2006 Kia Optima Engine cooling Problems

“My 2006 Kia Optima just stopped running yesterday, without any warning, in the middle of a high traffic street. It completely lost power and there was nothing I could do. Since there was no warning (check engine light not on, no stuttering, etc.), I wasn't able to get to the side of the road. The car behind me had to swerve to not hit me. I'm a 67 year old, disabled woman who was stuck on the side of that busy street for a half an hour until my car could be towed. Upon diagnostic testing, a mechanic found that the car needs a crank sensor (as well as an oxygen sensor). …”

“Beginning 9/9/2006 our 2006 Kia Optima lx has been in the dealership 5 times now for the same problem.....excessive noise at start up. .9/9/06,2/22/07,3/8/07,4/10/07,11/5/07. 3 drive belts and 2 drive belt tensioners have been replaced. I was informed by the dealership that Kia was contacted and should be issuing a TSB. I was told by the dealership that Kia is aware of a problem. I was told to let the dealership know if the car began to make excessive noise at start up and to give it 3-4 months for a TSB to get issued, then bring the car in again. …”

“Car purchased new 3/1/2006. At mileage 5,033 and to current 16,675 belts and pulleys problem exists.. The problem has been confirmed by a tech expert that the mfr and customer agreed to allow inspect the car. A recurring drive belt tensioner and drive belt problem still exists after several belts and tensioner have been replaced.....5 confirmed repairs. It has been expressed to the manufacturer that we do not feel safe driving a car in a state of disrepair. We are afraid the tensioner or belt may fail during operation. If this happens, the motor can be severely damaged. …”

“After driving approx. 200 miles I stopped for a meal. Approx. 30 minutes later I started my Kia Optima (2006). It ran very rough then stalled & died. I had planned to stop at winery approx. 3-4 miles from cafe I ate at. I started car again. Drove to winery and as I pulled into parking slot, car ran rough & died again. I went back to shell station across from cafe I ate at. Called Kia roadside asst. Car was taken to Kia dealership in peoria,il. Service dept found misfire and changed crank sensor. Also performed other tests with regards to fuel pressure, etc. …”

“- on 11/8/06, the contact stated she was driving down the highway at approximately 75 MPH. The road conditions were dry. The oil pump exploded and cracked the engine block. There were no warning signs. The vehicle is a 2006 Kia Optima. The mileage at the time of failure was 10,123 miles. The vehicle was towed away. The dealer replaced the short block on the engine. The contact received the vehicle back on 12/11/06 and on 12/14/06 the vehicle stalled in the road. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the engine head was replaced. …”