Recall 11V153000: A/T Shift Cable Detachment

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

KIA/Optima 2006-2008

MANUFACTURER: Hyundai-KIA America Technical Center Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: March 03, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V153000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10046

COMPONENT: Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever and Linkage: Column Shift

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 70,115

SUMMARY:
KIA is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Optima vehicles manufactured from September 29, 2005, through June 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the PARK (P) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last gear used before detachment.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2011. Owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.

NOTES:
KIA'S safety recall campaign number is SC088. Owners may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.