- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Kia Optima Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 110 complaints about the 2002 Kia Optima with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (41) and the suspension (21). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 5 fires and 12 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the front. For comparison, the 2001 has 143 and the 2003 has 144.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Optima year, for its age
#101 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 110
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 12
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Kia Optima problems
Share of all 110 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 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
- The problem
- Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur.
- The risk
- Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began june 25, 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
- 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.
What owners say
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110 complaints about the 2002 Kia Optima
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way to get to safety. In researching online this is a common problem and there is a part in the lock mechanism that gets...
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stuck so the door does not unlock and cannot open. It appears it has been reported several times on the year of my car and other years but nothing has been done. There is no warning that this will happen, you just lock the doors and then it doesn't unlock.
The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after he replaced all four tires, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment; however, the mechanic was unable to perform an alignment due to the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V183000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that there were holes from corrosion due to sub-frame rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the sub-frame to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension) however, the vin was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Air bag light all of sudden,after just starting up
Over a weeks time,i noticed my steering wheel was turned like maybe I needed an alignment and it started pulling to the left so bad that I had to force the steering wheel to the right so I wouldn't wreck into the median on the interstate. I could only go about 45 or 50 mph or it would start shaking the entire car and was absolutely impossible to control it on the road. Had it looked at and at the bottom control arm that bolts to the subframe had rusted out and the right side was on the verge of doing the same! The...
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fl and fr tires, that I had gotten brand new 5 months ago, were wore down to the wire!!! I'm surprised I had the chance to get it home and get it looked at before it rusted all the way through! I was so blessed I didnt have a horrible accident.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 kia optima. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The dealer was not contacted and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 219,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. While driving approximately 10 mph and making a left turn, the front driver side control arm, tie rod, and cv axle fractured. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced along with the driver side control arm, tie rod, and cv axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 133,313.
My 16 year old just purchased a 2002 kia optima sedan on saturday 8/20/2016 from a used car dealership. Very first car, his own earned savings. Upon finalizing the paperwork, we literally walked out the door & immediately were unable to unlock his driver's door with the key fob. The car was stationary, not running, parked in all instances in regards to this complaint. Coincidentally, it worked perfect for our test drive. I do also have signed documentation stating the car lot does nothing to the car...
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electronically, mechanically or otherwise as well if needed. I was hopeful it was the key fob battery, but it's been replaced & still not working. We've had the same issue with all the locks since & no success to unlock when needed. He uses the driver's side the vast majority of the time, but all without warning will not lock or unlock with no rhyme or reason. He's had to crawl over from the passenger side to get in every time. My nightmare as any parents is god forbid a fire start or he accidentally goes into a body of water & is trapped. I realize it's an older car bought used, but I see there are dozens of complaints about the locks, not just on your site. Even a class action lawsuit that was mysteriously "voluntarily dismissed" by the plaintiff in 2015. Case no. [[redacted]] from what I can see. Where is the recall? What does it take to have one issued? We don't have the financial capability to pay for a manufacturer defect that is already been uncovered yet amazingly no one is required to repair? Nor do I feel we should have to. Another point to note is every single vin # I've seen complaints on this site, are in very close numerical succession with ours. I have to say it seems very unlikely it's sheer coincidence. I understand companies need to guard their "bottom line" but what cost? I sincerely appreciate your time & feedback. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
2002 Kia optima driver door will not unlock with keyless entry or from in side of car only after locking and waiting several minutes to hitting unlock about 20 times to get the door to unlock have been locked in car and crawl threw car or out window. Car has 142000.Milies
We own a 2002 kia optima- found out there was a recall- the recall was corrision to the subframe that could lead to problems with the control arm. I was told that the car was inspected in 2010 and the recall was taken care of at that time. We bought the car from a private owner in 2014. 2015 Went to get new tires on the car and discount tire told us that they couldn't do an alignment because there is an issue with the control arm. We found out to repair the control are it would be over $500. When I called the...
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kia hotline to inquire about the recall, I was told that we would need to take the car to a kia dealership to have the car reviewed by their service men to see if there is any issues with the subframe and control arm. I'm concerned my concern is not going to get adressed. 7/11/2016 Jp
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. While driving 50 mph, the front driver side lower subframe detached due to corrosion inside the subframe. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
I just got my 2002 kia optima and it just recently started having issues. I was driving down the road and my car started to slightly wander to the left, I thought ok.. It needs an alignment. So then it started jerking to the right, so bad I got pulled off to the side of the road and couldn't control it. I parked my car in a parking lot til my bf could come look at it, and I had him drive it home and the same thing happened to him. He looked at every possibility at what it could be as he is a mechanic and said lower...
