2001 Kia Optima

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

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

My airbag light on and I've check the fuses in it,Not it,,, My AC,. The drivers door lock , Oxagen senser Crank Shaft,

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 *JB

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. *JB

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. *TR

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.

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.

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.

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

DEFECT #2032 ENGINE FAMILIES 1KMXV02.5D01 IMPROPERLY MADE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS DIDN'T MEET DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS. EPOXY FLOWED BETWEEN GAPS IN CASES AND CONTACTED THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD RESULT CRACKED CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND THEY DETECTED THE SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FROM THE SUB FRAME. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V183000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO NOT BEING CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN THE STATES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

WHILE DRIVING IN A NEIGHBORHOOD, MY DAUGHTER HEARD A LOUD "POP" AND THEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND SHUDDERED. I GOT THERE AND DID A QUICK LOOK AND I NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE INSIDE CV JOINT HAD FAILED AND WAS LEAKING THE GREASE OUT OF THE BOOT. WE TOWED IT HOME AND WAS ABLE TO JACK THE CAR UP AND GET A BETTER VIEW OF THE AREA AND NOTICED THE LOWER ARM OF SUSPENSION HAD PULLED FROM THE RUSTED FRAME. LOOKS LIKE THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CAME IN TO LOOK UP PARTS NEEDED AND FOUND THE RECALL INFO #09V183000 THAT SHOWED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WE HAVE BUT DOESN'T INCLUDE KANSAS??? I ACTUALLY BOUGHT THIS IN MISSOURI, WHICH IS INCLUDED??? I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED. PLEASE REPLY ASAP. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BENT INWARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE SUB-FRAME HAD CAVED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THERE WAS ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE STRUTS AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM ANY REPAIRS OUTSIDE OF WHAT WAS STATED WOULD BE REPAIRED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING HIS VEHICLE ALIGNED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAMED COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME AND THE CONTROL ARM WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME HARD TO CONTROL, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO WEAR PREMATURELY.THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REASON THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED WAS THAT VIRGINA WAS NOT LISTED AS A SALT BELT STATE, WHICH THE RECALL ONLY PERTAININED TO THOSE VEHICLE THAT WERE LOCATED IN SALT BELT STATES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000, SUSPENSION: FRONT WAS RELATED TO THE CORROSION ON THE FRONT SUB FRAME OF HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO SPRAYED AN UNDER COATING ON THE BOTTOM TO COVER THE RUST, CORROSION AND REPLACED THE SUB FRAME. AFTER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, HE FOUND THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE FUEL WELL COVERED WITH RUST AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,400.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/25/11

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED AND IS UNUSABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN THAT HAS AFFECTED ALL MODELS OF KIA AUTOS BUT KIA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *TR

MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA WITH 102,350 MILES STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, BUT THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAS RUSTED BADLY. THE BOLTS CONNECTING THE PASSENGER WHEEL MOUNT TO THE SUB FRAME WAS LOOSE DUE TO THE RUST IN THE SUB FRAME. MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 09V183000. I CALLED KIA AND ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL. KIA TOLD ME THAT MY CAR DID NOW QUALIFY, BECAUSE MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DATABASE. KIA SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO WORK SOME KIND OF REPAIR AGREEMENT. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. A DAY LATER, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR THE OBVIOUS DEFECT, BECAUSE KIA WON'T DO ANYTHING. THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE SUB FRAME WAS $1300 AND 5 BUSINESS DAYS AT THE DEALER. I'M HAVING THE CAR REPAIRED, BECAUSE IT IS MY SOLE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. I'M ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED AT KIA AND THEIR DEALERS FOR NOT RECOGNIZING THE RECALL. IT LOOKS LIKE KIA AND THEIR DEALERS WILL ONLY ACT IF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V183000 IS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MY VIN. MY VIN: [XXX] IF YOU CAN, PLEASE ADD MY VIN TO THE RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

