7.6

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,167 miles

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problem #3

Jan 012002

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20 miles
While driving at night, the headlights would dim whenever the A/C or the heater was turned on. The dealer/manufacturer both agreed that was the normal characteristic of that vehicle. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Hartford, WI, USA

problem #2

Jul 222002

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,481 miles
This vehicles electrical system continues to fail along with nonworking lights, air conditioner, lock failure, battery and altrenator failure. Car has been worked on for same problems more than 5 times. Car has had (that I know of) 3 batteries and 2 alternators. Once the locks on the car failed and I was trapped inside vehicle for more than an hour. Locks would automatically relock faster than you could open the door.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #1

Jun 052002

(reported on)

Optima

  • miles
A/C condensation build up on the inside of car had at dealer 2 times before they fixed.#2 replaced right headlight 4 times IN1 1/2 yr no finger on bulbe! #3 after sitting over night on first start up transmission will not move at first #4 gas gauge from day 1 wouldn't read full after 3 trip to shop they fixed

- Holyoke, MA, USA