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control arm. It has been sitting in my yard for a week. It is not safe to drive. I found out it had a recall back in 2009, so I called my local kia dealer and they said it was part of the recall but it has been fixed- I'm wondering how it was fixed if it is doing the same exact thing everyone's complaints I have seen is doing/ I am at a halt not knowing what to do with my car, I have small children and refuse to drive this car. Please help
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. While the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic noticed that the subframe was rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Driving up the road ,put on brakes ,axle and subframe broke causing my car to slide and stop in middle of road.Thank god no one hit us.
I was driving on freeway engine light came on vehicle stopped engine shut off I had to coast to side of road. It quit shifting after it stalled. Had to be towed home. Kia dealer in ontario california can't find what is wrong they want me to pay 1600.00 To change battery cables, battery and fix shifter. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. After starting the vehicle, flames started to emit from underneath the hood due to the wiring near the starter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Driving down the road, stepped on brakes and front frame broke into two pieces, in the middle of the road, nearly caused a pile up on the road. *Js
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that the actuator door locks for the front driver and passenger doors failed. The contact stated that the window was used in order to enter the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The the front passenger actuator was repaired previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
A fire started inside the drivers side door panel filling the car with heavy black smoke my wife opened the drivers side electric window to ge rid of the smoke out of the car. She drove the car into her back yard and started screaming for help since the drivers side door would not open. Her husband ran to the back yard and was able to open the passenger side door and she had to climb over the gear shift and the emergency brake to get out of the car. She was on oxygen at the time. Her husband got a water hose...
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and put out the fire. The investigation led to the fire starting in a electrical actuator kia number act " r assy kmc 9530-3c000. The door had to be replaced. I notified kia corp headquarters at 1-877-220-3189 and sent pictures my case # [[redacted]]. As of this date 07/24/2014 kia has not got back with me. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Subframe is rusting out and my tires are getting abnormal wear and my front tires are angled in. *Tr
My tire had started bending inward at the top, and outward at the bottom. My car started going out of alignment. I took it to a shop, and they found out my sub frame was rusted and worn out. They also found out that the sub frame had been recalled in 2009, but apparently not on my exact vehicle. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but refused to provide any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 95,000.
Front door fails to unlock after multiple attempts. Door must be unlocked with a key, using the power locks or manually flipping the door lock doesn't do it, and the key only unlocks it approximately 1 out of every 20 tries. There are multiple complaints about this online, see for instance: http://www.Kia-forums.Com/1g-2g-2001-2006-magentis-optima/47179-2004-optima-door-lock-fault.Html. *Tr
I received a call from my 16 year old daughter that she had a flat tire on her front driver side. She is on the side of the road in the dark and cold I got dressed went there and changed it, so go the next morning and take a look at it in light what I found is very upsetting, the whole frame where lower control (arm bolts on completely rusted away. I found out that after research a factory recall was on it, I called auffenburg kia in cape girardeau missouri I was told that the car had been recalled and repaired...
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in 12/28/0 9 and I could bring it there but they are not going to be able too fix it because of its already been done before, I said why did it happen again he wouldn't give me a answer except that the computer said it was ok and I couldn't speak with his boss until next week. I said what if my daughter died in a wreck because of it all he said was kia would say that they already fixed it and would not be liable. I would like to know what if anything I can do about this or am I just over a barrel with kia and there junk. *Tr
Kia Optima: every year compared
All Optima years2002 Kia Optima vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Kia Optima | 110 | 3 | B | |
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1,062 | 16 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 1,062 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota Camry | 1,039 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Volkswagen Passat | 650 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Hyundai Sonata | 326 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Subaru Legacy | 58 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Mazda MAZDA6 | 28 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2002 Chevrolet Malibu | 0 | 4 | C | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 2002 Kia Optima
Does the 2002 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Kia Optima: front (May 2009); tank assembly (April 2004); starter assembly (March 2003). 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 2002 Kia Optima?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (41), suspension (21), airbags (19).
How many complaints has the 2002 Kia Optima had?
110 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 4, 2002 and the latest on November 13, 2025. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Kia Optima a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 66 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 2002 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