Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated after having his vehicle aligned the front passenger side sub framed collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the sub frame and the control arm were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 126,000.
2001 Kia Optima suspension complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 28 of 28, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that when driving various speeds, the steering wheel would become hard to control, which caused the tires to wear prematurely.the contact called the manufacturer and was told that his vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The contact stated that the reason the vehicle was not included was that virgina was not listed as a salt belt state, which the recall only pertainined to those vehicle that were located in salt belt states. The failure mileage was 210,000. Updated 06/01/11
Tl*the contact owns 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000, suspension: front was related to the corrosion on the front sub frame of his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who sprayed an under coating on the bottom to cover the rust, corrosion and replaced the sub frame. After routine maintenance, he found the entire bottom of the vehicle including the fuel well covered with rust again. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 113,400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for routine maintenance when the contact was informed that the frame was severely rusted and corroded. The manufacturer was then notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000. Updated 05/25/11
My 2001 kia optima with 102,350 miles started to pull to the right about 2 weeks ago. I took the car to a mechanic to have a wheel alignment, but the mechanic discovered that the sub frame has rusted badly. The bolts connecting the passenger wheel mount to the sub frame was loose due to the rust in the sub frame. Mechanic told me that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. I researched the problem and found the federal safety agency campaign # 09v183000. I called kia and asked about the recall. Kia told me that my car did now qualify, because my VIN was not included in the recall database. Kia suggested that I take the car to the dealer to work some kind of repair agreement. I immediately took the car to the dealer and explained the situation. A day later, the dealer told me that they won't do anything for the obvious defect, because kia won't do anything. The estimate to repair the sub frame was $1300 and 5 business days at the dealer. I'm having the car repaired, because it is my sole mode of transportation. I'm angry and frustrated at kia and their dealers for not recognizing the recall. It looks like kia and their dealers will only act if the federal safety agency recall campaign 09v183000 is expanded to include my VIN. My VIN: [xxx] if you can, please add my VIN to the recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH he felt the vehicle vibrating and the steering wheel was loose. The dealer stated that the tie rods, ball joints and stabilizer links needed to be replaced but the only failure the manufacturer will be liable for is the subframe, even though this was the cause of the other faulty parts. The dealer also stated that the vehicle should not be driven. Kia also informed the contact that there was a recall for the subframe, the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000, suspension front; however, they would only repair the subframe. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unknown.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia optma. The front sub-frame rusted and cracked in half, and it collapsed the right front tire. He contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer would not offer any assistance with the repairs, since the state of texas was not included in recall 09v183000, suspension front. The current and failure mileages were 113,000. Updated 05/07/10. *lj updated 09/14/10
While driving my 2001 kia optima on north interstate 65 to indiana, in four lane traffic my kia right front wheel nearly came off due to corrosion of the sub-frame and lower wheel control arm causing separation. My husband and I could have both been kill along with many other people. I loved my car and I praise the kia, now they don't care about me or other people in kentucky. They want fix my car but most of the states around my state is doing so, they are thousands of recalls on all other car's I am sending a letter to the president of the u.s.a. I will not stop until ky or kia is allowing vehicle in ky not be in the recalls. Tells me people in ky just don't matter to kia or ky , we are people to, and this car would have last me a life time I am sure if this had not happen. Just because my VIN number was not in the system , even though 2001 - 2004 kia optima has been recall ky lags behind and does not care about me. My car is just junk now and I can not buy another. I will continue to spread the word about how they are treating me I will never give up.
While driving my 2001 kia optima on north interstate 65 to indiana, in four lane traffic my kia right front wheel nearly came off due to corrosion of the sub-frame and lower wheel control arm causing separation. My husband and I could have both been kill along with many other people. I loved my car and I praise the kia, now they don't care about me or other people in kentucky. They want fix my car but most of the states around my state is doing so, they are thousands of recalls on all other car's I am sending a letter to the president of the u.s.a. I will not stop until ky or kia is not allowing vehicle in ky not be in the recalls. Tells me people in ky just don't matter to kia or ky , we are people to, and this car would have last me a life time I am sure if this had not happen. Just because my VIN number. Was not in the system , even though 2001 - 2004 kia optima has been recall ky lags behind and does not care about me. My car is just junk now and I can not buy another. I will continue to spread the word about how they are treating me I will never give up.
