25th Jul 2009, 16:25

My wife and I have a 2002 Kia Optima V6, and I would have to say it is the worst car I have ever had to deal with. We have about 80,000 thousand miles, which is good, but getting there has been a pocket full of money.

The common door lock/unlock problem was fun, brake lights staying on with no one in the car and keys out, that was a blast, hmmm check engine was one of my favorites as countless amounts of sensors going out, smaller things such as window motors not wanting to go up or down.

Had to replace timing belt year after we owned it, here is my sign LOL; transmission stayed in 3rd gear, that was a wonderful feeling.

Don't get in a wreck, still can't get the airbag light to go out, this could be a problem, and last but not least, the brakes, you know the things that make you stop or in our case lock up and won't let you go. Replaced calipers, not it, brake lines, not it, checked relays and ABS, not it, only thing left is master cylinder or brake booster, and possibly the proportioning valve, still working on those.

In summary, will never own another Kia, and wish only the best of luck to current owners with similar problems...

18th Feb 2010, 06:01

I bought my 2001 V6 Kia Optima less than one year ago, within one month my engine light came on, and I had it checked and found out that I needed to replace the spark plugs. You have to tear down the top of the engine to do this. NOT GOOD!!!

My antenna is messed up, I have to put a CD in the stereo and keep it in to have my stereo work, the key fob never worked, and they told me that I had to go somewhere else to fix it, and the doors are hard to unlock.

And now I have to replace the spark plugs once again. A 500 dollar fix for a 43 yr old going back to school, can't find a dang job woman. LOL.

I still owe about 3,000 dollars on this car, and am stranded. I miss my 1990 Chrysler Lebaron. My only option is to ruin my credit and let the car go back. It's a shame that these Kia's are such a pain in the...

16th Dec 2010, 23:22

Hey everybody. I have 2003 Kia Optima that is going on 156.000 miles. I have had replace the timing belt, both axles, passenger door latch, head lights. I can say this part of maintenance... other than that it's being very faithful to me.. in fact I would buy another Kia with my eyes closed. Kia is a very well made car..

Happy holidays from a good Mexican American. From Riverside ca.

29th Mar 2011, 20:55

I own a 2004 Kia Optima. I have had to replace the low beam headlight bulbs numerous times. The last time I had them replaced I purchased the bulbs from Advance Auto Parts, they installed them and told me that the clamp that holds the bulb in place was broken and I needed to replace it. He said the clamp and the cover holds the bulb in place and keeps water and moisture from getting to the bulb. The moisture or water may be the issue.