2009 Kia Optima transmission problems

Filed Mar 28, 2021 · Transmission · 66,000 miles · IN

While driving the car when cold the car downshifts hard into first at about 20 MPH. Almost at sometimes feeling like I have been hit from the back. My neck has started hurting from whiplash. This is a very horrible problem that needs to be fixed. In states where roads become wet, icy, and covered with snow, this can cause a lot of damage/ possibly death.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Transmission · 72,182 miles · AZ

Transmission downshift very hard from 2nd to 1st. Dealer reset module 10 months ago. Solved problem. Problem recurred. Dealer reset module but problem continues. Checked internet, problem seems to be widespread.

Filed Feb 5, 2021 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · GA

When car is slowing down and /or approaching a stop sign it gives a hard jerk. Even if traffic slows down on the express way it gives a hard jerk. This has been going on since november 2020.

Filed Feb 28, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 140,000 miles · MO · fire

Driving at 70 MPH, engine died and car started smoking. Pulled to shoulder, front end of car caught fire. Fire department extinguished with foam. Car a total loss.

Filed Jun 30, 2018 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · FL

Car lurches at 20 MPH when slowing down to a stop. This happens after just starting the car, once driven on the highway it downshifts without lurching forward. This happened years ago around 70,000 dealer flushed transmission and it was ok until now at 120,000. Seems like this is a common reoccurring problem that should be recalled.

Filed Aug 6, 2017 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · DE

My 2009 kia optima with 90,000 miles is experiencing a hard downshift into first gear when it decelerates to about 20 MPH. It is so abrupt, it feels as if the brakes have been applied very rapidly. The car jerks forward and is accompanied by a clunking sound from the transmission. It mostly happens when the vehicle is cold and goes away after it has warmed up. It just started and I have not taken it to be serviced.

Filed Aug 11, 2016 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · TX

Transmission shifting hard - started around 60,000 miles. Shifts hard from second gear to first gear - around 20 MPH. Took it in to have the system (computer) upgrade in january of 2014 ($500) -- this fixed the issue for about 6 months. Took it back in january of 2015 ($500) for another system (computer) upgrade. It fixed the issue for several months. Took it back to kia and the dealership recommended a new transmission. I asked the tech if he could guarantee me that this would stop the issue. He told me he could not guarantee me that installing a new transmission would stop the hard downshifting issue. It downshifts so hard that you feel like someone has slammed on the brakes.

Filed Aug 4, 2016 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 kia optima. The contact stated that the instrument panel indicated that the vehicle was in drive regardless of the gear shifter's position. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by engaging the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the details of the failure were not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2016 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 kia optima. While driving 10 MPH and decelerating, the vehicle jerked violently. The failure recurred when the vehicle was cold. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2016 · Transmission · 67,500 miles · FL

When vehicle is started at first and after slowing down between 20-30 MPH applying brakes to slow down the vehicle makes a hard downshift jerk causing a harsh jolt. This happens continually up five times then decreases. This is a safety hazard and could cause death.