2001 Kia Optima: engine stalls while driving

Filed Dec 29, 2006 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · NY

I purchased my car in 2001 new. I had many problems since then. The alternator and axles had to be replaced in 2005. The locks are malfunctioned. They automatically lock causing us to get locked in the car. The check engine light and the air bag light has been on for a while. The car stalls, jerks when I am driving. The car failed inspection novembeer 30-emissions related. The power steering pump had to be replaced in october. I have spent so much money repairing this car. I took the car to the dealer. I purchased it from kia /bronx. My car was there for 4 days. The service mechanic refused to make the repairs and told me to pick up my car. The car was not repaired and I am still unable to get it inspected. I called the manufacturer. They are of no help. They tell me to take the car to another dealer. They also keep reminding me that the basic warranty has expired and the warranty only covers the powertrain. However, if there is a problem with the transmission, they may ask for maintenance records. The car is clearly unsafe to drive. I recently found out that there are two recalls on the 2001 kias which I was never informed about. The two recalls may be the problems my car is having. I am classifying my car as a lemon and would like help in resolving this issue

Filed Feb 16, 2006 · Engine · 68,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 MPH all the lights on the dashboard illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the diagnostic code stated engine failure. Upon inspection, the dealership determined the timing belt came loose and the timing belt was replaced.

Filed Mar 1, 2005 · Engine · DC

Driver noticed that the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the pcv pipe needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred. While driving 25 MPH vehicle stalled. The driver was not able to restart vehicle, and it was towed to a dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the cam shaft position sensor needed to be replaced and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Engine · 16 miles · FL

Vehicle stalled intermittently while driving from 20 MPH. Vehicle would restart within a few minutes. Vehicle was taken to the dealer on 3 separate occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem.

Filed Apr 16, 2004 · Engine · 81,000 miles · FL

Crankshaft sensor failed. As a result, engine stalled. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Engine · 54,000 miles · OK

Vehicle stalled 3 times while driving on the highway. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, who indicated that the timing belt disintegrated, and the crankshaft position sensor went out. The recall 03v067000 wa sissued on the crankshaft position sensor but only for vehicles equipped with a v6 engine. This vehicle was equipped with a v4 engine.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Engine · 54,000 miles · GA

2001 kia optima with approximately 57,000 miles has been regularly maintained at kia dealerships since purchase in jan 2002 (used). Since june 2003 car has been serviced for numerous recall items. Car has had many problems since then. Check engine light continuously lit. Engine surges or stalls while driving. Car fails to accelerate then surges. Very high RPM with no acceleration. Engine coils misfire. Difficulty starting occasionally. After four months of frequent trips to dealership service area, (june-october 2003) service manager calls to tell owner to contact insurance company because there is sand/sugar in gas tank that has caused all of these problems. They claim the car falls out of warranty because of this. Customer disagrees that sand/sugar is cause because problems have persisted for four months. Car currently in shop for past 10 days. Dealership service area will not do any more work until insurance people come. Needless to say the customer is not happy.

Filed Jun 17, 2003 · Electrical · 6,950 miles · FL

My 2001 kia optima has become the modern age , this vehicle has a mind of it's own. The power locks shuts open and locks on it's own, the vehicle is not reliable when crossing a highway on our street. Vehicle stalls at the point of acceleration and does not respond to pressing of gas pedal. When car electrical system fails and you are in the vehicle the power locks do not operate causing driver and passengers to be locked in vehicle. I was recently locked in my vehicle with my daughter for exactly 4 hours when the power finally returned and I was able to get out. I contacted kia motors corp. And was simply not taken serious with this complaint. I hope that you follow up with manufactures possible death trap and that no loses their life.

Filed Jan 6, 2003 · Engine · TX

The federal safety agency#14716-02-v-040-000: kia/crankshaft position sensor. Consumer states while driving the vehicle at 55mph engine stall, brake and steering wheel froze. Dealer was notified and wont honoring the warranty, please provide further information. Ph

Filed Aug 23, 2002 · Acceleration · IN

During spring/2002 noticed hesitation of car during attempts to pass other cars on the highway. Hesitation/delay worsened over the next few weeks. It then developed hesitation after starting the car and would at times stall or suddenly "lunge" as accelerator depressed. This became a fairly common problem when starting the engine when cold. After a few minutes with the engine warmed-up it seems to run fairly well with exception of the hesitation/stalling sensation when passing. The car was returned to the dealer to fix the problem on july 18. Initially, they believed it was the computer, an air sensor or fuel delivery problem. However, kia now states the problem is a software problem linked to spring/summer gas formulation. Their solution is to make sure the car warms up several minutes before driving and that the problem will go away in the fall. Obviously, it will recur next spring. The dealership has provided us a rental car at no charge d/t the warranty. They have been exceptionally polite. Kia has been somewhat slow on their end communicating with us but polite and cordial. However, the concern remains with the problem of knowing how long to wait to warm the engine and then when you depress the accelerator adapting to the speed that is somewhat erratic. The car is often parked in parking garage and this erratic behavior represents some concern with pedestrians and other vehicles moving in a confined space.

Filed Jul 25, 2002 · Engine · NY

Consumer states the vehicle stalled out without warning. The dealer has been notified. Please provide additional information.

Filed Aug 17, 2001 · Body, Electrical · 5,000 miles · KY

Power door locks would lock and unlock by themselves trapping the driver. The engine would stall. Both would occur intermittently/simutaneously. Vehicle was taken to dealer shop, and had computer module replaced. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.