THE FRONT FRAME AND MANY COMPONENTS OF MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. IT CURRENTLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS PRETTY MUCH ON EVERY DAY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE GAS CAP, ALTHOUGH THAT NEVER REALLY CAME UP AS THE REASON, THERE WAS MORE THAN THAT- RESULTING IN MULTIPLE REPAIRS. THE O2 SENSOR HAS GONE TWICE, THE BRAKES HAVE CORRODED SO BADLY MY REPAIRMAN HAD TO HIT THEM OFF TO REMOVE THEM. I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES SINCE THEY ALL RUSTED OUT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND STAYS ON AND NOONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHY. THE SILVER TRIM ON THE BACK WINDOW HAS FALLEN OFF. THE PAINT COMES OFF IN RANDOM PLACES MAKING WEIRD SPOTS OF PRIMER SHOW. THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE SAME HEADLIGHT GOES OUT ALMOST MONTHLY AND IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT IN AND FIND IN STORES. DOOR LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN, LOCKING ME IN OR OUT OF THE CAR. THE WINDOWS HAVE VERY WEAK MOTORS THAT BARELY ROLL UP OR DOWN. THIS IS A CAR I BOUGHT FROM A DEALERSHIP AND AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT. I HAVE TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF IT. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE AND HAVE SPENT MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH ON REPAIRS WHILE STILL MAKING CAR PAYMENTS AND KEEPING FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE. I AM VERY UPSET BECAUSE THE FRAME HAS ROTTED OUT AND I WAS TOLD TO JUNK THE VEHICLE BY BILL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HE FELT THE VEHICLE VIBRATING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS AND STABILIZER LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE ONLY FAILURE THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE LIABLE FOR IS THE SUBFRAME, EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE OTHER FAULTY PARTS. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. KIA ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SUBFRAME, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000, SUSPENSION FRONT; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD ONLY REPAIR THE SUBFRAME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

KMC'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. SC075 THE SUB FRAME ON OUR KIA OPTIMA 2001 HAS RUSTED THROUGH THIS CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND STRUT TO COLLAPSE INWARD PINNING THE WHEEL AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE AND DAMAGING THE TIRE. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. KIA SAYS THEY WILL ONLY HONOR THE DAMAGES IN A NORTHERN STATE.... THAT USES ROAD SALT BUT WE LIVE ON THE GULF COAST THAT IS ALSO A SLAT HAZARD AREA. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTMA. THE FRONT SUB-FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF, AND IT COLLAPSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS, SINCE THE STATE OF TEXAS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 09V183000, SUSPENSION FRONT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 113,000. UPDATED 05/07/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/14/10

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 65 TO INDIANA, IN FOUR LANE TRAFFIC MY KIA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME AND LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARM CAUSING SEPARATION. MY HUSBAND AND I COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE. I LOVED MY CAR AND I PRAISE THE KIA, NOW THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT ME OR OTHER PEOPLE IN KENTUCKY. THEY WANT FIX MY CAR BUT MOST OF THE STATES AROUND MY STATE IS DOING SO, THEY ARE THOUSANDS OF RECALLS ON ALL OTHER CAR'S I AM SENDING A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A. I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL KY OR KIA IS NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE IN KY NOT BE IN THE RECALLS. TELLS ME PEOPLE IN KY JUST DON'T MATTER TO KIA OR KY , WE ARE PEOPLE TO, AND THIS CAR WOULD HAVE LAST ME A LIFE TIME I AM SURE IF THIS HAD NOT HAPPEN. JUST BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER. WAS NOT IN THE SYSTEM , EVEN THOUGH 2001 - 2004 KIA OPTIMA HAS BEEN RECALL KY LAGS BEHIND AND DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ME. MY CAR IS JUST JUNK NOW AND I CAN NOT BUY ANOTHER. I WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HOW THEY ARE TREATING ME I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. *TR

