Buy Kia Optima Headlight Assembly

Key Points Summary

The Kia Optima's front lights-also called headlights, headlamps, or lamp assemblies-vary by model year from simple halogen reflectors to HID and LED projectors. Bulb sizes include H7, H11, 9005, and D1S, depending on trim and year . Fuse-box layouts differ across the four Optima generations . Owners of 2011-13 cars received an extended warranty after many low-beam reflectors dimmed . Condensation inside the lens is usually normal and dries out when the lights stay on for about 30 minutes . Aiming errors, not brightness, are the main reason the Optima earned several "Poor" headlight ratings from IIHS . Average bulb replacement runs roughly $150-$325, while full assemblies or control modules can exceed $600 . LED retrofit kits are common, but they must still meet DOT rules in FMVSS 108 to avoid glare .

Fit & Compatibility

• Generations & years
  • 2001-06 (MS)
  • 2007-10 (MG)
  • 2011-15 (TF)
  • 2016-20 (JF)
• Typical bulb chart (factory low beam)
  • 2001-10: H1 or H7
  • 2011-15: H11 halogen or D1S HID in SX trims
  • 2016-20: H7 or LED projector on SX/SXL
    Always match the socket stamped on the back of the housing before ordering.

Bulb Types

Halogen bulbs are cheapest, lasting about 335 hours . Factory HID capsules (D1S) run cooler white light but contain a trace of mercury. LEDs use even less power and reach full brightness instantly . When upgrading, keep the same beam pattern and add any factory-style retaining clips if your Optima uses H7 bases .

Technology Options

Early Optimas used reflector bowls; later SX trims gained curve-adaptive HID projectors . IIHS testing shows the adaptive HID system gave good reach but still produced excess glare, resulting in an overall "Poor" score . For 2020, an available LED projector improved lateral spread and earned a "Moderate" score IIHS rating .

Common Issues

• Dim low beams: Caused by reflector coating breakdown in 2011-13 units; Kia covers this under an extended warranty .
• Condensation: Light fog is normal; water pooling signals a seal leak needing repair .
• Headlight lawsuit: A 2024 class action claims multiple Kia models-including the Optima-suffer unsafe brightness loss .
• User complaints: Forum posts often blame mis-aim or aging alternators for "dim" lamps .

Maintenance & Care

Keep the clear polycarbonate lens clean with car-wash soap; avoid harsh abrasives that dull the UV coating. Check aim twice a year-just one degree down can cut road reach by half . Replace bulbs in pairs so color stays even Kia bulb-change guide .

DIY Replacement

1. Turn off the engine and pop the hood.
2. Twist off the rear dust cap.
3. Unplug the socket and unclip the spring.
4. Swap the bulb, taking care not to touch the glass .
   A three-minute video shows the exact steps on 2015-20 models watch here .

Aiming & Adjustment

The vertical adjuster sits behind the housing; turn clockwise to raise, counter-clockwise to lower. A DIY clip uses masking tape on a garage wall to set the cutoff at lamp-height minus 2 inches . NHTSA notes that misaim is a primary source of on-coming-vehicle glare complaints .

Electrical & Fuse

If both low beams quit, check fuse "HEAD-LOW" in the engine-bay box (40 A on TF cars; 30 A on JF) . Detailed diagrams by year are at fuse-box.info .

Legal & Safety

All replacement headlights must meet FMVSS 108 photometric limits and show the "DOT" mark . IIHS found the Optima's aim-not bulb power-drove most poor ratings, so proper adjustment is key for safety .

Cost Insights

• Bulb swap: $147 at mobile mechanics to about $325 at shops, parts included .
• Headlamp control module: roughly $600 parts and labor .
• Alignment service: $61-$90 on similar Kia models .
  Remember, LED conversions may void bulb warranties if installed incorrectly.

Upgrade Tips

High-output LED kits rated near 6,000 lumens fit H8/H11 and 9005 sockets on 2011-20 Optimas . Use H7-specific retention adapters on trims that need them to secure the bulb firmly . After any swap, re-aim the beams to avoid glare and remain DOT-compliant .

Environmental Disposal

HID capsules contain a small amount of mercury and should go to a recycling center, not household trash U.S. EPA guidance . Seal burnt-out bulbs in the packaging of the new bulb before dropping them off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size does a 2017 Optima LX use?
A: Most 2017 LX models use an H7 low-beam and 9005 high-beam .

Q: Why are my 2012 Optima low beams so dim?
A: The reflector coating may have degraded; Kia extended the warranty for 2011-13 units to fix this at no charge .

Q: Can I put LED bulbs in factory projector housings?
A: Yes if the bulb matches the socket and beam cutoff stays sharp; always re-aim after installing .

Q: How do I clear fog inside the lens?
A: Remove the rear cap and run the lights for 30 minutes; moisture usually evaporates .

Q: Where is the headlight fuse on a 2015 Optima?
A: It is fuse 11 ("HEAD-LOW") inside the engine-bay box near the battery .

Q: Are aftermarket housings legal?
A: They must carry the "DOT" mark proving FMVSS 108 compliance and be aimed correctly .

Q: How much does a shop charge to replace a bulb?
A: Shops typically quote $150-$325 including parts and labor .

Q: Do HIDs last longer than halogens?
A: Yes; HID life averages 2,000 hours, several times a halogen's rating of roughly 335 hours .

Q: What tools are needed to change a bulb?
A: Usually just gloves and a Phillips screwdriver; no special tools for most Optimas .

Q: How can I test headlight aim at home?
A: Park 25 ft from a wall, mark lamp height, and keep the low-beam cutoff about 2 inches below the mark .