2001 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 143 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 15 involved a crash. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, frontMay 27, 2009
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION (KMC) IS RECALLING 36,538 MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 OPTIMA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE STATES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. OVER TIME, SUCH SUBFRAME CORROSION NEAR THE CONNECTION TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN LEAD TO WHEEL MISALIGNMENT AND/OR OTHER NOTICEABLE STRESS IN STEERING, OR ACCELERATED ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR.
CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
KMC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 09V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, starter assemblyMar 4, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 AND 2.7 LITER V6 ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CKP) CASES DID NOT MEET DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS.
INTERNAL GAPS WITHIN THE CASES ALLOWED EPOXY TO CONTACT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN CRACKING OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR. A DAMAGED CKP CAPACITOR COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CKP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 03V067000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowMay 1, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER POSITION COULD BE MIS-ROUTED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN IT BEING PINCHED OR CUT BY THE SEAT CUSHION TILT MECHANISM.
DAMAGE TO THE WIRE HARNESS COULD RESULT IN THE SIDE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT.
DEALERS WILL CHECK FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS AND SECURE IT IN PLACE WITH A PLASTIC TIE-WRAP. IF THE WIRE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 01V156000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
143 reports, newest first.
Structure, Nov 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REPLACING THE TIMING BELT ON THE VEHICLE, AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN ENTERED THE SHOP AND ASKED IF HE EXPERIENCED A CORRODING SUBFRAME. HE PERFORMED A VISUAL INSPECTION, BUT IT YIELDED NO RESULTS. THE TECHNICIAN THEN PERFORMED A PHYSICAL INSPECTION AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AND SUBMIT THEM FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,105 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure, Wheels, Oct 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT. SHE DROVE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND SUBFRAME WERE CORRODED AND CRACKING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 99,000.
Structure, Oct 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OR TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SIX SEPARATE TIMES. THE ROTORS, BRAKES, BEARINGS, BUSHINGS, AND TIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTED. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT. THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND A PILE OF RUST WAS FOUND UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS BARELY HANGING ON TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Structure, Oct 4, 2008
I TOOK MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA, V6, 61,000 MILES, TO A QUICK LUBE PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WHILE ATTENDANT WAS CHANGING THE OIL, HE SHOWED ME SEVERAL HOLES AND CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME WHERE IT HAD RUSTED THROUGH. SEEMS ODD FOR A LOW-MILEAGE, GARAGE-KEPT, 7 YEAR OLD CAR AND, OF COURSE, IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AROUND A BEND AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT OVERCORRECTED THE TURN. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK IN THE OTHER DIRECTION AND OVERCORRECTED AGAIN. SHE WAS TWO FEET FROM DRIVING OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS CORRODED AND ROTTEN IN HALF. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000.
Structure, Sep 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE IN HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE K FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS MUCH MORE DAMAGED THAN THE DRIVER'S SIDE; HOWEVER, BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME ARE RUSTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,500.
