29th Apr 2004, 12:22
I too own a 2002 Optima LXI with a standard transmission. The clutch plate blew out at 42,000 miles. KIA is not warranting the clutch, but the entire clutch, flywheel, pressure plate and throw out bearing had to be replaced at a cost of over $1,800.00. I have had a number of issues with the Optima including paint problems. KIA has not covered either of these problems in warranty. They leave themselves loop holes within the warranty language so as to escape responsibility. I have had exceptionally poor response from the KIA customer help line as well. The regional representatives will not return phone calls or answer correspondence.
10th Oct 2004, 21:08
I have a 2001 Optima and have been very pleased. 1/2 the price of similar car from Toyota or Honda and does everything they do.
My car has been to the shop a few times, but it has 52,000 miles. My last car was a Toyota and it was in the shop a similar number of times in the same time and mileage.
The Kia is very comfortable, it's quiet, and gets 24 1/2 mpg week after week.
I've had some paint problems and Kia fixed all, but one and it was out of the warranty period. I had same kind of problems with Toyota.
Service department has been really great to me also. All in all a great value. I will buy another one.
25th Apr 2007, 21:13
Weird car... kinda has a mind of its own. It has a sport shift transmission that won't go into auto drive and sometimes at 65mph it likes to slam into 2nd gear for about 30-60 seconds and then I can shift agian.?.?other than that is a fun car to drive very luxurious for korean car... very surprised. We call it the mini jag.
9th Jan 2004, 10:03
I also have a 2001 Kia Optima. I purchased in November of 2001 and have had nothing, but problems. The car has been in the service department at least a dozen times. The problems have ranged from small things (gas door not opening) to large things (springs coming out of the seats and the battery will not stay charged). I think Kia should really take a long look at there 2001 Optimas'. There are too many with a large amount of problems.