2001 kia optima subframe has a problem with corrosion. *nj the consumer received a recall notice regarding corrosion of the subframe, however the consumer had already experienced the failure and tried to bring the problem to the attention of kia. The consumer stated she was almost in an accident, when the subframe rusted through and cracked. The subframe was being held by one bolt. The consumer paid for the repairs and is seeking reimbursement. Recall 09v183000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that she received recall notice #09v183000, suspension, front. The contact has been waiting for over three weeks to have the vehicle repaired since the dealer stated that they had to service a large volume of vehicles. As a consequence, the safety hazard is still present. She notified the manufacturer and was not provided with any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact found the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v183000 (suspension:front) for his vehicle; however, the dealer will not honor it because he lives in virginia. The recall only pertains to certain states. He was informed that he would have to pay for a diagnostic to check to see if the symptoms were identical. The contact would also have to haul the vehicle in for repair. The entire driver's side of the vehicle is corroded. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle is currently at a repair shop and is not in driving condition. The failure and current mileages were unknown.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While attempting to make a turn around a bend at 45 MPH, the contact overcorrected the turn. She turned the vehicle back in the other direction and overcorrected again. She was two feet from driving off the road. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic and it was discovered that the engine cradle was corroded and rotten in half. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.
On february 12, 2008 my car began to drive very erratically with snow on the road. It was difficult to keep the car from steering off the road. It wasn't just road conditions. I thought something was broke. I took the car to the shop the same day. Initially the technician stated I need and alignment. I had just got 4 new tires and alignment in december 2007. I stated this condition just started today. The technician when back and inspected the car in more detail. He returned an said that the alignment could not be done to get it within specifications. He took me to the lift where the car was and showed me why the car could not be aligned. The lower control arm assembly was separating from the sub frame or engine cradle of the car, because the frame was completely rusted through. He technician stated this wasn't in a very safe condition. He also noted a 7 years old should not show this type of decay in a major structural component. I asked the technician to get the alignment as close to the manufacturers specification so I return home safe. Internet research shows the replacement part costing $1400. The engine and steering components attached to this part. I will be contacting the local kia dealer for a labor cost estimate. An internet search shows that other owners have experienced this problem.
On november 3, 2007 my wife and daughter brought our 2001 kia optima to atlantic kia in lindenhurst ny for an oil change and wheel alignment. After waiting several hours, my wife was told that the alignment could not be done on the car due to a problem with the tires, and to bring the car back to where the tires were purchased. The tires are 4 months old. She then brought the car to pep boys in patchogue, ny. They said they would inspect the tires and offered to do the alignment. After several more hours, a technician brought my wife to the lift where the car was and showed her why the car could not be aligned. The lower control arm assembly was separated from the frame of the car, because the frame was completely rusted through. The only thing holding the right side of the car up was the tire. The tech then told her that the car should not be driven and asked where the dealer was located. Since the dealer is located about 20 miles from that shop, my wife was told that she could not drive it there, the car was very unsafe. Atlantic kia was notified of this on sunday, november 4th. She was told to call back on monday the 5th. She did, and was given rude and unacceptable treatment from the service manager. She was allowed to drive a hazardous vehicle from the dealer and then in turn was treated very badly. Atlantic kia wants to take no responsibility for the car even though it has been there for other problems in the past.
I don't have the exact dates of these repairs as my car is at the dealership right now being looked at again and I am going to get a history when I pick up the car, here are the issues I've had since spring/summer of last year. We have lost time, money, wages and possible employment because of these problems! 1. Air conditioner seemed very cool, but not cold. Checked two or three times, each time service dept. Said it was fine. 2. Car died and wouldn't restart without a jump 3 times. Called towing twice. Service could not "recreate the problem." third time they replaced the battery. Seemed to fix the problem temporarily. Fourth time (current) car had to have the headlights replaced once a month, windshield wipers, door locks locked and unlocked on their own when entering/exiting the car, windows rolled up/down slowly, blower on air went up and down with engine speed, lights behind console go out and come on periodically, clock loses time, headlights dim when using power, radio flashes on and off. Today total system failure, all electrical systems went down while driving. Towed car to dealership. Have to pay out of pocket rental fees. Still waiting on result. 3. Loud rattling underneath car periodically. 4. Whistling in engine 5. Check engine light came on periodically. 6. Antenna broke and then fell off. 7. Suspension very poor. 8. When purchasing car, dealer stated air bag recall had been fixed on car. When looking online, found another recall on the car, called kia and they said the air bag repair had not been made. I've only had this car for 17 months and have had nothing but problems. Currently in contact with lemon law laywers in indiana to get total refund for car. Only physical problem right driver door panel from small non-fault accident, no internal damage.
Was driving vehicle 75mph when front end locked up. Transmission dropped to 2nd gear, and caused steering to lock up. Vehicle had started to skid. Nothing was hit when vehicle skidded. Took vehicle to dealership, and was informed by mechanic the safe mode sensor wire came loose.
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