2002 Kia Optima: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Oct 11, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 143,605 miles · AL

Over a weeks time,I noticed my steering wheel was turned like maybe I needed an alignment and it started pulling to the left so bad that I had to force the steering wheel to the right so I wouldn't wreck into the median on the interstate. I could only go about 45 or 50 MPH or it would start shaking the entire car and was absolutely impossible to control it on the road. Had it looked at and at the bottom control arm that bolts to the subframe had rusted out and the right side was on the verge of doing the same! The fl and fr tires, that I had gotten brand new 5 months ago, were wore down to the wire!!! I'm surprised I had the chance to get it home and get it looked at before it rusted all the way through! I was so blessed I didnt have a horrible accident.

Filed Aug 29, 2016 · Body, Steering · 133,313 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. While driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the front driver side control arm, tie rod, and cv axle fractured. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced along with the driver side control arm, tie rod, and cv axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 133,313.

Filed Jul 11, 2016 · Suspension, Wheels · 167,000 miles · MI

We own a 2002 kia optima- found out there was a recall- the recall was corrision to the subframe that could lead to problems with the control arm. I was told that the car was inspected in 2010 and the recall was taken care of at that time. We bought the car from a private owner in 2014. 2015 went to get new tires on the car and discount tire told us that they couldn't do an alignment because there is an issue with the control arm. We found out to repair the control are it would be over $500. When I called the kia hotline to inquire about the recall, I was told that we would need to take the car to a kia dealership to have the car reviewed by their service men to see if there is any issues with the subframe and control arm. I'm concerned my concern is not going to get adressed. 7/11/2016 jp

Filed Mar 11, 2016 · Suspension · 132,000 miles · NH

I just got my 2002 kia optima and it just recently started having issues. I was driving down the road and my car started to slightly wander to the left, I thought ok.. It needs an alignment. So then it started jerking to the right, so bad I got pulled off to the side of the road and couldn't control it. I parked my car in a parking lot til my bf could come look at it, and I had him drive it home and the same thing happened to him. He looked at every possibility at what it could be as he is a mechanic and said lower control arm. It has been sitting in my yard for a week. It is not safe to drive. I found out it had a recall back in 2009, so I called my local kia dealer and they said it was part of the recall but it has been fixed- I'm wondering how it was fixed if it is doing the same exact thing everyone's complaints I have seen is doing/ I am at a halt not knowing what to do with my car, I have small children and refuse to drive this car. Please help

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise near the front driver side tire as the vehicle dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic for inspection where they advised that that the ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he still heard a noise after the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that there was nothing that could be done. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 08-03-12 *bf updated 09/07/2012

Filed Jan 6, 2011 · Body · 150,000 miles · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the sub frame separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the sub frame, tie rod, front tire and rim needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The manufacturer also stated there was a recall (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000 component: suspension: front) but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 98,650 miles · KY

I have a 2002 kia optima that the VIN is not one of the vehicles that is covered by your recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v183000 which states "internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering...". You have it listed as states with difficult winters and the use of road salt. I live in louisville, ky. Not one of the named states. But. I guarantee you that this same corrosion can be caused by the water coming from the air conditioner running directly onto these parts. The back side of subframe has rust holes in it. This recall needs to be expanded to any and all kia optimas that have the AC water running there due to manufacture design. I have pictures that I can send to you showing this corrosion. I tried to get it aligned at a kia store and they said "lower control arm bracket on pass side is rusted and broken. Pass side wheel is pushed back and tires on front are angled." how was the 36,538 vehicles determined ? Was it from the state that the car was sold in ?

Filed Nov 30, 2009 · Body, Suspension · 123,353 miles · NJ

My son was driving our 2002 kia optima and wheel assembly fell off. The whole frame rusted from inside out causing the lower control arm to fall off.

Filed Sep 20, 2007 · Body, Transmission · PA

2002 kia optima sub frame is rusting out. Customer states that the dealer told her there was a spot on the sub frame where the control arm mounts to the engine cradle had rusted out and it looked as if it had been in an accident, and would not help with the repairs. *kb the mechanic concluded that due to the design of the vehicle, the condensation from the air condition running down the frame is what caused the rust to occur. The speed sensor for the automatic transmission was replaced.