Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2009 Kia Motor Optima.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
Kia Optima ignition switch issues, steering wheel locked and couldn't turn car on and wheels locked. Had to have ignition switch replaced.
While leaving for work in the am, as I decelerate at the stop sign, when speed nears 20-25 mph the vehicle jerks hard like it's trying to downshift. Seems to disappear as the vehicle warms to running temp.
I received a letter regarding a safety recall for my vehicle's stop lamp switch. I submitted a request for reimbursement of my repairs on January 22, 2014. I received a check for partial payment of $101. 34. This amount was just for the installation of the stop lamp switch. However, I submitted an additional receipt and reimbursement request for the actual brake light replacement. This was due to the malfunction of the stop lamp switch. The total cost of the replacement was $28. 10. I contacted kia at 1(800) 333-4542 which was the number indicated on the letter. I was transferred twice with no assistance. I just wanted clarification as to why I wasn't paid the entire amount of $129. 42 (the cost of the installation and bulb replacement).
Water leak car roof to body side weld never sealed at factory, cause extensive mold damage. Ceiling replaced, carpets , kia dealer unable to find replacement back seat can't repair, moldy smell. Certified mold expert said entire interior of car needs replaced, and air tested bye a certified expert ($2000).
The key will not turn to start the vehicle consistently.
Left front interior door handle broke in half during normal service. Eighteen months later, right front interior door handle broke during normal service. Both these instances made it difficult, if not impossible to exit the car, without rolling down the window to access the exterior door handle. Seems to be a safety risk if it were to occur in the event of an emergency.
I have the same problem as other describe here. I had this issue in 2011when slowing down from 10 mile speed (believe) . Dealer fixed with programming (as they said). Now recently last three month happening exactly like following post. I have contacted dealer and have appointment this week. (see what happens. . ) =========================== late last year (2014) in our kia Optima 2009 got some transmission issue which is difficult to explain for. To me it looks like a manufacturing defect which kia must resolve. This is what I experienced: in 2014 October, I started feeling a heavy jolt/jerk whenever I used the car and the engine is cold. The jolt is so strong that every passenger noticed it. This happens only when I try to slow down the car and it gets near to 20 mphr. So the factors are: 1. Cold 2. Downshift 3. Speed 20 mphr on slippery roads it may be very dangerous which can lead to major injuries. Kia must accept this dangerous manufacturing defect before it start taking lives. It is very annoying issue too, it is always on my mind while driving which is causing distraction while driving. Kia must take an action instead of sitting quite. They must issue recall this to fix this dangerous issue. Nhtsa also should support all the people with same problem so that people can believe their safety standards. I took my car 2-3 times there and explained the issue, but they could not fix it so far. If kia's own dealers cannot fix this problem then who will? thanks for reading my complaint against kia!.