How to Replace Kia Tail Lights
You can replace your Kia’s tail lights on your own with just a few steps.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Replacing Kia tail lights should cost you between $50 and $100 per light and only take between 10 and 20 minutes.
The tail lights on your Kia are a major contributor to your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. Not only do busted tail lights mean you won’t be able to signal when you’re braking to the people behind you, but you can also get a ticket if they’re not working properly.
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expert and broker app Jerry
is here to assist you with your Kia tail light needs. We will discuss how to replace them, what you can expect to pay, and how to weigh your options when it comes to going through insurance.Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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How to replace a Kia tail light
The first step in replacing your Kia’s tail light is to identify where the issue is. Do you need to replace the entire frame or just the bulb?
If you have your fair share of car experience, you may be able to identify the root of the problem without issue. If you think there is more to the story than just a fried bulb, don’t hesitate to bring your Kia to a repair shop so a certified mechanic can take a look.
If both tail lights are out, you may be dealing with a
blown fuse
. If only one tail light is out and the brake lights still work, the issue may just be a burnt-out bulb.Once you’re sure which parts need replacement, find your Kia’s owner’s manual to figure out what you need to buy. The manual will have numbers for every part so you know exactly which brands and sizes to order for your car’s year, model, trim, and engine type.
Once you’ve collected the necessary parts, follow these steps to replace the tail lights on a
Kia Optima
or Kia Sportage
. For other models, check with your owner’s manual, but the basic steps outlined below should apply. Replacing a Kia Optima Tail Light
Cost: $50 to $150
Time: 10 to 20 minutes
Tools needed: Safety glasses, gloves, socket wrench, replacement parts
Difficulty: Easy
- Open the trunk and then open the trim panel on the side of the broken tail light
- Loosen the 10mm bolts
- Remove the light casing from the exterior with a strong push and pop. Work the casing away from the rear of the car until it comes free
- Twist the bulbs out of their sockets. Handle the new bulbs with gloves or a cloth to reduce any oil or fingerprints and fasten them in the sockets
- Reinstall the light casing by following these steps in reverse order
Replacing a Kia Sportage tail light
Cost: $50 to $150
Time: 10 to 20 minutes
Tools needed: Safety glasses, gloves/cloth, flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, replacement parts
Difficulty: Moderate
- Open the trunk and locate the two small notches along the outer edge of the trim cover. Insert the flathead screwdriver into one of the notches and pry open the plastic trim panel
- Locate the two black metal screws that secure the tail light casing in the rear of the trunk. Remove these screws with a Phillips head screwdriver
- Carefully pull the tail light housing out of the rear of the SUV. This may take some wiggling and finessing
- Disconnect the power plug on the rear of the housing by pushing in the release tab and sliding the connector out of its slot
- Locate and rotate the gray socket a quarter turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out
- Replace the old bulb with the new one. Handle new bulbs with gloves or cloth to avoid any oil or prints
- Reinstall the light assembly by following these steps in reverse order
Key Takeaway Replacing your Kia’s tail light is a fairly straightforward process and requires you to remove the housing, replace the bulb, and replace the housing.
Common reasons for tail light malfunctions
If you were involved in some sort of collision that busted your tail light, chances are you are aware that it’s broken. However, a broken tail light can fly under the radar and happen out of the blue to no fault of your own.
If you (or a police officer) notice your tail light is broken, here are some common reasons it may have become faulty:
- Blown bulb: Sometimes the problem is exactly what you think it is. Light bulbs lose power over time until they eventually die completely
- Faulty light socket: The socket is what attaches to the bulb to give it power, and as time progresses the socket can corrode and become damaged
- Blown fuse: Too much electricity in the lighting circuit can cause a fuse to blow. When this happens, replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage
- Wiring issue: If you still can’t figure out the problem, you may be experiencing a wiring issue. In this case, you’ll want to consult a trained professional.
Does car insurance cover broken tail lights?
Your Kia’s tail light may be covered by insurance, but submitting a claim may not be your best option.
You can expect insurance coverage for a broken tail light if collision and/or comprehensive coverage is included in your policy.
Collision insurance
helps cover damage resulting from collisions with another vehicle or object, such as a pole or tree. Comprehensive insurance
helps pay for damages that weren’t caused by a collision, such as vandalism or fire.This means that a bulb that burned out from natural aging won’t be covered by insurance.
Don’t forget that you won’t be able to receive coverage unless the damage costs more than your deductible. Tail lights are typically inexpensive, so it usually won’t be worth it to file a claim.
How to find affordable insurance for your Kia
Now that you know how to fix your Kia’s broken tail light, it’s time to find the best
car insurance
quote to keep your car protected by using Jerry
. Jerry is more than just a car insurance broker—it’s a
trusted comparison tool
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversCan you drive a car with a broken tail light?
A broken tail light won’t prevent your car from driving. But you shouldn’t keep driving with a broken tail light.
Broken tail lights can create hazards on the road and put yourself and other drivers in danger. You can also be ticketed if law enforcement spots your broken light before you fix it.
Why are tail lights important?
Tail lights act as a safety mechanism on cars. They show other drivers where the rear of the car in front of them is and alerts them when your car is braking suddenly. Tail lights also offer visibility improvements in inclement weather conditions.
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