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 65 TO INDIANA, IN FOUR LANE TRAFFIC MY KIA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME AND LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARM CAUSING SEPARATION. MY HUSBAND AND I COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE. I LOVED MY CAR AND I PRAISE THE KIA, NOW THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT ME OR OTHER PEOPLE IN KENTUCKY. THEY WANT FIX MY CAR BUT MOST OF THE STATES AROUND MY STATE IS DOING SO, THEY ARE THOUSANDS OF RECALLS ON ALL OTHER CAR'S I AM SENDING A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A. I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL KY OR KIA IS ALLOWING VEHICLE IN KY NOT BE IN THE RECALLS. TELLS ME PEOPLE IN KY JUST DON'T MATTER TO KIA OR KY , WE ARE PEOPLE TO, AND THIS CAR WOULD HAVE LAST ME A LIFE TIME I AM SURE IF THIS HAD NOT HAPPEN. JUST BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE SYSTEM , EVEN THOUGH 2001 - 2004 KIA OPTIMA HAS BEEN RECALL KY LAGS BEHIND AND DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ME. MY CAR IS JUST JUNK NOW AND I CAN NOT BUY ANOTHER. I WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HOW THEY ARE TREATING ME I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. *TR

2001 KIA OPTIMA SUBFRAME HAS A PROBLEM WITH CORROSION. *NJ THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AND TRIED TO BRING THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF KIA. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT, WHEN THE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND CRACKED. THE SUBFRAME WAS BEING HELD BY ONE BOLT. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL 09V183000. *JB

WE HAVE A 2001 KIA OPTIMA AND OUR WHEELS CAVED IN BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT COST US 2,500.00. THEY REFUSED TO WARRANTY IT. WE SUBMITTED REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION FEELING IT SHOULD BE COVERED ESPECIALLY ON A CAR WITH ONLY 49,000 MILES. THEY REFUSED. NOW A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND YET THEY ARE DRAGGING THERE FEET. IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER 6 MONTHS NOW AND STILL NOTHING. I FEEL WE SHOULD ALL BAND TOGETHER AND FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST KIA FOR ISSUES AND THERE POOR HANDLING OF THERE CAR OWNERS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #09V183000, SUSPENSION, FRONT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OVER THREE WEEKS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO SERVICE A LARGE VOLUME OF VEHICLES. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE SAFETY HAZARD IS STILL PRESENT. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG (IN FRONT DRIVER SEAT) DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR DID I HIT ANYTHING. THERE WAS NO EVIDENT CAUSE ON WHY THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THEY JUST LOOK AT IT DID NO DIAGNOSTIC OR ANYTHING AND TOLD ME IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THE SAME THING BUT DID SEND IN A AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CASE REPORT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT) FOR HIS VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE HE LIVES IN VIRGINIA. THE RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO CERTAIN STATES. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE SYMPTOMS WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD ALSO HAVE TO HAUL THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A REPAIR SHOP AND IS NOT IN DRIVING CONDITION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

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. *TR

I NOTICED MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA PULLING TO THE LEFT SO I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE TECHNICIAN STATED HE COULD NOT PERFORM THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND HAD A FIST SIZE HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A KIA DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. HE ORDERED THE SUBFRAME, BUT A WEEK LATER SAID HE IS UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE JOB SINCE MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT MATCH ONE OF THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN PART OF THE RECALL. I'M WAITING TO HERE FROM KIA CORP. TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CAR IS SAID TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE RIGHT TIRE HAS BUCKLED IN. *TR

WAS DRIVING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR PULLED SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION,THE SUBFRAME WAS TOTALLY RUSTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE . BELOW FRONT WHEEL.CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A SMALL POTHOLE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED. HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARED CROOKED. HE WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF APPROXIMATELY $2,500. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST UNLESS PROMPTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST UNLESS THE DEALER CHOSE TO ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 94,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO SEE IF THEY COULD REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT IS UNSAFE FOR RUST TO FORM ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2001. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

FRONT SUBFRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE CAR TO BE UNDRIVABLE. THIS OCCURRED JUST AS THE CAR WAS PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE DISASTER. *TR

