Kia Optima: Emergency Trunk Safety Release

Your vehicle is equipped with an emergency trunk release cable located inside the trunk inside of the right tail light. If someone is inadvertently locked in the trunk, when pulled, this cable will release the trunk latch mechanism and open the trunk.

WARNING

No one should be allowed to occupy the trunk of the vehicle at any time. If the trunk is partially or totally latched and the person is unable to get out, severe injury or death could occur due to lack of ventilation, exhaust fumes and rapid heat build-up, or because of exposure to cold weather conditions. The trunk is also a highly dangerous location in the event of a crash because it is not a protected occupant space but merely a part of the vehicle’s crush zone.

✽ NOTICE

• If a person is locked in the trunk, they can pull the emergency release to open the trunk lid.
• We recommend that cars be kept locked and keys be kept out of the reach of children, and that parents teach their children about the dangers of playing in trunks.