10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,950 miles

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problem #4

Nov 212011

Optima 4-cyl

  • 32,800 miles
When driving car is ok, but when you slow down to around 20 mph the car jerks, but after car I driven for around 10-15 miles it doesn't do it.

- Concord, CA, USA

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problem #3

Jan 142010

Optima 4-cyl

  • 16,000 miles
I have a 2009 Kia Optima LX when I go to brake around 20 mph it feels like the car is downshifting hard causing me to jerk in the seat. It does this all the time I do feel this is the transmission and I am taking it to the dealer to be serviced.

- Verona, NY, USA

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problem #2

Dec 312010

Optima 4WD 4-cyl

  • 15,000 miles
2009 Kia Optima LX/ex sedan 4 door transmission 15,000 miles extreme hard down shift when slowing to a stop from second to first., almost like it throws the car into park, enough that it could throw you into windshield if not wearing a seatbelt. The dealer can not find the problem, it only happens 20% of the time on ice and slick roads it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. This has happened to me several times.

- S. Ogden, UT, USA

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problem #1

Feb 182010

Optima

  • 12,000 miles
Bought a Kia Optima a few months ago and recently it has developed a dangerous shifting pattern when down shifting from 2nd to 1st about 20mph it jerks the !@#$%'.out of you and if you happen to be braking at the time you meet a snap from seat belt as you fly towards windshield causing sever neck and back pain this is getting worse, dealer willing to fix but Kia is ignoring the issue as I have heard of others having same problem, I have been told by dealer its probably just computer oriented but Kia has to authorize the repair, contacted Kia and as expected there computer was down and they could not help me!

- Paducah, KY, USA

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