Engine problems of the 2001 Kia Motor Optima

Four problems related to engine have been reported for the 2001 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2001 Optima.

1 Engine problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2008

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.

2 Engine problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2007

Purchased oct,15,07. Within 3 day we had it up to dealer were purchases 1) for windows not going up or down all the time. 2) light on radio and heater do not work. 3) the car had no power and would go from 1st gear to 3rd gear and would stay that way until car turned off. 4)had to replace speed shift sensor. 5) brakes. Got looked in car several times and could not get out. Sometimes they work most of the time they don't. 6). Antenna broke off for no reason. Went out on day barely touched it and it feel off. 7) on Feb 9th car would not start for 4 days for no reason had towed from own house to garage were they know believe it has a cracked head or blown head gasket. This car only has 89,000 miles and should not have all these problems already. There needs to be something done I have a 3yr old and a 7 yr old. I fear for there lives and mine. . I don't even want this car anymore and have had it for only 4 months. Please help if u have any advice. Don't buy a kia. Also this car came with a 90 day warranty from harry's auto sales and they kept telling me for 3 month there was nothing wrong and only would reset computer until I took it to another garage and they found out differt. They told us head gasket. Harry said noooooo. When warranty ran out then they informed me I need a head gasket. They said I would have to pay for it cause warranty out. That sounds like a lemon. Please help me find legal advice.

3 Engine problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2003

There was a problem with the engine.

4 Engine problem

The vehicle failed to start, the dealer replaced the battery, however the problem recurred.




Safety Ratings of Optima Cars
Fuel Economy of Optima Vehicles
Optima Defect Investigations