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Vehicle safety record

2001 Kia Optima Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 143 complaints about the 2001 Kia Optima with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (49) and the suspension (28). Those complaints describe 15 crashes and 7 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the front. For comparison, the 2002 has 110.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical Optima year, for its age

#71 most complained-about 2001 vehicle

Complaints
143
Recalls
3
Crashes
15
Fires
0
Injuries
7
Deaths
0

Most common 2001 Kia Optima problems

Share of all 143 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2001 Kia Optima recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Suspension: front

09V18300036,538 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: starter assembly

03V06700011,501 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5 And 2.7 Liter v6 engines, the crankshaft position sensor (ckp) cases did not meet dimensional specifications.
The risk
Internal gaps within the cases allowed epoxy to contact the printed circuit board, which resulted in cracking of the circuit board capacitor. A damaged ckp capacitor could result in engine stalling.
The fix
Dealers will replace the ckp. Owner notification began march 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Air bags: side / window

01V15600016,231 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The side air bag wire harness for the driver position could be mis-routed, which could result in it being pinched or cut by the seat cushion tilt mechanism.
The risk
Damage to the wire harness could result in the side air bag not deploying in an accident.
The fix
Dealers will check for proper routing of the side air bag wire harness and secure it in place with a plastic tie-wrap. If the wire harness is damaged, it will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during may 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

What owners say

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143 complaints about the 2001 Kia Optima

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.

AirbagsSeats & seat belts

My air bag light has been on and I've check everything and my seat belt don't lock when its on and the light to the seat belt goes off contented, I've tried to go to the dealer to have them fix my airbags and senses I don't have recall on it they won't fix it ,The air bag is very important and so is the seat belt

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat beltsNHTSA 11568114
AirbagsEngine & cooling

My airbag light on and I've check the fuses in it,Not it,,, My AC,. The drivers door lock , Oxagen senser Crank Shaft,

Filed Incident Air bags · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11557242
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for scheduled maintenance, when the vehicle was placed on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the sub frame was severely rusted and the determined that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. *Tt *jb

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11143646
Body, doors & structureWheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving 15 mph, the front passenger side wheel completely detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Structure · WheelsNHTSA 10894500
Body, doors & structure

I took my car for a state safety inspection and was told the engine cradle was beginning to show rust. I took it to a second provider who confirmed that this was the case. After doing some research I found that rusting of the subframe had been recalled but not for the state I live in (virginia).

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10892357
SuspensionBody, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving approximately 30 mph in the rain, the vehicle swerved to the right. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was not repaired because the front subframe was corroded and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension); however, the vin was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10810535
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle being inspected by an independent mechanic, the mechanic stated that the axle had fractured due to severe corrosion on the motor mount brackets. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contact and informed that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 236,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10806436
Steering

Got in car to go home noticed car steering was terrible as if I was on ice in the middle of sept. Got out to see if I was experiencing a flat tire noticed the two front tires weren't lined up correctly. After getting to a garage and having the two front tires removed it was found that the front subframe on passenger side of car had rusted and broken!!!! It needed replaced. I haven't been able to do so as of yet :( something needs to be done about all these 2001 optimas that are still on the street in desperate need of recall. I could of easily have wrecked and injured myself or someone else.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10778074
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While performing maintenance on the vehicle, the vehicle was lifted and the contact noticed that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the sub frame of the vehicle was indeed corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10764565
Other & unknown

The front k frame of the vehicle is rusted and makes loud noise while driving. This has affected the alignment of the vehicle, and can cause a road accident or fatality.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10761158
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 01v156000 (air bags) but as advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10551951
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The vehicle was previously included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The technician did not find corrosion of the frame at that time and did not perform any repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the sides. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the sub frame was fractured on the front passenger side destroying the axel and tie rods. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10500529
Suspension

2001 Kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to sub-frame recall. *Smd the consumer believed he was treated unfairly and charged exorbitant repair charges that should have been included in the recall. On october 25, 2012, as the consumer's girlfriend was driving the vehicle, the sub-frame collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the nearest repair facility, where it was determined the vehicle was not repairable. The vehicle was then towed to a kia dealership. The dealership agreed to replace the sub-frame, but...

