Frame Rust problems of the 2001 Kia Motor Optima

Tl the contact owns a 2001 kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for scheduled maintenance, when the vehicle was placed on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the sub frame was severely rusted and the determined that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Bp.

I took my car for a state safety inspection and was told the engine cradle was beginning to show rust. I took it to a second provider who confirmed that this was the case. After doing some research I found that rusting of the subframe had been recalled but not for the state I live in (virginia).

I noticed my 2001 kia Optima pulling to the left so I took my vehicle in for a wheel alignment. The technician stated he could not perform the alignment because the subframe was rusted and had a fist size hole in the passenger side of the subframe. The vehicle is currently at a kia dealership. The service manager said the subframe needs to be replace. He ordered the subframe, but a week later said he is unable to complete the job since my VIN number does not match one of the vehicles that have been part of the recall. I'm waiting to here from kia corp. To determine if the vehicle will be included in the recall. The car is said to be unsafe to drive because the right tire has buckled in.

Was driving into my driveway when the car pulled severely to the right. Upon inspection,the subframe was totally rusted on the passenger side . Below front wheel. Car is undriveable.

The contact owns a 2001 kia Optima. While performing an oil change on the vehicle, the mechanic noticed that the frame was rusting. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer to see if they could repair it under warranty. The contact feels that it is unsafe for rust to form on a vehicle that was manufactured in 2001. The current and failure mileages were 83,000.

I have a 2001 kia Optima with only 62,000 miles. Car was pulling to right thought I needed an alignment. When car went up on lift mechanics were surprised that car was still drivable and that we were safe. Frame/subframe under pass. Seat was rusted through, about the size of softball. Makes me sick to think that I had my medically invalid daughter in this car. When doing research on car I see a lot of rust issues in frame, subframe or rocker arm area. There must be some thing done about this problem. Seems like there is a one problem (rust in frame area) but there are different outcomes in the frame /tire/under engine area. Still waiting to hear from dealer regarding repair cost-- I will fight not to pay. This is a safety issue there should be recalls.

I purchased my vehicle on 10/20/08. Upon purchase, private dealer notified me of a recall on the vehicle. Vehicle was taken in to the local kia dealership on 10/24/08 and recall sc037 was performed. Upon pickup of vehicle, I was notified by kia dealership of recommendations listed on service invoice. On 11/06/08 vehicle was taken to my regular mechanic for inspection and service for items on the recommendation list from kia dealership. Upon lifting the vehicle up in the air to research one of the kia dealerships recommendations a softball size hole was found rusted in the sub frame where the lower control arm is to be attached. When kia dealership was notified about the hole and said they wouldn't have lifted car up. Kia motors America was phoned and told about situation and treatment by kia dealership. Kia motors America told me to take vehicle back in to dealership to have a diagnosis on vehicle and to call back and I was given a name, extension number and a case number. I had to tow the vehicle back in to the kia dealership and they looked at it and said they never saw the hole previously but here's an estimate for us to fix it. I contacted my mechanic and asked what his estimate would be to fix it and how much the part would be, and if this was something that could be gotten from a salvage yard. The local salvage yards were already phoned and the same thing was wrong with those parts and this is a common problem with kia vehicles. I ordered the part from the kia dealership, it is called a crossmember. I have had my mechanic replace it, I have had to get two new tires, a front end alignment and have asked Kia Motors America to reimburse me for this. They are now saying they have no record of my purchase of the part although I have given them my invoice number. I still have the old part and the originals of all my invoices.

I took my 2001 kia Optima, v6, 61,000 miles, to a quick lube place for an oil change. While attendant was changing the oil, he showed me several holes and cracks in the subframe where it had rusted through. Seems odd for a low-mileage, garage-kept, 7 year old car and, of course, it's not covered under warranty.

The contact owns a 2001 kia Optima. The contact stated that the brake line in his vehicle was leaking. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic and it was discovered that the k frame was severely rusted. The passenger side of the vehicle is much more damaged than the driver's side; however, both sides of the frame are rusting. The mechanic advised the contact to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000 and current mileage was 78,500.

Subframe rust through. I discovered a fist sized hole during an oil change on the passenger side of our 2001 kia Optima. Frame has been replaced at our cost by dealer.

We have a 2001 kia Optima and our wheels caved in because the sub frame rusted out cost us 2,500. 00. They refused to warranty it. We submitted request for compensation feeling it should be covered especially on a car with only 49,000 miles. They refused. Now a recall has been issued and yet they are dragging there feet. It has been another 6 months now and still nothing. I feel we should all band together and file a class action suit against kia for issues and there poor handling of there car owners.

The contact owns a 2001 kia Optima. While driving over a bump at an unknown speed or turning the steering wheel to the right, the contact heard a loud clunking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer six separate times. The rotors, brakes, bearings, bushings, and tires were replaced; however, the failure still persisted. Approximately one year later, the vehicle was taken in for an alignment. The tire separated from the frame and a pile of rust was found underneath the front passenger side tire. The vehicle had to be towed because the front passenger side engine cradle was completely rusted and the driver's side was barely hanging on to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 60,000.