Recall 11V153 affects 70,115 2006-2008 Kia Optima vehicles for an incorrectly installed shift cable. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 70,115 2006-2008 Optima vehicles because an incorrectly installed shift cable can detach from the shifter assembly, leaving the transmission in the last used gear even when the lever is moved to Park. If the parking brake is not set, the vehicle can roll and injure someone or cause a crash; the Kia dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The shift cable in the 2006-2008 Kia Optima is the mechanical link between the gear selector you move by hand and the automatic transmission. When you move the lever into park, reverse, neutral, or drive, that cable pulls the transmission linkage into the matching position. The cable has to sit correctly on the shifter assembly's dowel pin so the lever and transmission stay in sync.
In NHTSA campaign 11V153, Kia identified Optimas where the shift cable was installed incorrectly, leaving tension in the cable. That tension can pull the cable off the dowel pin. Once the cable detaches, the gear selector no longer controls the transmission, so the lever can move into park while the transmission remains in the last gear used before detachment.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner can believe the car is in park because the lever moved there, even though the transmission has not followed the lever.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Optima model years, all tied to the same automatic transmission shift-linkage component.
| 2007 Kia Optima | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2008 Kia Optima | automatic transmission |
| 2006 Kia Optima | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 70,115 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A shift cable issue can let the Optima roll if it is left without the parking brake set, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby or a crash. If your VIN is included, set the parking brake every time you park and contact a Kia dealer for the recall inspection. Repair will be free at any franchised Kia dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2008 Kia Optima is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to ask about the free shift-cable inspection and reinstall that secures the shifter connection.
- Reference recall number 11V153 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the shift-cable inspection is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 if the dealer cannot confirm the recall for your VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the shift cable and checks whether it was installed under tension or out of position. If the inspection shows the cable needs correction, the technician reinstalls it so the shifter and transmission linkage work together as intended. Kia's listed remedy is free of charge. The safety recall began on March 23, 2011, but confirm the repair status for your VIN before planning the dealer visit.
Timeline
| March 9, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 23, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V153?
Recall 11V153 covers 70,115 2006-2008 Kia Optima vehicles with a shift cable that was installed incorrectly. The cable can detach from the shifter assembly, leave the transmission in the last used gear, and let the vehicle roll if the parking brake is not set.
What should I do if my 2006-2008 Kia Optima is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Optima is included in recall 11V153. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the shift-cable inspection. The dealer will reinstall the shift cable if needed, free of charge. Reference recall 11V153 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if needed free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Kia dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Kia Optima before the shift-cable recall repair?
Set the parking brake every time you park until the recall repair is complete. The shift lever can move to Park while the transmission remains in the last used gear. Without the parking brake, the vehicle can roll and injure a person or cause a crash.
What if I bought my Kia Optima used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2006-2008 Kia Optima is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall 11V153.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V153000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V153 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V153000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →