As of yesterday, my confidence in the long term quality and reliability of my 2007 Optima dropped dramatically.
While driving home, I suddenly lost power steering, the battery light came on, and the AC stopped blowing cool air. Pulling over I noticed the serpentine belt fell off, and was quite perplexed that it would occur on a car with 3900 miles on it.
Upon closer inspection, I determined that the crankshaft damper (the main roller coming off the engine that drives the serp belt)...was BROKEN.
Kia's roadside assistance was quick, and the dealer is obviously fixing it for free (although I won't have my car for a week since they have to order the new part)
But I am now very concerned about the reliability of this vehicle.
I understand that "things happen", but as a mechanical engineer I know that these types of critical components should be held to higher quality control standards than what allowed this part to make it to production.
My bigger concern is not knowing if the replacement part is coming from the same lot as the original, does that mean around 8000 miles that I need to not take a long drive across town?
Anyone else heard of this happening? Just wondering if it's a trend or not.