Structure, Jun 16, 2008
SUBFRAME RUST THROUGH. I DISCOVERED A FIST SIZED HOLE DURING AN OIL CHANGE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF OUR 2001 KIA OPTIMA. FRAME HAS BEEN REPLACED AT OUR COST BY DEALER. *TR
Power train, Structure, Mar 11, 2008
CAR HESITATED ONCE OR TWICE UPON ACCELERATION, COULD NOT RECREATE PROBLEM. 1 WEEK AGO, WHILE TRYING TO PULL OUT OF THE GARAGE, CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. WHEN CAR FINALLY WENT INTO GEAR CAR WOULD NOT MOVE UNLESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR, AND EVEN THEN BARELY ANY MOVEMENT. TOOK CAR TO KIA DEALERSHIP, THREE DAYS LATER DEALERSHIP CALLED, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP SAID IT HAD TO "FIGHT" WITH THE FACTORY REP TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH I PROVIDED PROOF OF MAINTENANCE. DEALERSHIP ORDERED NEW TRANSMISSION, WHEN PREPPING CAR FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION A "HOLE WAS FOUND IN THE SUBFRAME", THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE PUT IN THE CAR WITH THE HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME AT A COST OF $1,800.00. DEALERSHIP CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW A GARAGE KEPT 7 YEAR OLD CAR HAS A HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 6, 2008
PURCHASED OCT,15,07. WITHIN 3 DAY WE HAD IT UP TO DEALER WERE PURCHASES 1) FOR WINDOWS NOT GOING UP OR DOWN ALL THE TIME. 2) LIGHT ON RADIO AND HEATER DO NOT WORK. 3) THE CAR HAD NO POWER AND WOULD GO FROM 1ST GEAR TO 3RD GEAR AND WOULD STAY THAT WAY UNTIL CAR TURNED OFF. 4)HAD TO REPLACE SPEED SHIFT SENSOR. 5) BRAKES. GOT LOOKED IN CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND COULD NOT GET OUT. SOMETIMES THEY WORK MOST OF THE TIME THEY DON'T. 6). ANTENNA BROKE OFF FOR NO REASON. WENT OUT ON DAY BARELY TOUCHED IT AND IT FEEL OFF. 7) ON FEB 9TH CAR WOULD NOT START FOR 4 DAYS FOR NO REASON HAD TOWED FROM OWN HOUSE TO GARAGE WERE THEY KNOW BELIEVE IT HAS A CRACKED HEAD OR BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 89,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS ALREADY. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE I HAVE A 3YR OLD AND A 7 YR OLD. I FEAR FOR THERE LIVES AND MINE. . I DON'T EVEN WANT THIS CAR ANYMORE AND HAVE HAD IT FOR ONLY 4 MONTHS. PLEASE HELP IF U HAVE ANY ADVICE. DON'T BUY A KIA. ALSO THIS CAR CAME WITH A 90 DAY WARRANTY FROM HARRY'S AUTO SALES AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME FOR 3 MONTH THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND ONLY WOULD RESET COMPUTER UNTIL I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER GARAGE AND THEY FOUND OUT DIFFERT. THEY TOLD US HEAD GASKET. HARRY SAID NOOOOOO. WHEN WARRANTY RAN OUT THEN THEY INFORMED ME I NEED A HEAD GASKET. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT CAUSE WARRANTY OUT. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A LEMON. PLEASE HELP ME FIND LEGAL ADVICE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 12, 2008
ON FEBRUARY 12, 2008 MY CAR BEGAN TO DRIVE VERY ERRATICALLY WITH SNOW ON THE ROAD. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM STEERING OFF THE ROAD. IT WASN'T JUST ROAD CONDITIONS. I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS BROKE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP THE SAME DAY. INITIALLY THE TECHNICIAN STATED I NEED AND ALIGNMENT. I HAD JUST GOT 4 NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT IN DECEMBER 2007. I STATED THIS CONDITION JUST STARTED TODAY. THE TECHNICIAN WHEN BACK AND INSPECTED THE CAR IN MORE DETAIL. HE RETURNED AN SAID THAT THE ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE DONE TO GET IT WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. HE TOOK ME TO THE LIFT WHERE THE CAR WAS AND SHOWED ME WHY THE CAR COULD NOT BE ALIGNED. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WAS SEPARATING FROM THE SUB FRAME OR ENGINE CRADLE OF THE CAR, BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. HE TECHNICIAN STATED THIS WASN'T IN A VERY SAFE CONDITION. HE ALSO NOTED A 7 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT SHOW THIS TYPE OF DECAY IN A MAJOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENT. I ASKED THE TECHNICIAN TO GET THE ALIGNMENT AS CLOSE TO THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATION SO I RETURN HOME SAFE. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS THE REPLACEMENT PART COSTING $1400. THE ENGINE AND STEERING COMPONENTS ATTACHED TO THIS PART. I WILL BE CONTACTING THE LOCAL KIA DEALER FOR A LABOR COST ESTIMATE. AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 6, 2007
