2006 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 155 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 3 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontalJan 17, 2012
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 12V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftMar 9, 2011
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.
IF THE DRIVER LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL INJURE A PERSON IN ITS PATH OR CAUSE A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 11V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
155 reports, newest first.
Power train, Visibility, Tires, Seats, Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2010
THE SUN VISOR DOES NOT STAY UP. THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS VISION IMPAIRMENT. THE SWITCH FOR THE BOTH SEATS DOES NOT WORK. THE WHEEL BEARING IS BAD. THE TIRE PRESSURE WHEEL SENSOR AND THE TRANSMISSION SPEED ADJUSTMENT SENSOR ARE BAD ON THIS 2006 KIA OPTIMA , CONSTANTLY BULBS FOR TAILLIGHT BLOW. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER A COLD START, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE AT A VERY LOW SPEED AND THAT THE RPM'S WOULD NOT INCREASE OVER 2000. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE CONNECTION ON THE THROTTLE BODY OR THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73000.
Visibility, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 10, 2010
DOOR JAM ON RIGHT BACK DOOR AND SUN VISORS ON RIGHT PASSENGER OVER VIEW JUST DROPS DOWN IN THE PASSENGER OR CHILD VIEW THATS CAUSES ONE TO BECOME FEARFUL. *TR
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2010
2006 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TELEPHONE REQUEST FOR THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FILING AN INJUNCTION TO RECOVER DAMAGES FOR FALSE ODOMETER READINGS AND/OR FRAUD *TGW THE ODOMETER MOVED SLOW. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER USED A HAND HELD DEVICE AND STATED NOTHING INDICATED A MALFUNCTION. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS EVERY SIX MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER ADDED AN EXTRA GROUND WIRE TO THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,983. UPDATED 8/9/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIRES WERE TOO SMALL WHICH PREVENTED AMP FLOW, WHICH CAUSED THE BULBS TO BURN. UPDATED 08/11/10
Visibility, Mar 16, 2010
BOTH SUN VISORS WOULD FALL DOWN WHILE IN THE "UP" POSITION. DEALER REPLACED BOTH FREE OF CHARGE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Suspension, Feb 22, 2010
IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING MY 2006 KIA OPTIMA, I NOTICED A DISTINCT "CLUNKING" SOUND EMANATING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION EVERY TIME I ENCOUNTERED A SHARP BUMP IN THE ROAD. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT "THEY ARE ALL LIKE THAT." I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS A SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED AS SHE WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO THAT IT COULD BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WOULD REPLACED PARTS ON THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO SHUT OFF. THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE KIA MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THEY DO NOT COVER ANY PARTS THAT ARE NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY. VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Visibility, Feb 15, 2010
BOTH SUN VISORS HAVE FAILED WORKING AND WILL DROP DOWN IN FRONT OF MY FACE WHILE I'M DRIVING. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT OR MISUSED THEM IN ANY WAY. THEY JUST SNAPPED UPON OPENING. MANY COMPLAINS HAVE BEEN POSTED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND IT'S TIME SOMEONE STEPS UP AND REPORTS THIS BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 15, 2010
06 KIA OPTIMA POWER DOOR LOCK PROBLEMS; ONCE LOCKED THE KEY WILL NOT WORK TO OPEN DOOR CORRECTLY, NEITHER WILL THE DOOR OPEN MANUALLY FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER CONTACTED BUT WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM ALTHOUGH VEHICLE IS ONLY A FEW HUNDRED MILES OVER WARRANTY. THROUGH PERSONAL RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN DEFECT. PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE DOOR LATCH (AKA DOOR CHECKER) PER KIA. THIS DEFECT ASSIGNS TO THIS VEHICLE THE TITLE OF " DEATH TRAP". THE FACT THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN INVESTIGATED AND KIA FORCED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM IS APPALLING AND CASTS DOUBT ON THE SERVICE OF THE NHTSA. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEYLESS REMOTE WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE LATCH ON THE VEHICLE FAILED NOT THE KEYLESS REMOTE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY HE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS GIVEN HIM A NEW KEYLESS REMOTE THAT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY AND THEN IT FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE LATCH ON THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS TO DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,537. UPDATED 3/10/10 *CN UPDATED 08/18/10
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2010
I BROUGHT A NEW 2006.5 KIA OPT. AT LESS THAN 3000 MILES PARKING LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF, AUTO LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF, DASH LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER. TOOK TO DEALER ABOUT 4 TIMES AND THEY JUST PLAYED WITH THE SWITCHES AND SAID NOT TO WORRY. AT ABOUT 5500 MILES AND A DAY AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNER SHIP THE CAR WAS DEAD AND NEEDED A TOW. NEW BATTERY.TWO LATER SAME THING, THEN AGAIN 4 WEEKS LATER, REPLACED LIGHT SWITCH AND DID WIRING REPAIRS, I NOW HAVE 23500 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAVE HAD OVER 12 TOWS OR JUMP STARTS. THIRD BATTERY, FUSE BOX, ALTERNATOR AND OTHER REPAIRS. IN 12/2009 WITH 23000 MILES IT DIES AGAIN 4 TIMES IN 3 WEEKS AND HAD TO BE TOWED, ANOTHER NEW BATTERY. SOMETHING UNKNOWN IS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND THEY CAN'T FIND IT. AM WORRIED THAT CAR WILL DIE OUT WHEN DRIVING IT OR THE LIGHTING WILL ALL GO OUT CAUSING ME TO CRASH. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Dec 7, 2009
