2.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,080 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Kia Optima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #7

Jul 152014

Optima

  • miles
The NHTSA campaign number is 09V183000 and the component is suspension. I was told that the recall portion for my vehicle was performed but only as an inspection by glassman Kia, southfield Michigan, in July 2009. I experienced the actual corrosion of the front sub-frame but thank god I did not have a crash. I am told by kmc that there is a possibility they may not fix the car. I have an appointment at glassman tomorrow, July 17, 2014.

- Plymouth, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 012011

Optima

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle would make a loud noise and the steering wheel would vibrate violently. A local mechanic informed the contact of the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V183000 (suspension:front). An authorized dealer was then notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 67,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #5

Jun 192011

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,854 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. While driving approximately 10 mph, an extremely loud sound of metal to metal emitted outside of the vehicle. The contact drove onto the emergency lane and noticed the front driver's side suspension and frame completely fractured due to rust corrosion. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The failure was associated with recall NHTSA campaign id number 09V183000 (suspension: Front); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer regarding the defect. The failure mileage was 85,854. I was less than ten minutes removed for highway, I could have been killed, wheel front passanger completely broke off! updated 09/14/2011 updated 12/19/11

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #4

Oct 082010

Optima 4-cyl

  • 86,500 miles
As described by others driver side lower ball joint on '04 Kia Optima broke with 1 sheared bolt and 1 bolt just falling out (rusted with no clean areas) the ball joint had 1 part of the sheared bolt remaining and 1 rusted threaded hole. Dealer offered no help other than to indicate that this was not related to the subframe recall of last August ('09).

- Pepperell, MA, USA

problem #3

Oct 312009

Optima

  • 30,000 miles
I have been refused the repair on my 2004 Kia by no less than 3 dealerships about the rusting front end because of lack of rust proofing. It made the car undrivable 4 months ago and I have had no satisfaction. You are going after Toyota with both barrels yet you are leaving Kia alone and I have had nothing but serious expenses and problems with this car since it was purchased brand new in 2004. I have made several attempts at contacting your office with negative replies. If I do not here from this Agency in the near future concerning my issues I will contact the media and seek my restitution through the squeaky wheel getting the grease method and my attempts to have the government assist will be part of that discussion. Please put heat on Kia to get aggressive with the recall repairs.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

problem #2

Jun 012009

Optima

  • 89,250 miles
Wheel misalignment and other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear. Rattling noise coming from left front end area, not cv axle or strut.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #1

Oct 102008

Optima

  • 68,954 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. While driving 20 mph out of a parking lot, the front passenger side lower ball joint and axle detached from the vehicle. The contact controlled the vehicle until it came to a stop twelve feet from the incident. Her insurance company provided roadside assistance and the vehicle was towed to a collision shop. Prior to the failure, the contact informed the dealer of a grinding noise she heard. They stated that they were too busy to check the vehicle, but three hours later the axle and lower ball joints failed. The failure mileage was 68,954.

- Buffalo, NY, USA