2001 Kia Optima. Consumer writes in regards to sub-frame recall. The consumer believed he was treated unfairly and charged exorbitant repair charges that should have been included in the recall. On October 25, 2012, as the consumer's girlfriend was driving the vehicle, the sub-frame collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the nearest repair facility, where it was determined the vehicle was not repairable. The vehicle was then towed to a Kia dealership. The dealership agreed to replace the sub-frame, but they stated they would not repair any other damage caused as a result of the separation. The consumer was informed he would be responsible for the tow charges, plus an additional $1,100-$1,150 to repair other rusty areas under the vehicle. The consumer believed that any subsequent damages caused by the sub-frame corrosion and separation should be included in the recall repairs that were needed to make the vehicle road worthy.

- Parsons, KS, USA

While driving in a neighborhood, my daughter heard a loud "pop" and then the car came to a stop and shuddered. I got there and did a quick look and I noticed the driver side inside cv joint had failed and was leaking the grease out of the boot. We towed it home and was able to jack the car up and get a better view of the area and noticed the lower arm of suspension had pulled from the rusted frame. Looks like the same thing is happening on the passenger side. I came in to look up parts needed and found the recall info #09V183000 that showed the same exact problem we have but doesn't include Kansas"?? I actually bought this in Missouri, which is included??" I believe this should be covered. Please reply asap.

- Leavenworth, KS, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the front passenger tire bent inward abnormally. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the sub-frame had caved in. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the vehicle would be repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 09V183000 (suspension:front). There was additional damage to the struts as a result of the failure but the dealer refused to perform any repairs outside of what was stated would be repaired in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 90,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 02/09/12

- Spring Brook Townshi, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated after having his vehicle aligned the front passenger side sub framed collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the sub frame and the control arm were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 09V183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 126,000.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated that when driving various speeds, the steering wheel would become hard to control, which caused the tires to wear prematurely.the contact called the manufacturer and was told that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09V183000 (suspension:front). The contact stated that the reason the vehicle was not included was that virgina was not listed as a salt belt state, which the recall only pertainined to those vehicle that were located in salt belt states. The failure mileage was 210,000. Updated 06/01/11

- Stephens City, VA, USA

The contact owns 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign id number: 09V183000, suspension: Front was related to the corrosion on the front sub frame of his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who sprayed an under coating on the bottom to cover the rust, corrosion and replaced the sub frame. After routine maintenance, he found the entire bottom of the vehicle including the fuel well covered with rust again. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 113,400.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for routine maintenance when the contact was informed that the frame was severely rusted and corroded. The manufacturer was then notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 09V183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000. Updated 05/25/11

- Denver, CO, USA

My 2001 Kia Optima with 102,350 miles started to pull to the right about 2 weeks ago. I took the car to a mechanic to have a wheel alignment, but the mechanic discovered that the sub frame has rusted badly. The bolts connecting the passenger wheel mount to the sub frame was loose due to the rust in the sub frame. Mechanic told me that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. I researched the problem and found the NHTSA campaign # 09V183000. I called Kia and asked about the recall. Kia told me that my car did now qualify, because my VIN was not included in the recall database. Kia suggested that I take the car to the dealer to work some kind of repair agreement. I immediately took the car to the dealer and explained the situation. A day later, the dealer told me that they won't do anything for the obvious defect, because Kia won't do anything. The estimate to repair the sub frame was $1300 and 5 business days at the dealer. I'm having the car repaired, because it is my sole mode of transportation. I'm angry and frustrated at Kia and their dealers for not recognizing the recall. It looks like Kia and their dealers will only act if NHTSA recall campaign 09V183000 is expanded to include my VIN. My VIN: [xxx] if you can, please add my VIN to the recall. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sterling, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph he felt the vehicle vibrating and the steering wheel was loose. The dealer stated that the tie rods, ball joints and stabilizer links needed to be replaced but the only failure the manufacturer will be liable for is the subframe, even though this was the cause of the other faulty parts. The dealer also stated that the vehicle should not be driven. Kia also informed the contact that there was a recall for the subframe, NHTSA campaign id number: 09V183000, suspension front; however, they would only repair the subframe. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unknown.

