Owners have filed 231 complaints
about the 2001 KIA Optima with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the KIA Optima. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 89
17.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frame AND Members
2125.6%
Front
1720.7%
Latch
1113.4%
Automatic Transmission
1012.2%
Frontal
78.5%
Engine
67.3%
Crankcase (Pcv)
56.1%
Body
56.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
43.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1612.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1511.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
43.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2216.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2821.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3022.7%
150,000+ miles
139.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2001peak 12Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 KIA Optima
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA04030Opened 4 Nov 2004Closed 7 Nov 2005LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE
INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM, BUT THESE MALFUNCTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY A HISTORY OF DEMONSTRATED SAFETY RELATED IMPLICATIONS.DETAILS REGARDING THIS INVESTIGATION ARE CONTAINED IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT.FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING O...
PE04050Opened 7 Jul 2004Closed 4 Nov 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE
THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.
Recalls on the 2001 KIA Optima
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09V183000
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
Risk: CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
03V067000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: 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.
01V156000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: DAMAGE TO THE WIRE HARNESS COULD RESULT IN THE SIDE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 210,000 milesBoiling Springs, SCCrash
SUSPENSION
AS I WAS LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, MY CAR DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AND FELL ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CAR, WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME WHERE THE SUSPENSION BROKE APART. INSURANCE INFORMED ME OF RECALL SC075 AND NOT KIA. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE OF RECALL AND KIA WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECALL IT, THEY SAY.
NHTSA complaint #10485060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesBoiling Springs, SCCrash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
AS I WAS LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, MY CAR DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AND FELL ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CAR, WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME WHERE THE SUSPENSION BROKE APART. INSURANCE INFORMED ME OF RECALL SC075 AND NOT KIA. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE OF RECALL AND KIA WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECALL IT, THEY SAY.
NHTSA complaint #10485060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAuburn, MECrash
WHEELS
I HAVE A 2001 KIA AND ON JULY 5 2009 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE LEFT LANE AND MY TIRE HAS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME IT MESSED UP MY BUMPER AND THE HOLE UNDERNEATH OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED.
NHTSA complaint #10275814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAuburn, MECrash
STRUCTURE
I HAVE A 2001 KIA AND ON JULY 5 2009 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE LEFT LANE AND MY TIRE HAS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME IT MESSED UP MY BUMPER AND THE HOLE UNDERNEATH OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED.
NHTSA complaint #10275814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland, CACrash
AIR BAGS
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 -
NHTSA complaint #10161010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesFort Collins, COCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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
NHTSA complaint #10154277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cottonwood, CA
SEAT BELTS
My air bag light has been on and I've check everything and my seat belt don't lock when its on and the light to the seat belt goes off contented, I've tried to go to the dealer to have them fix my airbags and senses I don't have recall on it they won't fix it ,The air bag is very important and so is the seat belt
NHTSA complaint #11568114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, CA
AIR BAGS
My air bag light has been on and I've check everything and my seat belt don't lock when its on and the light to the seat belt goes off contented, I've tried to go to the dealer to have them fix my airbags and senses I don't have recall on it they won't fix it ,The air bag is very important and so is the seat belt
NHTSA complaint #11568114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, CA
AIR BAGS
My airbag light on and I've check the fuses in it,Not it,,, My AC,. The drivers door lock , Oxagen senser Crank Shaft,
NHTSA complaint #11557242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My airbag light on and I've check the fuses in it,Not it,,, My AC,. The drivers door lock , Oxagen senser Crank Shaft,
NHTSA complaint #11557242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottonwood, CA
ENGINE
My airbag light on and I've check the fuses in it,Not it,,, My AC,. The drivers door lock , Oxagen senser Crank Shaft,
NHTSA complaint #11557242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesST Joseph, MO
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE LIFT, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11143646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesST Joseph, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE LIFT, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11143646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWest Point, MS
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10894500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWest Point, MS
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10894500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFront Royal, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I TOOK MY CAR FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS BEGINNING TO SHOW RUST. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND PROVIDER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THIS WAS THE CASE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME HAD BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT FOR THE STATE I LIVE IN (VIRGINIA).
