Recall 09V183000: 2001–2004 Kia Optima

Report received

May 27, 2009

Manufacturer

Kia motors corporation

Potentially affected

36,538vehicles

Model years

2001–2004

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

Kia motors corporation (kmc) is recalling 36,538 model year 2001-2004 optima vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Road salt applied in these states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.

Possible consequence

Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Kmc will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on june 15, 2009. Owners may contact kia's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 2001 Kia Optima143 complaints
• 2002 Kia Optima107 complaints
• 2003 Kia Optima141 complaints
• 2004 Kia Optima225 complaints