I was experiencing what appears to be a very common problem with the headlights on the 2007 Kia Optimas. The low beams degrade over time to the point that the actual headlight assembly requires replacing. I could see that the low beam bulbs were on, and when they were removed from the assembly, they were actually very bright.
Like others, I would have my brights / high beams on all the time and rarely would anyone flash their lights at me when I passed. If I had only the low beams on, I couldn't see the road at all. I tried all the remedies, from least expensive to most expensive. I first tried replacing them with factory bulbs, then progressively trying the brighter (and more expensive) SilverStar bulbs; but no change. I checked the wiring and voltage being delivered to the bulbs and everything was fine. Lastly, I took it to a dealer who told me I'd have to replace the entire assembly which would cost just under a $1000 if I had the work done there.
As I mentioned, my situation was not an electrical problem as I see some on here have experienced. This was definitely a problem with the assembly itself, and it eventually occurred on both sides.
The problem started about 5 years ago and got so bad that I finally had to make the replacement in order to sell the car. As soon as I replaced the assemblies on both sides (myself with after-market products), the problem was solved. It still cost me $300, and I feel that Kia should reimburse me for this.
This is a serious safety concern and I am quite surprised that Kia hasn't already addressed this given the significant number of people having the same issue.
Dim headlights are worthless! I have to drive with high beams on to see the road. Low beam bulbs burn out each year. Costly ultra bright bulbs are still too dim to use safely.
KIA headlights are very dangerous. I don't drive my car at night because I'm scared I might hit something. I have reported this problem to KIA many times and they have not responded to my problem. We have tried restoring them and they don't work properly, have had them adjusted many times at the dealership.
I cannot believe there has not been a recall on them, KIA wants 360 dollars to replace just one of them. I'm not buy another KIA because they will not stand behind there cars even while under warranty.
- Katie F.,
Ririe, ID, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I was experiencing what appears to be a very common problem with the headlights on the 2007 Kia Optimas. The low beams degrade over time to the point that the actual headlight assembly requires replacing. I could see that the low beam bulbs were on, and when they were removed from the assembly, they were actually very bright.
Like others, I would have my brights / high beams on all the time and rarely would anyone flash their lights at me when I passed. If I had only the low beams on, I couldn't see the road at all. I tried all the remedies, from least expensive to most expensive. I first tried replacing them with factory bulbs, then progressively trying the brighter (and more expensive) SilverStar bulbs; but no change. I checked the wiring and voltage being delivered to the bulbs and everything was fine. Lastly, I took it to a dealer who told me I'd have to replace the entire assembly which would cost just under a $1000 if I had the work done there.
As I mentioned, my situation was not an electrical problem as I see some on here have experienced. This was definitely a problem with the assembly itself, and it eventually occurred on both sides.
The problem started about 5 years ago and got so bad that I finally had to make the replacement in order to sell the car. As soon as I replaced the assemblies on both sides (myself with after-market products), the problem was solved. It still cost me $300, and I feel that Kia should reimburse me for this.
This is a serious safety concern and I am quite surprised that Kia hasn't already addressed this given the significant number of people having the same issue.
- cincyjas, West Harrison, US