PER NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 13V114 I TOOK MY 2009 KIA OPTIMA TO KOONS KIA IN WOODBRIDGE ON 11/21/2013 TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE'S STOP LAMP SWITCH. THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED THAT AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES FOR THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AND REMAIN ILLUMINATED AFTER I HAVE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE EL…
2009 Kia Optima electrical problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Kia Optima?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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