ON NOVEMBER 3, 2007 MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER BROUGHT OUR 2001 KIA OPTIMA TO ATLANTIC KIA IN LINDENHURST NY FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL HOURS, MY WIFE WAS TOLD THAT THE ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE DONE ON THE CAR DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, AND TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED. THE TIRES ARE 4 MONTHS OLD. SHE THEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO PEP BOYS IN PATCHOGUE, NY. THEY SAID THEY WOULD INSPECT THE TIRES AND OFFERED TO DO THE ALIGNMENT. AFTER SEVERAL MORE HOURS, A TECHNICIAN BROUGHT MY WIFE TO THE LIFT WHERE THE CAR WAS AND SHOWED HER WHY THE CAR COULD NOT BE ALIGNED. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR, BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR UP WAS THE TIRE. THE TECH THEN TOLD HER THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND ASKED WHERE THE DEALER WAS LOCATED. SINCE THE DEALER IS LOCATED ABOUT 20 MILES FROM THAT SHOP, MY WIFE WAS TOLD THAT SHE COULD NOT DRIVE IT THERE, THE CAR WAS VERY UNSAFE. ATLANTIC KIA WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. SHE WAS TOLD TO CALL BACK ON MONDAY THE 5TH. SHE DID, AND WAS GIVEN RUDE AND UNACCEPTABLE TREATMENT FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER. SHE WAS ALLOWED TO DRIVE A HAZARDOUS VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER AND THEN IN TURN WAS TREATED VERY BADLY. ATLANTIC KIA WANTS TO TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CAR EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR OTHER PROBLEMS IN THE PAST. *TR
Power train, Apr 24, 2007
INPUT AND OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR FAILURE. FAILURE OF SENSORS CAUSE TRANSMISSION TO DROP FROM 4TH GEAR TO 3RD GEAR. FROM THERE TRANSMISSION CAN ONLY SHIFT BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR USING "SPORT SHIFT-STICK" . ON A GOOD DAY WITHOUT PROBLEMS ENGINE IS SLUGGISH. VERY SCARY TO DRIVE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2007
I HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE DROPPED INTO 3RD GEAR AND WOULDN'T GET OUT OF IT. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AT THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND THE SPEED SENSORS WERE SHOT. IF I KEEP DRIVING IT LIKE THIS I AM GOING TO BLOW THE TRANSMISSION, IF IT IS NOT ALREADY BLOWN! I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THEY WERE SHUT DOWN. I CALLED ANOTHER DEALER TO LOOK UP MY WARRANTY INFORMATION ONLY TO FIND THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED 1 MONTH BEFORE THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE I PURCHASED IT TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE COVERED WITH A 10 YEAR OR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 6 MONTHS. I BOUGHT IT USED, AND IT HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE! THEY SOLD ME THIS CAR UNDER FALSE PRETENCES, AND APPARENTLY, IT IS GOING TO COST ME $180.00 TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I HAVE 36,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, AND THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING THEY CAN DO. I HAVE HAD BETTER CARS THAT HAVE RUN BETTER THAN THIS! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA AGAIN!*AK
Electrical system, Dec 29, 2006
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2001 NEW. I HAD MANY PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. THE ALTERNATOR AND AXLES HAD TO BE REPLACED IN 2005. THE LOCKS ARE MALFUNCTIONED. THEY AUTOMATICALLY LOCK CAUSING US TO GET LOCKED IN THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE. THE CAR STALLS, JERKS WHEN I AM DRIVING. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION NOVEMBEER 30-EMISSIONS RELATED. THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED IN OCTOBER. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY REPAIRING THIS CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. I PURCHASED IT FROM KIA /BRONX. MY CAR WAS THERE FOR 4 DAYS. THE SERVICE MECHANIC REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS AND TOLD ME TO PICK UP MY CAR. THE CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED AND I AM STILL UNABLE TO GET IT INSPECTED. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THEY ARE OF NO HELP. THEY TELL ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER. THEY ALSO KEEP REMINDING ME THAT THE BASIC WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERS THE POWERTRAIN. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION, THEY MAY ASK FOR MAINTENANCE RECORDS. THE CAR IS CLEARLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON THE 2001 KIAS WHICH I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT. THE TWO RECALLS MAY BE THE PROBLEMS MY CAR IS HAVING. I AM CLASSIFYING MY CAR AS A LEMON AND WOULD LIKE HELP IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE
Air bags, Nov 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V156000, REGARDING THE AIRBAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 4, 2006
JUST PUT MY 2 YR OLD DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT, LOADED THE GROCERIES INTO THE CAR ALONG WITH MY PURSE AND KEYS. SHUT THE DOOR. DOORS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY. HAD TO CALL 911 FOR POLICE TO COME AND GET MY DAUGHTER OUT OF CAR. ALSO HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN THE CAR, HAD THE KEYS AND STILL COULD NOT GET DOORS UNLOCKED. THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST A FLUKE UNTIL I READ OTHER REPORTS ABOUT THIS TYPE OF THING HAPPENING IN KIAS. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Aug 3, 2006
WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT THE CAR AND DROVE IT, THE LIGHTS BECAME DIM IN THE INSIDE AND THE HEADLIGHTS. THE RADIO TURNED OFF AND ON, TOOK IT TO DEALER 4-5 TIMES FOR PROBLEM AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR DOESN'T PICK UP SPEND WHEN GOING OVER HILLS NOT EVEN LITTLE ONES. THE GAS NEEDLE DOES NOT READ FULL EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS PRACTICALLY OVERFLOWING WITH GAS. READING A FULL TANK OF GAS HAPPENS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON . HAVE TAKEN TO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY SPEND SENSOR IS GOING OUT AND THAT IS WHY THE CAR IS GOING FROM 1ST TO 3RD GEAR AND SKIPS 2ND ALTOGETHER I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR ONE YEAR THE WARRINTY IS GONE AND I WAS NEVER OFFERED THE EXTENDED WARRINTY AND REALLY DIDN'T THINK OF IT SINCE THE CAR WAS ONLY 4 YR OLD. BACK BRAKES HAVE ALSO GONE OUT AT LEAST I THINK SO THEY STARTED GRINDING WITH NO WARNING 2 DAYS AGO I'M GOING TO HAVE THEM CHECKED THIS WEEKEND. AIR (NEVER USED BEFOE THIS SUMMER)DOESN'T GET COLD LIKE IT SHOULD. DOOR LOCK MAKING A CRAZY SOUND ON DRIVERS SIDE, BELIEVE THE MOTOR IS GOING OUT ON POWER LOCKS THEY ALSO TEND TO NOT WANT TO UNLOCK SOMETIMES. ATENNA BROKE.AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T TURN OFF. ALSO HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF ANY RECALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN FIXED ON MY CAR OR NOT OR IF THEY STILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Air bags, Jun 28, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALERS AGREED TO REPLACE THE AIR BAGS BUT WITH A CHARGE FOR LABOR. ONE MONTH LATER THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TRAVELING 15 MPH IN RESIDENTIAL AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES INCURRED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. UPDATED 7/7/2006 - *NM
Air bags, Jun 22, 2006
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING & WOULD GO OUT REPEATEDLY. WHEN I CALLED THE KIA 800 NUMBER WAS TOLD PROBABLY NOTHING. BUT YOU MIGHT WANT TO SCHEDULE IT IN WITH YOUR LOCAL DEALER. I ASKED "DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED THAT IT MIGHT DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY". HE SAID PROBABLY NOT, IF YOU ARE CONCERNED THAT IT MIGHT DEPLOY YOU ARE BETTER OFF NOT DRIVING IT. I TOLD HIM I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT AIRBAGS, HE REPEATED,"IF I BELIEVE THERE IS REASON TO BE CONCERNED, YOU SHOULD PROBABLY JUST PARK IT." I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR CENTER THAT IS NEAR MY HOME & WAS TOLD THAT THE "CLOCK SPRING" IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BROKEN & THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, THAT THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANYTIME WITHOUT CAUSE OR IN A COLLISION IT MAY NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER BACK & ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS ON THE AIRBAG FOR A 2001 KIA OPTIMA LE & WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT DISCUSS RECALLS WITH ME AT ALL WITHOUT THE VIN #. I ASKED SPECIFICALLY ABOUT AIRBAG PROBLEMS FOR THE OPTIMA 2001& TOLD HIM I DIDN'T HAVE THE VIN# BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE SHOP. HE STATED THEY WOULD NOT DISCUSS ANY RECALLS WITHOUT MY NAME, ADDRESS AND/OR THE VIN#, I SAID I WOULD FIX IT THEN SUBMIT CHARGES IF RECALLED THE 800# SAID THAT IF IT IS RECALLED AFTER I REPAIR IT I MAY NOT GET REIMBURSED IF IT WASN'T DIAGNOSED BY A DEALERSHIP. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE IT, THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN. I TOLD THEM I WOULD BE TOWING IT IN & THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHY TOWED IN. I TOLD THEM THE REPAIR CENTER SAID THAT THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT NOTICE, THEY SAID IT COULD BUT NOT NECESSARILY. I BELIEVE THAT KIA HAVE NO CONCERN FOR THE FACT A PERSON COULD DIE OR BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS PROBLEM AROSE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION & I ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM & NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED, I HOPE THE NHTSA WILL. *NM
Air bags, Mar 31, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT 15 MPH AND THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUFFERED NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FACT THE SEAT BELT WAS WORN. THE CONTACT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND PROVIDED A WRITTEN REPORT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DEEMED IT TOTALED. UPDATED 05/04/06
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE STATED ENGINE FAILURE. UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TIMING BELT CAME LOOSE AND THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED.
Air bags, Dec 29, 2005
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN THE VEHICLE AND I TOOK IT IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ME 500.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS. I DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIR DONE BECAUSE I FELL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE. THE DEALER ALSO TRIED TO HAVE ME REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN AT 60,000 MILES AT THE SAME COST AND THEN LATER REPLACED THE BELT FOR FREE. *JB
Air bags, Nov 7, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE SRS WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE AIR BAG MODULE, CLOCK SPRING, AIR BAG HARNESS CAMPAIGN, AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT, AND TITIAN PIN PLUG CONNECTOR FOR DSAB. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Air bags, Sep 16, 2005, crash
DT: ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE OWNER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON. THE DEALERSHIP HOOKED UP AN INSTRUMENT TO THE VEHICLE AND THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF. THEN IT WOULD COME BACK ON, AND IS ON AT THIS TIME. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL FIX IF IT OWNER PAYS. OWNER DOES NOT FEEL SHE SHOULD PAY SINCE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVER SINCE THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN ACCIDENT IN A FEW YEARS AGO, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. OWNER DOES NOT REMEMBER THE DETAILS OF ACCIDENT. *NM *JB
Power train, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 7, 2005
DT: THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THE KEY DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. ALSO THE REMOTE IS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THIS PROBLEM FIRST STARTED IN 7-2001. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED AND THEY WERE STILL WAITING FOR THE PART. THERE ALSO WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE GEARS TO SHIFT SMOOTHLY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FRONT SENSOR FOR THE TRANSMISSION THE FIRST TIME. THE DEALERSHIP RECENTLY REPLACED THE REAR SENSOR BECAUSE THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *MR