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they stated they would not repair any other damage caused as a result of the separation. The consumer was informed he would be responsible for the tow charges, plus an additional $1,100-$1,150 to repair other rusty areas under the vehicle. The consumer believed that any subsequent damages caused by the sub-frame corrosion and separation should be included in the recall repairs that were needed to make the vehicle road worthy. *Jb

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10488562
SuspensionBody, doors & structureCrash

As I was leaving my neighborhood, my car drifted to the right and fell on top of the right front tire. After inspection of the car, we noticed that there was a hole in the subframe where the suspension broke apart. Insurance informed me of recall sc075 and not kia. Insurance will not cover because of recall and kia will not cover because they did not recall it, they say. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10485060
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would veer to the right independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnose that due to the moisture from the air conditioner the cross bar became corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 122,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10478593
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change when she was advised that there was a hole in the engine cradle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they stated that the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. The vin was not available.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10471152
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the driver was driving 65 mph when the front passenger side of the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact noticed that the tire was stuck to the side of the vehicle and the fender well was damaged. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The dealer was notified and they stated that there were no warranties covering the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 157,930.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10464450
Acceleration & cruise controlBrakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward while it was stopped. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the rear brakes intermittently seized. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000. ...Updated 07/19/12 *bf the...

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consumer stated one of the rear brake had jammed and only applied brake pressure from one side, causing the brake pad on one side to wear metal to metal, while the brake on the other side of the disk had little wear. Updated 07/23/12

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 10462390
Engine & cooling

Defect #2032 engine families 1kmxv02.5D01 improperly made crankshaft position sensors didn't meet dimensional specifications. Epoxy flowed between gaps in cases and contacted the printed circuit board result cracked circuit board capacitor. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10454991
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair and they detected the sub frame completely rusted. In addition, the front driver's side wheel assembly separated from the sub frame. There was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 09v183000 (suspension: front). The vehicle was ineligible under the recall due to not being currently registered or originally sold in the states mentioned in the recall. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10453982
Suspension

While driving in a neighborhood, my daughter heard a loud "pop" and then the car came to a stop and shuddered. I got there and did a quick look and I noticed the driver side inside cv joint had failed and was leaking the grease out of the boot. We towed it home and was able to jack the car up and get a better view of the area and noticed the lower arm of suspension had pulled from the rusted frame. Looks like the same thing is happening on the passenger side. I came in to look up parts needed and found the recall...

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info #09v183000 that showed the same exact problem we have but doesn't include kansas??? I actually bought this in missouri, which is included??? I believe this should be covered. Please reply asap. *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10440258
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the front passenger tire bent inward abnormally. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the sub-frame had caved in. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the vehicle would be repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). There was additional damage to the struts as a result of the failure but the dealer refused to perform any repairs outside of what was...

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stated would be repaired in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 90,000. The vin was unavailable. Updated 02/09/12*lj

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10439891
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated after having his vehicle aligned the front passenger side sub framed collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the sub frame and the control arm were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in recall nhtsa campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 126,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10419571
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that when driving various speeds, the steering wheel would become hard to control, which caused the tires to wear prematurely.The contact called the manufacturer and was told that his vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The contact stated that the reason the vehicle was not included was that virgina was not listed as a salt belt state, which the recall only pertainined to those vehicle that were located in salt belt states. The failure mileage was 210,000. Updated 06/01/11*lj

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10402041
SuspensionBody, doors & structure

Tl*the contact owns 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign id number: 09v183000, suspension: front was related to the corrosion on the front sub frame of his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who sprayed an under coating on the bottom to cover the rust, corrosion and replaced the sub frame. After routine maintenance, he found the entire bottom of the vehicle including the fuel well covered with rust again. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 113,400.

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10398461

Kia Optima: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2005144071Body, doors & structureB
2004225183Body, doors & structureC
2003144282Body, doors & structureB
20021103165Body, doors & structureB
20011433150Body, doors & structureB
All Optima years

2001 Kia Optima vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2001 Kia Optima

Does the 2001 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Kia Optima: front (May 2009); starter assembly (March 2003); side / window (May 2001). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Optima?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (49), suspension (28), airbags (27).

How many complaints has the 2001 Kia Optima had?

143 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 17, 2001 and the latest on January 26, 2024. Of these, 15 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2001 Kia Optima a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 64 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Kia Optima year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia Optima years have the most complaints?

2013 (1,388), 2015 (1,011), 2012 (923). See every Kia Optima year compared.

What should I do if my 2001 Kia Optima has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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