Vehicle recall 09V183000 · May 27, 2009

2001-2004 Kia Optima

Road salt applied in these states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: 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.
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.
Notes: Kmc's recall campaign no. SC075.OWNERS may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 09V183000
Reported to NHTSA: May 27, 2009
Filed by: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
Manufacturer campaign: SC075
Owner notification: June 16, 2009
Vehicles potentially affected: 36,538
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Suspension › Front

Recall 09V183000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Kia Optima (2001-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001

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