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN EITHER BY KEY OR BY THE REMOTE CONTROL. THIS BEGAN RANDOMLY A FEW WEEKS AGO, AND WOULD OPEN IF WE JIGGLED THE KEY A CERTAIN WAY. WE COULD NOT LOCK THE CAR SINCE WE DIDN'T KNOW IF WE COULD GET IT OPEN AGAIN. WE BOTH WORK FULL TIME AND ARE AN HOUR AWAY FROM A KIA DEALER. ON THANKSGIVING DAY, IT WAS ACCIDENTALLY LOCKED AND WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET IT OPEN SINCE. AS A RESULT, MY HUSBAND, AGE 63 AND I, AGE 62 HAVE TO CRAWL IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR, OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE KIA DEALER CONTACTED WILL NOT REPLACE THIS AT NO CHARGE, IT WILL COST $200 JUST TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO OUR CAR! IT IS PAST THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE 800 NUMBER SAID IT WOULD BE UP TO THE DISTRICT MANAGER TO FIX IT AT NO COST. THE SERVICE DEPT. TELLS ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS AND KNOWS WHICH PART TO ORDER WITHOUT EVEN SEEING THE CAR. WILL IT TAKE AN ACCIDENT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF THIS CAR BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE LIKE THE MANUFACTURER TAKING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING THIS DEFECTIVE DOOR PART? THIS IS NOT ONLY AN INCONVENIENCE BUT A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE SINCE WE HAVE NO WAY OUT SHOULD THE PASSENGER SIDE BE RAMMED AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST QUIT DRIVING THIS CAR THAT'S NOT PAID FOR! THIS IS NOT AN ACCESSORY, IT'S A BASIC CAR PART! *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 11, 2009
WENT TO DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK BY THE KEY BUT WHEN YOU PULL THE HANDLE THE DOOR WOULD LOCK BACK AND NOT COME AWAY FROM THE DOOR FRAME. THE ONLY WAY THAT YOU COULD GET IN THE CAR WAS TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND CRAWL ACROSS TO THE DRIVER SIDE. EXITING THE VEHICLE WAS THE SAME PROCESS. THE CAR WAS PUT INTO THE SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC OPENED THE DOOR BY UNLOCKING THE DOOR AND PULLING THE POWER LOCK FUSE AND OPENING THE DOOR. THE ACTUATOR (OR AJITATOR, I CAN'T REMEMBER THE SPECIFIC NAME BUT IT WAS ONE OF THE TWO) HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THEN THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL BECAUSE IT WARPED DUE TO THE ACTUATOR GOING OUT. WITH THE CAR BEING APPROX 3 YEARS OLD, THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISMS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OUT SO SOON. NOT BEING ABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR AND EXITING THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. *TR
Air bags, Apr 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS INOPERATIVE. THE FAILURE COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 43,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 7, 2009
I HAVE A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE ELECTRIC LOCKS LOCK YOU IN THE CAR. SHOULD I HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR SHOULD SOMETHING ELSE ELECTRICAL HAPPEN CAUSING A FIRE I WOULD BE DEAD! KIA HAS HAD THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS AS I FOUND LOOKING ON INTERNET, THEY STILL HAVE NOT CORRECTED IT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 3, 2009
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH WILL NOT GO OFF. PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF LIGHT NOT ALWAYS WORKING. DEALER SAYS $115 FOR TEST. IF WARRANTED THEY WILL PAY. IF NOT I WILL PAY. READ OF MANY REPORTS LIKE THIS. 87,000 MILES. *TR
Air bags, Feb 8, 2009
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN A PASSENGER SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT GO OUT OR IT WILL GO OUT AND BACK ON. IT IS NECESSARY TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESET THE COMPUTER FOR IT TO WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Air bags, Oct 4, 2008
YOUR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 08V161000, CONCERNING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM ON 2006-08 HYUNDAI SONATAS, SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE KIA OPTIMAS. I JUST HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH A 2006 KIA OPTIMA, , WHICH I PURCHASED FROM ENTERPRISE CAR SALES AND THEN RETURNED WITHIN THE 7-DAY RETURN PERIOD DUE TO DISCOVERY OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SOFTWARE DID NOT RECOGNIZE A 120-POUND ADULT AS AN ADULT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AS A RESULT OF WHICH WE GOT THE SIGNAL THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS OFF. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2008
I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. MY SAME LEFT TURN SIGNAL BURNS OUT EVERY MONTH- MONTH AND A HALF. MY HEAD LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT AT THE SAME RATE. MY PARKING LIGHTS GET STUCK ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND THE SWITCH IS OFF. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE CAR ON TURN THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF A COUPLE OF TIMES TO GET THEM TO GO OFF. THE ALARM HAS JUST GONE OFF WITH NO ONE AROUND IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE TO BE FIXED BUT THEY KEEP SAYING IF THEY DON'T SEE IT HAPPEN THEY CANNOT FIX IT. *TR
Air bags, Aug 5, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. ON AUGUST 3, 2008, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE CRASH. HER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING. DURING THE FIRST REPAIR, THE DEALER REPLACED A WIRE SHORTAGE. DURING THE SECOND REPAIR, THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WOULD CONSTANTLY BLOW OUT. HE HAS REPEATEDLY CHANGED THE BULBS, BUT APPROXIMATELY 4-5 DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT CONSULTED THE DEALER, BUT HE COULD NOT RECALL WHAT THEY STATED. THE KIA MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Power train, Apr 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERYDAY, BUT WORSENS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVEN OR EIGHT TIMES AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT FASHION AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,220.
