2004 Kia Optima: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 17, 2012 · Brakes · 700 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was being inspected by a private mechanic for a brake grinding noise when he was advised that the passenger rear caliper failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 700 and the current mileage was. 32,429.

Filed Feb 17, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 30,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2008 · Suspension · 68,954 miles · NY

Tl*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.

Filed Sep 16, 2008 · Airbags · 25,000 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The air bag light illuminated on the instrument panel. Whenever the contact attempted to make a left turn, she heard a grinding noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The same failure has occurred more than five different times and still persists. The current mileage was 48,016 and failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2008 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the rear passenger side tire. The vehicle was taken to the shop the following day for an oil change, and it was discovered that the rear passenger caliper was frozen and would not release. The rotor and caliper were replaced. Approximately 8,000 miles later, the pads and rotors had to be replaced again. There is no recall regarding this failure. The current mileage was 17,080 and failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · TN

I have a 2004 kia optima with a belt that squeaks rather loudly. I took it back to the dealer. They said it was not covered under warranty and would cost $120.00 to replace it if I wanted to, but it was not dangerous. My problem was that I had just bought the car and it made this awful sound. I even contacted kia's complaint department, but nothing was ever done. This is my first and last kia. This just didn't happen once, but squeaks on a regular basis.

Filed Dec 8, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 3,200 miles · MD

Bought kia optima on june 22, 2004 VIN# [xxx] and have since had seven service appointments, replaced two sets of drive belts, replaced a leaking power steering rack, replaced a leaking fuel regulator, machined the front rotors, lost time from work, lost productivity from work as well as jeopardized my wife's work from car pooling for five months, completed scheduled arbitration with the bbb without success for four problems: acceleration delay, low grinding brake noise, low vibration steering noise, and loud squealing noise from the drive belts. *jb updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)