Broken Crankshaft Damper....

[ndc]

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.

[SpectraMan]

What engine? The 4 or the 6?

What failed? The actual metal of the pulley, or the fasteners holding it on?

This is the first I've read of this phenomenon, so hopefully yours might be an isolated incident. If it was the fasteners, perhaps it was an installation issue?

Be sure to post a follow up when you get a chance.

-SM

[ndc]

It's on 07, 6 cyl...3900 miles. Purchased brand new.

My best guess is the pulley separated, based on what I could see. The inner portion of the pulley was still attached to the engine. My assumption is the pulley broke...but the bolt may have come loose and let it vibrate. Should know more this week when I get it back.

[ndc]

Update.

Dealer called today, 6 days after it's been in there. Said the part is on backorder for at least 30 more days....amazing it took 6 days to figure that one out.

The only plus is they are providing me with a rental car free of charge. I didn't ask (yet) what it will be, but I will be very upset if it's something smaller than my Optima. I have a family, and will refuse to drive a Metro or some other small car just so they can save money.

To say that I am unhappy about this is an understatement.

[ALSHAER]

Suddenly the crankshaft damper was BROKEN, in my KIA serento 2004 after 104000Km.
I have taken my car to the agent (SAUDI ARABIA) since the warranty over and they know no other solution for me they ask for 4500SR as labor charge and they will replace all inside motor with new one and they don’t have estimation for the price of the parts which will take one month or more. Also after investigation by engineer they are not returned front part of the engine and the pulley used for adjusting belt ether they steal it or they forget it!!!!
My concerned if this critical part is not high quality product what about other parts. And if this part will broken each time and the replacement will cost too much money and time, no long term quality in this car.
I advice any one to spend there money in good car other than KIA.

[joebunda]

It sounds like a VERY uncommon problem. I was having belt issues (ended up being a dumb mechanic) and was told I may have to replace the damper on my 4cyl 04. When I tried to get a price for the part, all the parts houses said "we don't carry the part because we have never heard of one failing".

[AllBlack07Optima]

Thre is a Campaign on kiatechinfo.com you can read about. It mentions the crankshaft pulley in there.