10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,264 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.

2004 Kia Optima suspension problems

suspension problem

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2004 Kia Optima Owner Comments

problem #10

Mar 292021

Optima

  • 0 miles

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

I was repairing brakelines, while observing under carriage I noticed suspension rust, frame. Looked up recalls and this is one. I included screenshot of proog

- Jamestown, NY, USA

problem #9

Feb 212017

Optima 4-cyl

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection due to severe corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 09V183000 (suspension) as a possible solution to the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000...updated 05/05/17

- Bedford, NH, USA

problem #8

Oct 182015

Optima

  • 124,000 miles
Sub frame rot leading to poor handling, tire wear, bad engine performance. The rotted supframe is separating from body, causing poor performance. The car is performing poorly at all speeds. Not safe...

- Pembroke, MA, USA

problem #7

Nov 042014

Optima

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. While driving 30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V183000 (suspension). The failure mileage was unknown.

- Okham, MA, USA

problem #6

Dec 172014

Optima 4-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, the vehicle veered to the right. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the suspension frame on the passenger side tire was rusted and the tire was disconnecting from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V183000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 2/24/15 updated 03/02/15

- Salem, OH, USA

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problem #5

Jan 082014

Optima

  • 78,603 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle would drift when driving various speeds. The mechanic discovered there was severe corrosion on the sub fram which would need to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the remedy for NHTSA campaign number 09V183000 (suspension) had already been performed on the vehicle prior to the contact's purchase. The remedy included an inspection of the sub frame, drilling holes into the sub frame and applying a sealant coating. The contact indicated that the remedy was insufficient and did not prevent the defect from occurring. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 78,603.

- Livertyville, IL, USA

problem #4

Oct 212013

Optima 4-cyl

  • 73,615 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they noticed rust on the passenger's side subframe rail. The vehicle was previously inspected under NHTSA campaign id number 09V183000 (suspension) but no repair was required. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,615...updated 12-30-13

- Derby, KS, USA

problem #3

Jul 302012

Optima 4-cyl

  • 102,800 miles
The passenger wheel came off the car as my son was backing out of a parking space at a grocery store. I bought this car new. That part of the car had never been worked on. The car had to be towed to a garage for repair. Kia used glue on life a support nut on a ball joint, where they should have used a cotter pin. I have bought four (4) Kia. These cars are still in the family. The Kia I drive daily is identical (except being automatic) to the one that the wheel came off.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #2

Oct 102008

Optima

  • 68,592 miles
Rt ball joint/axle broke while driving on 10 Oct 08. My vehicle is a 2004 Kia Optima.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #1

Oct 202003

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30 miles
My 2004 Kia Optima pulls to the left. It will pull you into oncoming traffic. Your web page doesnot have Kia listed as a vehicle choice.

- Overland, MO, USA

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