Table 1 shows one common exterior lighting related problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting problems |
The low beam headlight assembly failed on my 2019 kia Optima lx with no prior warning, while the high beams and led daytime running lights continue to function normally, indicating an isolated component failure within the assembly. Notably, the headlight assembly shows no physical damage whatsoever, and both independent licensed repair facilities that inspected the vehicle were unable to identify or repair any specific failed component — both independently concluded that a full assembly replacement is necessary. The fact that no specific component could be identified as the cause, combined with the absence of any physical damage, suggests this may be an internal failure not consistent with typical wear and tear. Prior to complete failure, the low beam would intermittently illuminate and then cut off unexpectedly during normal operation, which was the only symptom present before the headlight stopped functioning entirely. This creates a genuine safety concern as low beams are the primary source of nighttime illumination and cannot be substituted with high beams in normal traffic conditions. The failure occurred suddenly during normal nighttime driving and could not be fixed with bulb or pigtail replacement as both were in good condition. The vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request.
The afls forces the low beam headlights too low when passengers are in the back seat (see attachment for full details).