3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,500 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Kia Optima cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2001 Kia Optima Owner Comments

problem #2

Aug 032006

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I first brought the car and drove it, the lights became dim in the inside and the headlights. The radio turned off and on, took it to dealer 4-5 times for problem and they could find nothing wrong. The car doesn't pick up spend when going over hills not even little ones. The gas needle does not read full even when the tank is practically overflowing with gas. Reading a full tank of gas happens every once in a while. Check engine light comes on. Have taken to shop and was told that my spend sensor is going out and that is why the car is going from 1st to 3rd gear and skips 2nd altogether I've only had the car for one year the warrinty is gone and I was never offered the extended warrinty and really didn't think of it since the car was only 4 yr old. Back brakes have also gone out at least I think so they started grinding with no warning 2 days ago I'm going to have them checked this weekend. Air (never used befoe this summer)doesn't get cold like it should. Door lock making a crazy sound on drivers side, believe the motor is going out on power locks they also tend to not want to unlock sometimes. Atenna broke.air bag light came on and won't turn off. Also how can I find out if any recall items have been fixed on my car or not or if they still need to be replaced.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 022004

Optima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driver noticed that the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the PCV pipe needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred. While driving 25 mph vehicle stalled. The driver was not able to restart vehicle, and it was towed to a dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the cam shaft position sensor needed to be replaced and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

- Washington, DC, USA

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