The car will not accelerate at a safe time frame. for example if i need to cross a busy street. i have to wait until there are absolutely no cars coming because when i accelerate my engine revs but doesn't move. i've been almost rear ended several times because the transmission will not go into gear. the engine will hit 8 or 9 thousand rpm then the transmission decides to catch and throw my head into the seat. which if there is a car in front of me i have to be careful not to rear end them because of the sudden acceleration.
The seat has completely ripped open just from getting in and out of the car. now i have duct tape the seat so it looks very trashy.
The drive and passenger seats are to low in this car. almost had an accident because my wife who is 5' tall cant sit higher than the sideview mirrors, and they block her view. i test drove the car when we bought it, so didn't sit to low for me being 6' tall. this is a serious safety issue. *tr
I purchased this new car in january and have had a difficult time adapting to the blind spots out of the rear window. the safety features of this car are amazing even with what i believe is 1 exception. the rear headrests of this car were designed too large. even in the down position these headrests block nearly 2 thirds of the rear window visibility. selecting safety over looks i've completely removed both rear headrests (they slide right out) and carry them in the trunk if passengers sitting in the rear request them. my suggestion is that kia produce and retrofit lower sleeker headrests for the rear that are 1/2 as high as the current. dealers could probably swap them out and kia could reuse overseas if they choose. please contact me via email if photos are needed but for the most part your department could look at any 2012 optima and see what i see. once again, this is an amazing car but i see this as a safety improvement / concern. thank you *tr
The front passenger seat is as low as it can go and there is no adjustment to heighten the seat. the vehicle is not cheap and you would think that the passenger would be able to adjust the height of the seat. passengers can slide down easily with this feature/option gone. not all passengers are under 5'10 and this is not good. *tr
Front passenger seat is mounted far too low in all 2011 and 2012 kia optima cars. a passenger will easily slip under the seat belt and could be seriously injured. kia usa has been contacted and refuses to acknowledge this design defect, although it has been noted repeatedly by owners of these cars when posting on kia optima forums online. *tr