2001 Kia Optima: problems, recalls and reliability

“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving 15 mph, the front passenger side wheel completely detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2016

“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).”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2016

“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle being inspected by an independent mechanic, the mechanic stated that the axle had fractured due to severe corrosion on the motor mount brackets. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contact and informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 236,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2015

“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving approximately 30 mph in the rain, the vehicle swerved to the right. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was not repaired because the front subframe was corroded and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2015

“Got in car to go home noticed car steering was terrible as if I was on ice in the middle of sept. Got out to see if I was experiencing a flat tire noticed the two front tires weren't lined up correctly. After getting to a garage and having the two front tires removed it was found that the front subframe on passenger side of car had rusted and broken!!!! It needed replaced. I haven't been able to do so as of yet :( something needs to be done about all these 2001 optimas that are still on the street in desperate need of recall. I could of easily have wrecked and injured myself or someone else.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2015

“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While performing maintenance on the vehicle, the vehicle was lifted and the contact noticed that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the sub frame of the vehicle was indeed corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2015

“The front k frame of the vehicle is rusted and makes loud noise while driving. This has affected the alignment of the vehicle, and can cause a road accident or fatality.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2015