Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Kia Optima
Kia Optima Models:
Kia Optima Problems
Software Update Available Which May Correct Transmission Issues
Reprogramming the transmission control module with the latest Kia transmission software may fix abnormalities in the automatic transmission and erroneous transmission-related Check Engine Light illumination. Software updates are commonly most effective on newer vehicles. Higher mileage vehicles may exhibit a similar symptom caused by a component failure. However, whenever major transmission repairs are performed the transmission software shoul...
Front Door Will Not Open Due to Faulty Latch
A faulty door latch assembly may cause one or both front doors to be difficult to open. Replacing the worn latch will commonly correct this problem.
Faulty Throttle Position Switch
Check Engine Light illumination—combined with a lack of power or a stumble on acceleration—may be caused by the throttle position switch (TPS). Kia released an improved part which should correct this concern.
Noise or Vibration When AC Compressor is On
A defective AC compressor clutch assembly can cause excessive noise or vibration when the air conditioning is on. Improved parts are available. Replacing the faulty clutch assembly does not necessitate replacement of the complete AC compressor or evacuation and recharging of the air conditioning system.
Crankshaft Position Sensor May be Damaged if Timing Belt Breaks
Timing belts can break prematurely and cause serious engine damage. When replacing a broken timing belt, the crankshaft position sensor should also be replaced as it most likely has suffered damage as well.
Kia Optima Recalls (Recent)
Kia Optima Recall 01V156000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER POSITION COULD BE MIS-ROUTED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN IT BEING PINCHED OR CUT BY THE SEAT CUSHION TILT MECHANISM.
Learn more »Kia Optima Recall 09V183000
Summary: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION (KMC) IS RECALLING 36,538 MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 OPTIMA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE STATES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. OVER TIME, SUCH SUBFRAME CORROSION NEAR THE CONNECTION TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN LEAD TO WHEEL MISALIGNMENT AND/OR OTHER NOTICEABLE STRESS IN STEERING, OR ACCELERATED ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR.
Learn more »Shift Cable May Disengage From Shifter
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. The tension could cause the cable to become disconnected from the shifter, disabling proper gear selection. If the vehicle is left unattended with the transmission not in "Park" and the parking brake not engaged, the vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if necessary. This recall is expected to begin during March of 2011. The Kia recall number is SC088.
Learn more »Kia Optima Recall 03V067000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 AND 2.7 LITER V6 ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CKP) CASES DID NOT MEET DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS.
Learn more »Kia Optima Recall 04V180000
Summary: SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
Learn more »Kia Optima Questions and Answers
I need to replace a headlight unit on my 2001 Kia Optima. Can I use the headlight unit from 2004 Kia Optima or are they completely different style? A brand new assembly is too expensive. Any cheape...
hoping for a picture maybe, or diagram to help in locating the EGR valve. I am tight on money, and need the car running, and any answers to this email would be greatly apreciated, THANK YOU,
If my a/c went out on it about 6 mos ago, will I need it fixed so that it don't start a chain reaction of things to not work right with the engine? If so, what kind of things could happen beca...
So, for my car to operate properly I must have my a/c working right? Theres no way around it?
this kia has 65k miles starting car,right turn. we have replaced motor mounts, dis a complete tune up. starts ok no noise after a while driving the same vibration comes right back.
Kia Optima Reviews
th1s car has prerformed well so far. I have about 110.000 miles on it, my wife was driving
it the engine cut off and it wouldent start up again. After waiting about an hour I tried to start it again the engine turned as though it was draging and then the starter began to click.I thought that it needed a starter.The deaqler installed a starter it still wouldent start. Now they tell me that the engine is bad and it will cost $4000.00 to repair I cant believe it..
My 2006 Kia Optima interior lights recently stopped working. Driver side door does not unlock after locking( have to use key)Passenger side door will not open at all. After reading some of the reviews this vehicle overall(all years) is not a good vehicle.
2006.6 kia optima -62,000 miles.
problems with my lights too. have to replace the front headlights about 2 times a year. back lights have had to be replaced too.
tires were leaking alot from the very start- still happens but not as much.
had to replace the breaks at 25,000 miles and twice since then- front and back.
shocks and strutts replaced, now i have a leaking intake gasket.
HAVE TO REPLACE LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUT VERY OFTEN. MOST RECENTLY, I THINK THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SINCE MY BRAKE LIGHT AND BLINKER WILL NOT WORK WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. DURING THE DAY, IF ITS EXTREMLY BRIGHT OUTSIDE, ITS STILL HARD TO SEE BRAKE LIGHTS. IT SEEMS LIKE HEADLIGHTS ARE GETTING DIMMER AS TIME GOES ON. HAVE CHANGED ALL BULBS AND FUSES, NOTHING IS FIXING THE PROBLEM. I THINK KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND ADMIT THAT THERE IS SOMETHING DEFECTIVE IN THE LIGHTING ON THESE MODELS. THE INSIDE LIGHTS EITHER WON'T COME ON OR WON'T GO OFF. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THIS TO BE HAPPENING. IF ANYONE HAS A SOLUTION PLEASE EMAIL ME! CASEYC304@YAHOO.COM
made it to 97k miles with no problems other than changing breaks 1 time and battery 1 time. driver seat was wearing fast. no hols just caved in/flat. handled great. good gas millage. no signs of problems. it has been wrecked twice. fist was a head on collision, no air bag deployment. 2nd was 80 on interstate and no air bags. great car, no problems