I HAVE A 2001 KIA OPTIMA WITH ONLY 62,000 MILES. CAR WAS PULLING TO RIGHT THOUGHT I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. WHEN CAR WENT UP ON LIFT MECHANICS WERE SURPRISED THAT CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE AND THAT WE WERE SAFE. FRAME/SUBFRAME UNDER PASS. SEAT WAS RUSTED THROUGH, ABOUT THE SIZE OF SOFTBALL. MAKES ME SICK TO THINK THAT I HAD MY MEDICALLY INVALID DAUGHTER IN THIS CAR. WHEN DOING RESEARCH ON CAR I SEE A LOT OF RUST ISSUES IN FRAME, SUBFRAME OR ROCKER ARM AREA. THERE MUST BE SOME THING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A ONE PROBLEM (RUST IN FRAME AREA) BUT THERE ARE DIFFERENT OUTCOMES IN THE FRAME /TIRE/UNDER ENGINE AREA. STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM DEALER REGARDING REPAIR COST-- I WILL FIGHT NOT TO PAY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THERE SHOULD BE RECALLS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT ONLY RECLINED FORWARD. THE BACK RECLINER MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

SINCE PURCHASING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT DIFFICULTY. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT FROM IN CASE I NEEDED REPAIRS. I GOT MY MONEY'S WORTH. BUT THE PROBLEMS I HAD ARE COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, LOCKS NOT WORKING, WINDOWS NOT ROLLING UP, PAINT PEELING OFF, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON, DECREASED ACCELERATION, HEAT SURGES WHEN GAS PEDAL RELEASED AND PRESSED AND THE LIST GOES ON. IT IS NOT HARD TO FIND OTHER KIA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE REPAIR THAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THE COMPLETE TRANSMISSION IT NEEDS. THERE IS 41,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. COMMON PROBLEMS THAT ARE WIDELY KNOWN AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT KIA MOTOR COMPANY'S EXPENSE. *TR

I HAVE A 2001 KIA OPTIMA WHICH HAS HAD A VERY BAD VIBRATION FOR A LONG TIME. TAKEN TO MULTIPLE SHOPS AND PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND AT ANY OF THEM. JUST RECENTLY STEERING WHEEL OF CAR BECAME OFF CENTER AND THE MORE I DROVE IT THE WORSE IT GOT. FINALLY IT WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP TO FIND THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAS BROKEN WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNTS TO IT. CAR IS NOW MARKED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO FIND OUT THAT THE CAR IS OUT ONLY BY TIME NOT MILEAGE OF ITS CORROSION WARRANTY. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE OF NO HELP. CAR IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. L/F WHEEL IS COMPLETELY LOOSE AT LOWER HALF AND R/F IS CRACKED BADLY. *TR

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 10/20/08. UPON PURCHASE, PRIVATE DEALER NOTIFIED ME OF A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP ON 10/24/08 AND RECALL SC037 WAS PERFORMED. UPON PICKUP OF VEHICLE, I WAS NOTIFIED BY KIA DEALERSHIP OF RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED ON SERVICE INVOICE. ON 11/06/08 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE FOR ITEMS ON THE RECOMMENDATION LIST FROM KIA DEALERSHIP. UPON LIFTING THE VEHICLE UP IN THE AIR TO RESEARCH ONE OF THE KIA DEALERSHIPS RECOMMENDATIONS A SOFTBALL SIZE HOLE WAS FOUND RUSTED IN THE SUB FRAME WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS TO BE ATTACHED. WHEN KIA DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE HOLE AND SAID THEY WOULDN'T HAVE LIFTED CAR UP. KIA MOTORS AMERICA WAS PHONED AND TOLD ABOUT SITUATION AND TREATMENT BY KIA DEALERSHIP. KIA MOTORS AMERICA TOLD ME TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK IN TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A DIAGNOSIS ON VEHICLE AND TO CALL BACK AND I WAS GIVEN A NAME, EXTENSION NUMBER AND A CASE NUMBER. I HAD TO TOW THE VEHICLE BACK IN TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THEY NEVER SAW THE HOLE PREVIOUSLY BUT HERE'S AN ESTIMATE FOR US TO FIX IT. I CONTACTED MY MECHANIC AND ASKED WHAT HIS ESTIMATE WOULD BE TO FIX IT AND HOW MUCH THE PART WOULD BE, AND IF THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE GOTTEN FROM A SALVAGE YARD. THE LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS WERE ALREADY PHONED AND THE SAME THING WAS WRONG WITH THOSE PARTS AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA VEHICLES. I ORDERED THE PART FROM THE KIA DEALERSHI