Steering, Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Tires, Seats, Equipment, Feb 25, 2008
I BOUGHT A NEW 2006 KIA OPTIMA EX IN APR 2006. SEPT 2006 THE KEY FOBS QUIT WORKING AND THE PASS SIDE BACK SEAT DOES NOT SECURE ITSELF IN PLACE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT AND STAY/TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP AND FIXED. JULY 2007, THE KEY FOB AGAIN QUIT WORKING/TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD A TSB WAS OUT ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE RECEIVER WHICH WAS DONE. NOV 2007 AFTER THE TSB SUPPOSEDLY WAS TAKEN CARE OF, AGAIN THE KEY FOB QUITS WORKING/DEALERSHIP HAS AGAIN REPROGRAMMED TO WORK AGAIN AND CURRENTLY THEY CONTINUE TO WORK. THIS CAR HANDLES EXTREMELY POORLY AND IN MY OPINION IS A SAFETY RISK. IT SEEMS TO HAVE A PRETTY LOOSE SUSPENSION AND A LOT OF SWAYING WHEN DRIVING. THE CAR PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT CAUSING ONE TO HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHT TO KEEP IT FROM TAKING NEARLY A 45 DEGREE LEFT TURN WHILE DRIVING. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR PULLS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT/USUALLY LEFT. WHEN DRIVING OVER A SMOOTH DIP IN THE ROAD, IT FEELS THE FRONT TIRES ACTUALLY LEAVE THE GROUND SLIGHTLY CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE RIGHT/LEFT QUICKLY. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HANDLES EXTREMELY POORLY ON ICY ROADS. THIS IS WITHOUT ANY QUESTION THE WORST HANDLING VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN...CONCERNS ME AS I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 35 MILES TO WORK ONE WAY DAILY, AND DRIVE IN WINDY AS WELL AS SNOW AND ICY CONDITIONS FAIRLY FREQUENTLY. AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES, THE LATCH ON THE GAS DOOR DOESN'T WANT TO STAY CLOSED AFTER YOU FUEL UP AND THE ELECTRONICS THAT OPERATE THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK. FEB 2008, MY CAR REACHED 30,000 MILES AND WHEN WASHING IT LAST WEEK, I NOTED AN AREA OF PAINT PEELING OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TRIM (BLACK), AS WELL AS THE CHROME PAINT STARTING TO BUBBLE. I TOOK PICTURES OF BOTH OF THESE AREAS. SINCE DRIVING THIS CAR OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, IT HAS BEEN GARAGED AT BOTH WORK AND HOME. LAST WEEK (FEB 2008), DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT QUIT RETRACTING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2008
CAR PURCHASED NEW 3/1/2006. AT MILEAGE 5,033 AND TO CURRENT 16,675 BELTS AND PULLEYS PROBLEM EXISTS.. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A TECH EXPERT THAT THE MFR AND CUSTOMER AGREED TO ALLOW INSPECT THE CAR. A RECURRING DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AFTER SEVERAL BELTS AND TENSIONER HAVE BEEN REPLACED.....5 CONFIRMED REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN EXPRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURER THAT WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR. WE ARE AFRAID THE TENSIONER OR BELT MAY FAIL DURING OPERATION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE MOTOR CAN BE SEVERELY DAMAGED. POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP AND ALL ELECTRICAL CEASE TO FUNCTION. THIS IS THE EXPLANATION I HAVE FROM A KIA REP ON AUDIO. THE MANUFACTURE CLAIMS THERE ARE NO VERIFIABLE WARRANTY CONCERNS AND THE LOUD NOISE AT START UP AND CONSTANT SQUEALING AND CHIRPING WHILE DRIVING ARE NORMAL. THE KIA REP ALSO CLAIMS ON THE AUDIO THAT THESE PARTS HAVE NEVER FAILED ON THERE CARS. THE TECHNICAL EXPERT ALSO CONFIRMED A SURGING PROBLEM STILL EXISTS EVEN THOUGH THE MFR STATES THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE IT. THE FIRST TIME THE SURGE & STALL PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED (9/23/2006) IT WAS ALREADY A TSB ISSUED BY MFR TO NHSTA IN DEC 2004 FOR MODEL 2006 WITH REGARDS TO A CANISTER VAC. *TR