general problems of the 2001 Kia Motor Optima

The contact owns a 2001 kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward while it was stopped. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the rear brakes intermittently seized. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000. . . . Updated 07/19/12 the consumer stated one of the rear brake had jammed and only applied brake pressure from one side, causing the brake pad on one side to wear metal to metal, while the brake on the other side of the disk had little wear. Updated 07/23/12.

Since purchasing my 2001 kia Optima, I have had nothing but difficulty. I purchased an extended warranty at the dealership I purchased it from in case I needed repairs. I got my money's worth. But the problems I had are common problems with the vehicle, locks not working, windows not rolling up, paint peeling off, transmission problems, check engine light constantly on, decreased acceleration, heat surges when gas pedal released and pressed and the list goes on. It is not hard to find other kia owners with the same problems. The repair that bothers me the most is the complete transmission it needs. There is 41,000 miles on the vehicle. Common problems that are widely known and should be repaired at an authorized dealer at Kia Motor company's expense.

I don't have the exact dates of these repairs as my car is at the dealership right now being looked at again and I am going to get a history when I pick up the car, here are the issues I've had since spring/summer of last year. We have lost time, money, wages and possible employment because of these problems! 1. Air conditioner seemed very cool, but not cold. Checked two or three times, each time service dept. Said it was fine. 2. Car died and wouldn't restart without a jump 3 times. Called towing twice. Service could not "recreate the problem. " third time they replaced the battery. Seemed to fix the problem temporarily. Fourth time (current) car had to have the headlights replaced once a month, windshield wipers, door locks locked and unlocked on their own when entering/exiting the car, windows rolled up/down slowly, blower on air went up and down with engine speed, lights behind console go out and come on periodically, clock loses time, headlights dim when using power, radio flashes on and off. Today total system failure, all electrical systems went down while driving. Towed car to dealership. Have to pay out of pocket rental fees. Still waiting on result. 3. Loud rattling underneath car periodically. 4. Whistling in engine 5. Check engine light came on periodically. 6. Antenna broke and then fell off. 7. Suspension very poor. 8. When purchasing car, dealer stated air bag recall had been fixed on car. When looking online, found another recall on the car, called kia and they said the air bag repair had not been made. I've only had this car for 17 months and have had nothing but problems. Currently in contact with lemon law laywers in indiana to get total refund for car. Only physical problem right driver door panel from small non-fault accident, no internal damage.

While driving the vehicle and applied the brakes, the pedal goes to floor resulting in extended stopping. Dealer replaced the brakes. Consumer states the problem still reoccurring.

When the brakes are applied, the rear brakes have been squealing like nothing I have ever heard. Brakes were checked out at a local brake shop and recommended replacement of the rear brakes. At that time the car only had 15,000 miles on it. It now has 29,000 miles on it and the noise is even louder. I contacted the dealer and they said if there isn't anything wrong with the brakes I would have to pay for the brake check and the replacement of the rear brakes. Brakes don't normally go bad that fast unless something is wrong!!.

I've taken my 2001 kia Optima into the shop going at least 6 times. My brakes are a problem. They squeak and my front end vibrates. The dealer, galeana kia, says there's nothing wrong with the car, just brake dust. They've tried to fix it, but the problem comes back. Kia gave me 500 dollars (customer satisfaction money) and they said they'd fix the problem. I took the money, but the problem continues. Don't know what to do. Bought car with 18 miles on it. . . And started having problems right away. Car now has 20 thousand miles.