2001 Kia Optima Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Since purchasing my 2001 Kia Optima, I have had nothing but difficulty. I purchased an extended warranty at the dealership I purchased it from in case I needed repairs. I got my money's worth. But the problems I had are common problems with the vehicle, locks not working, windows not rolling up, paint peeling off, transmission problems, check engine light constantly on, decreased acceleration, heat surges when gas pedal released and pressed and the list goes on. It is not hard to find other Kia owners with the same problems. …”

“Input and output speed sensor failure. Failure of sensors cause transmission to drop from 4th gear to 3rd gear. From there transmission can only shift between 2nd and 3rd gear using sport shift-stick . On a good day without problems engine is sluggish. Very scary to drive.”

“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 . …”

“Purchased oct,15,07. Within 3 day we had it up to dealer were purchases 1) for windows not going up or down all the time. 2) light on radio and heater do not work. 3) the car had no power and would go from 1st gear to 3rd gear and would stay that way until car turned off. 4)had to replace speed shift sensor. 5) brakes. Got looked in car several times and could not get out. Sometimes they work most of the time they don't. 6). Antenna broke off for no reason. Went out on day barely touched it and it feel off. …”

“Car hesitated once or twice upon acceleration, could not recreate problem. 1 week ago, while trying to pull out of the garage, car would not go into gear. When car finally went into gear car would not move unless accelerator pedal was pushed to the floor, and even then barely any movement. Took car to Kia dealership, three days later dealership called, the transmission needs to be replaced. Dealership said it had to fight with the factory rep to have the transmission covered under the warranty, even though I provided proof of maintenance. …”