- Wendell , MA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia optma. The front sub-frame rusted and cracked in half, and it collapsed the right front tire. He contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer would not offer any assistance with the repairs, since the state of Texas was not included in recall 09V183000, suspension front. The current and failure mileages were 113,000. Updated 05/07/10. Updated 09/14/10

- Richwood, TX, USA

While driving my 2001 Kia Optima on North interstate 65 to Indiana, in four lane traffic my Kia right front wheel nearly came off due to corrosion of the sub-frame and lower wheel control arm causing separation. My husband and I could have both been kill along with many other people. I loved my car and I praise the Kia, now they don't care about me or other people in Kentucky. They want fix my car but most of the states around my state is doing so, they are thousands of recalls on all other car's I am sending a letter to the president of the U.S.a. I will not stop until ky or Kia is allowing vehicle in ky not be in the recalls. Tells me people in ky just don't matter to Kia or ky, we are people to, and this car would have last me a life time I am sure if this had not happen. Just because my VIN number was not in the system, even though 2001 - 2004 Kia Optima has been recall ky lags behind and does not care about me. My car is just junk now and I can not buy another. I will continue to spread the word about how they are treating me I will never give up.

- Cave City, KY, USA

While driving my 2001 Kia Optima on North interstate 65 to Indiana, in four lane traffic my Kia right front wheel nearly came off due to corrosion of the sub-frame and lower wheel control arm causing separation. My husband and I could have both been kill along with many other people. I loved my car and I praise the Kia, now they don't care about me or other people in Kentucky. They want fix my car but most of the states around my state is doing so, they are thousands of recalls on all other car's I am sending a letter to the president of the U.S.a. I will not stop until ky or Kia is not allowing vehicle in ky not be in the recalls. Tells me people in ky just don't matter to Kia or ky, we are people to, and this car would have last me a life time I am sure if this had not happen. Just because my VIN number. Was not in the system, even though 2001 - 2004 Kia Optima has been recall ky lags behind and does not care about me. My car is just junk now and I can not buy another. I will continue to spread the word about how they are treating me I will never give up.

- Cave City, KY, USA

2001 Kia Optima subframe has a problem with corrosion. The consumer received a recall notice regarding corrosion of the subframe, however the consumer had already experienced the failure and tried to bring the problem to the attention of Kia. The consumer stated she was almost in an accident, when the subframe rusted through and cracked. The subframe was being held by one bolt. The consumer paid for the repairs and is seeking reimbursement. Recall 09V183000.

- Johnstown, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated that she received recall notice #09V183000, suspension, front. The contact has been waiting for over three weeks to have the vehicle repaired since the dealer stated that they had to service a large volume of vehicles. As a consequence, the safety hazard is still present. She notified the manufacturer and was not provided with any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.

- Reynoldsburg, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact found NHTSA campaign id number 09V183000 (suspension:front) for his vehicle; however, the dealer will not honor it because he lives in Virginia. The recall only pertains to certain states. He was informed that he would have to pay for a diagnostic to check to see if the symptoms were identical. The contact would also have to haul the vehicle in for repair. The entire driver's side of the vehicle is corroded. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle is currently at a repair shop and is not in driving condition. The failure and current mileages were unknown.

- Herly, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. While attempting to make a turn around a bend at 45 mph, the contact overcorrected the turn. She turned the vehicle back in the other direction and overcorrected again. She was two feet from driving off the road. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic and it was discovered that the engine cradle was corroded and rotten in half. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.

- Rochester, PA, USA

Was driving vehicle 75mph when front end locked up. Transmission dropped to 2nd gear, and caused steering to lock up. Vehicle had started to skid. Nothing was hit when vehicle skidded. Took vehicle to dealership, and was informed by mechanic the safe mode sensor wire came loose.

- Waynesurg, KY, USA