Does my Kia Optima have a bad timing belt or chain?
A bad timing belt or timing chain can be a serious issue. If it jumps a tooth, or breaks entirely it can lead to permanent engine damage. It’s important to know the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain, so this doesn’t happen to your Kia Optima.
When to change the timing belt on my Optima?
Most manufacturers will recommend changing the timing belt at 60k or 100k miles. There isn’t usually a service window at all for the chains. Although, it can vary. Where a lot of people get into trouble is when they buy a used car with 100k no realizing that the belt service is going to be immediately due. Good luck with your Optima.
How do I determine my Kia timing belt interval?
Once you know, you can determine your Kia timing belt interval by using the first table and the reference key. Be sure to look at the second table to see whether or not the engine is interference-fit.
What is the difference between a timing belt and timing chain?
A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain. A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval.
When Should timing belt be replaced on Kia Optima?
Kia told us that the recommended change timing is 120,000 km or five years, but it is also recommended that an inspection be done every 60,000 km.
Does a Kia timing chain need to be replaced?
Unless there is a specific fault, the timing chain should be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Chain problems are frequent in automobiles with increasing mileage. If you're driving an older car or one with a lot of miles on it, keep an eye out for signs that the timing chain is failing.
What years did Kia Optima have engine problems?
Kia Optima engine problems are well known. The 2011-2014 Kia Optima is reported to have a severe engine manufacturing issue, which may cause its bearings to wear prematurely. This may trigger uncontrollable engine seizing, which may increase the risk of crashes or collisions.
How long do Kia timing chains last?
between 80,000 and 120,000 milesThe timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem.
How long do Kia timing belts last?
They can go as long as 100,000 miles although it's always a good idea to change it before then. Belt failure can cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons and other internal parts of the engine.
What's the worst year for a Kia Optima?
Specifically years 2011-2015. CarComplaints ranks 2011 as the worst year of the Kia Optima, based on records kept on complaints made about the Kia Optima throughout its lifetime. Years 2012-2015 are similarly problematic with an average of 500-1000 complaints made over the 4 year period.
Is a Kia Optima a reliable car?
The 2020 Kia Optima has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Does Kia pay for engine replacement?
The automaker adds that, “Kia also voluntarily provided lifetime warranty coverage to both new and used vehicle owners for engine long block assembly repairs needed due to excessive connecting rod bearing damage if they had the Product Improvement Campaign completed.”
What happens if a Kia Optima timing belt breaks?
If it jumps a tooth, or breaks entirely it can lead to permanent engine damage. It’s important to know the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain, so this doesn’t happen to your Kia Optima. Timing belts are made out of rubber and nylon, unlike a timing chain which looks a lot like a bicycle chain. Here’s more on a timing chain vs a timing belt.
Why does my Kia Optima timing belt go bad?
The timing tensioner can also go bad. The tensioners job is to keep the right amount of pressure on your Kia Optima’s timing belt or chain. As the belt/chain stretches through normal operation, it would get loose and fall off or jump. The tensioner keeps this from happening by keeping a consistent amount of force on the belt. So, as the belt stretches it adjusts for this stretching. If the tensioner is no longer keeping enough pressure on the timing belt, it’ll cause it to fail.
Why does my timing belt fail?
If the tensioner is no longer keeping enough pressure on the timing belt, it’ll cause it to fail. If you are going to replace the tensioner, make sure to swap the belt as well. It’s so hard to get to, and timing belts/chains are relatively affordable.
Why won't my Optima start?
Engine Won’t Start – If your Optima’s timing chain or belt has fallen off completely, broken, or has jumped a few teeth, it is entirely possible that the engine won’t even start. You might hear it slapping around as the engine cranks over. If this is the case, the damage is already done.
What happens if the timing belt is moved?
If the timing belt has moved, that means that the valves will open and close at the wrong time.
How to tell if timing belt is bad?
Noise – A good indication that a timing belt has gone bad is going to be noise. There may be a sound of rubber beating against something. It’ll typically be a rough rattling sound, and it is often most noticeable right when you start up your Optima.
Can you use a timing belt instead of a timing chain?
You’re much more likely to find a timing chain in cars and trucks than belts. Smaller cars, particularly Japanese made ones, can use timing belts instead of a timing chain. They are most commonly found on four cylinder engines.
What does a timing belt replacement cost for my Kia?
The cost of replacing your timing belt varies from car to car, even location to location. Smaller Kia cars with smaller engines are generally less expensive than a larger Kia with a bigger engine. Metropolitan areas usually mean higher costs, too.
What happens when the timing belt breaks on my Kia?
You don’t want to know. But if you must, it’s not good. There’s usually a lot of noise, and if you’re driving you won’t be for long. You’ll be stranded, and your engine will probably be damaged (metal components can actually break, hence all the noise). How much damage is anyone’s guess. Bottom line? Don’t let this happen.
Does the timing belt on my Kia make noise?
A timing belt won’t make noise when it’s in good condition — aside from the usual noises that come with the symphony of moving parts of the typical internal combustion engine. However, when your timing belt starts to go, that’s another story.
What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt for a Kia?
Depending on the vehicle, you either have a timing belt or a timing chain. Belts usually need to be replaced at some point of ownership whereas chains can last the lifetime of your car. So, for the sake of argument, let’s assume your Kia has a timing belt. Here are a few common symptoms of a timing belt gone bad:
Why Does This Happen?
This usually happens with older/less-common vehicles or if the manufacturer no longer makes vehicles. And certain repairs don’t apply to every make & model.
