4.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,580 miles

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problem #5

May 102009

Optima

  • 70,000 miles
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.

- Brookville, OH, USA

problem #4

Sep 272010

Optima

  • 50,000 miles
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 Dodge Kia service and then again by the gentleman doing my state inspection today. Kia states there is no recall currently on my VIN #. I find that difficult to understand. I believe this vehicle should be replaced or all the parts that have corroded should be completely replaced free of charge by Kia motor co.

- North Waterboro, ME, USA

problem #3

Mar 162006

Optima

  • 14,000 miles
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.

- Westbrook, ME, USA

problem #2

Oct 182007

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,900 miles
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.

- Titusville, PA, USA

problem #1

Jun 012001

Optima 6-cyl

  • miles
Vehicle transmission slips while driving. The air condition, auto check light and automatic door locks do not remain unlocked trapping the driver.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA