Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Kia Optima L4-2.4LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Recall SC075 - Front Subframe Replacement: Overview
Model Optima [MS]
Group Body (Interior and Exterior) (91)
Number KT2009041001
Date Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Area N.America
Subject
Safety Recall Campaign Technical Service Bulletin Repair/Replacement of Sub Frame (SC075)
- Description
This bulletin provides information related to a service campaign for the inspection and related repair, or replacement, if necessary, of the subframe due to corrosion in 2001-2004 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 10/6/2000 ~ 11/19/2003, that are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt is used. This condition is typically related to a lack of regular cleaning of the vehicle underbody as outlined in the "Underbody Maintenance" section of the vehicle's owner's manual. In rare cases, the corrosion may be sufficient to warrant a replacement of the subframe.
Owners of 2001-2004 Kia Optima vehicles currently registered in the 21 states which are known to use heavy amounts of road salt are being notified to schedule an appointment with the nearest Kia dealer. The 21 states are: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV. This TSB sets out the procedures to be followed in conducting the inspection and repair, or replacement if necessary, of the vehicle's subframe. The dealer is also to provide instruction to the customer on the proper maintenance of the underbody of the vehicle when exposed to road salt conditions, consistent with the information contained in the "Underbody Maintenance" section in the vehicle's owner's manual.
NOTICE
SUMMARY OF SERVICE PROCEDURE
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Optima (MS) in 21 states* in the USA and produced between 10/6/2000 ~ 11/19/2003
* Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Maryland, West Virginia, DC
PARTS INFORMATION
- Operation Code And Time
Group Body (Interior and Exterior) (91)
Number KT2009041001
Date Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Area N.America
Subject
Safety Recall Campaign Technical Service Bulletin Repair/Replacement of Sub Frame (SC075)
- Description
This bulletin provides information related to a service campaign for the inspection and related repair, or replacement, if necessary, of the subframe due to corrosion in 2001-2004 Kia Optima vehicles produced from 10/6/2000 ~ 11/19/2003, that are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt is used. This condition is typically related to a lack of regular cleaning of the vehicle underbody as outlined in the "Underbody Maintenance" section of the vehicle's owner's manual. In rare cases, the corrosion may be sufficient to warrant a replacement of the subframe.
Owners of 2001-2004 Kia Optima vehicles currently registered in the 21 states which are known to use heavy amounts of road salt are being notified to schedule an appointment with the nearest Kia dealer. The 21 states are: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV. This TSB sets out the procedures to be followed in conducting the inspection and repair, or replacement if necessary, of the vehicle's subframe. The dealer is also to provide instruction to the customer on the proper maintenance of the underbody of the vehicle when exposed to road salt conditions, consistent with the information contained in the "Underbody Maintenance" section in the vehicle's owner's manual.
NOTICE
SUMMARY OF SERVICE PROCEDURE
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Optima (MS) in 21 states* in the USA and produced between 10/6/2000 ~ 11/19/2003
* Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Maryland, West Virginia, DC
PARTS INFORMATION
- Operation Code And Time
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.