously
The SRS/airbag warning light illuminates and remains on indefinitely, sometimes returning shortly after being cleared by a dealer. Owners report the light comes on at startup or during normal operation and does not turn off on its own. This renders the warning light useless as an indicator of actual airbag problems, since a light that is always on cannot signal new failures.
When: Varies by vehicle; reported between 57,000 and 94,913 miles; some occurred shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: SRS/airbag warning light illuminated and stays on; Light returns on repeatedly after dealer clears it; Light comes on at startup; Light remains on continuously during driving
Codes mentioned: B1447 (OC ECU defect), B1346 (faulty airbag clock spring), B1448 (faulty OCS mat, passenger side), B1481 (driver's airbag resistance too high)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers clear codes temporarily; some diagnose poor connections at control unit, defective pressure sensors, or faulty clock springs. Clock spring replacement cost cited as $329.72 to $335.00. OCS mat replacement estimated at $1,700–$2,000. Extended warranty extension letter received by one owner in July 2016, but coverage limited to extended-warranty purchasers only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2006–2008 Optimas (NHTSA campaign 12V014000 for clock spring assembly; also SC094). Recall for OCS mat replacement issued but does not extend to all 2009 models. Kia sent warranty extension letter to at least one owner in July 2016 for airbag issues, but actual coverage was limited.
Faulty airbag clock spring
The clock spring assembly in the steering column becomes faulty, triggering the airbag warning light. Multiple owners were diagnosed with this issue and had the part replaced. However, a recall covering this defect was issued only for 2006–2008 Optimas; 2009 model owners argue the same defect affects their vehicles but are not covered by the recall.
When: Reported at 57,000 miles, 84,000 miles, and 88,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on; Clock spring diagnosed as faulty by dealer
Codes mentioned: B1346
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost $329.72 to $335.00 plus diagnostic fee ($84.00–$95.00). One owner paid out of pocket 52 days after basic warranty expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V014000 (NHTSA) and SC094 issued for 2006–2008 Optimas. 2009 model owners not covered despite identical symptoms.
Faulty occupant classification system (OCS) mat sensor
The occupant detection mat on the passenger seat becomes defective, triggering error codes and the airbag warning light. One owner reports the electric sensor in the mat can interfere with nearby electronic devices. The mat is expensive to replace and replacement offers no guarantee against future malfunction.
When: Reported at 84,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on; Error code indicates faulty passenger-side OCS mat
Codes mentioned: B1448
Repairs/costs cited: OCS mat replacement estimated at $1,700–$2,000. One owner notes the sensor can malfunction within 10 miles of replacement with no recourse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for OCS mat replacement mentioned but does not appear to extend coverage to all 2009 models.
Airbags failed to deploy in crashes
In at least four reported crashes with significant impact, the airbags did not deploy despite the severity and speed of the collisions. One crash resulted in a fatality; others resulted in serious injuries including broken neck, spinal damage, and fractured femur. These are unverified allegations that the airbag system failed to function when needed.
When: Occurred at unknown time (fatal crash at unknown speed and mileage); 65 mph crash; 30 mph crash at 38,076 miles; 45 mph crash
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during head-on crash at high speed; Airbags did not deploy during impact at 65 mph on Interstate 275 S into wall barrier; Airbags did not deploy during 30 mph crash into building; Airbags did not deploy during 45 mph collision with trees
Repairs/costs cited: Failure was not diagnosed or repaired in most cases. Vehicle in one fatal crash was held by collision center pending manufacturer repurchase.
False warning light triggers from external sources
The airbag warning light is triggered by placing a cell phone on the car seat, even though no actual fault exists. Two dealerships confirmed this design sensitivity, stating that cell phones on the seat can set off the light. This design flaw causes owners to lose confidence in the warning system.
When: Occurs at any time a cell phone is placed on a seat
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on when cell phone placed on seat; Dealership confirms no car fault exists; Light goes off when phone is removed and light is cleared
Repairs/costs cited: No repair needed; issue is design sensitivity. Owner notes Ford and Hyundai vehicles do not exhibit this behavior.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
There is an existing recall for this problem for this model up to manufacture date of jan 2008 (sc094). However, my vehicle manufactured oct 2008 exhibits the same failure. I believe this recall should be extended to the 2009 model year. *tr
The airbag light come on at around 84000 miles. When the error code was read, it was consistent with faulty ocs mat on the passenger's side (b1448). It seems to be an extremely common problem of many Kia vehicles with potentially serious safety concerns, yet the manufacturer did not issue a recall. The only solution seems to be the replacement of the mat ($1700-2000), with absolutely no guarantee…
Airbag warning light came on in oct 2012. Dealer stated the battery was bad. Battery was replaced. Airbag warning light returned nov. 2012 dealer now states air bag faulty but not covered by Kia recall. *tr
Tl* the driver owns a 2009 Kia optima. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 30 MPH when another vehicle crashed into her. The driver's vehicle crashed into a building as a result and the air bags did not deploy. The driver was taken to a hospital via ambulance to treat neck injuries. The vehicle was towed home. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…
While hitting several trees in my Kia optima, going about 45mph, the air bags did not deploy. My insurance company said from their experience and from looking at the damage of the car, they also think the air bags should have deployed. However, nobody was seriously injured, no thanks to the air bags.
For a long time, the air bag warning light comes on and stays on. We have taken the Kia to two different dealerships. Each one said that there is nothing wrong with the air bag and turned off the warning light. Both dealerships said that, if you put a cell phone on a Kia car seat, that will set off the air bag warning light even though nothing is wrong with the car seat. The air bag warning light…
The airbag (SRS) warning light came on and stayed on at about 88,200 miles in october, 2018. I first noticed this while driving but the light stayed on ever since then. Took the vehicle to a Kia dealer who checked the vehicle's diagnostic code (b1346) and told me the airbag clock spring was faulty and needed to be replaced . This was done after they ordered the part for a total cost to me of…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 Kia Optima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2009 Kia Optima?
It's a serious issue. 22 complaints have been filed, including 4 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 60,603 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,603; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Kia/Optima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.