NHTSA complaint #10892357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesBloomington, IN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10810535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesBloomington, IN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10810535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 236,000 milesWest ARY, KY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE AXLE HAD FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION ON THE MOTOR MOUNT BRACKETS. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT AND INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 236,000.
NHTSA complaint #10806436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesSewanee, TN
STEERING
GOT IN CAR TO GO HOME NOTICED CAR STEERING WAS TERRIBLE AS IF I WAS ON ICE IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPT. GOT OUT TO SEE IF I WAS EXPERIENCING A FLAT TIRE NOTICED THE TWO FRONT TIRES WEREN'T LINED UP CORRECTLY. AFTER GETTING TO A GARAGE AND HAVING THE TWO FRONT TIRES REMOVED IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR HAD RUSTED AND BROKEN!!!! IT NEEDED REPLACED. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DO SO AS OF YET :( SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT ALL THESE 2001 OPTIMAS THAT ARE STILL ON THE STREET IN DESPERATE NEED OF RECALL. I COULD OF EASILY HAVE WRECKED AND INJURED MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE.
NHTSA complaint #10778074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesMaple Shade Township, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS LIFTED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS INDEED CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #10764565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Forks, ND
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FRONT K FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTED AND MAKES LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS AFFECTED THE ALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLE, AND CAN CAUSE A ROAD ACCIDENT OR FATALITY.
NHTSA complaint #10761158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesWaterbury, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V156000 (AIR BAGS) BUT AS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #10551951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesPassaic, NJ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT FIND CORROSION OF THE FRAME AT THAT TIME AND DID NOT PERFORM ANY REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DESTROYING THE AXEL AND TIE RODS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #10500529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parsons, KS
SUSPENSION:FRONT
2001 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUB-FRAME RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER BELIEVED HE WAS TREATED UNFAIRLY AND CHARGED EXORBITANT REPAIR CHARGES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ON OCTOBER 25, 2012, AS THE CONSUMER'S GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE SUB-FRAME COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR FACILITY, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP AGREED TO REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME, BUT THEY STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR ANY OTHER DAMAGE CAUSED AS A RESULT OF THE SEPARATION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TOW CHARGES, PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $1,100-$1,150 TO REPAIR OTHER RUSTY AREAS UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT ANY SUBSEQUENT DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE SUB-FRAME CORROSION AND SEPARATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED TO MAKE THE VEHICLE ROAD WORTHY.
NHTSA complaint #10488562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesBoiling Springs, SCCrash
SUSPENSION
AS I WAS LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, MY CAR DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AND FELL ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CAR, WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME WHERE THE SUSPENSION BROKE APART. INSURANCE INFORMED ME OF RECALL SC075 AND NOT KIA. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE OF RECALL AND KIA WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECALL IT, THEY SAY.
NHTSA complaint #10485060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesBoiling Springs, SCCrash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
AS I WAS LEAVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, MY CAR DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AND FELL ON TOP OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE CAR, WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME WHERE THE SUSPENSION BROKE APART. INSURANCE INFORMED ME OF RECALL SC075 AND NOT KIA. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE OF RECALL AND KIA WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECALL IT, THEY SAY.
NHTSA complaint #10485060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesSouthport, NC
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSE THAT DUE TO THE MOISTURE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER THE CROSS BAR BECAME CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #10478593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesOmaha, NE
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE ENGINE CRADLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10471152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,930 milesLawton, OK
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS STUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FENDER WELL WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARRANTIES COVERING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,930.
NHTSA complaint #10464450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesHoffman Estates, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE IT WAS STOPPED. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY SEIZED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. ...UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED ONE OF THE REAR BRAKE HAD JAMMED AND ONLY APPLIED BRAKE PRESSURE FROM ONE SIDE, CAUSING THE BRAKE PAD ON ONE SIDE TO WEAR METAL TO METAL, WHILE THE BRAKE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DISK HAD LITTLE WEAR. UPDATED 07/23/12
NHTSA complaint #10462390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.