2002 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 110 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 16 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, frontMay 27, 2009
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.
CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyApr 12, 2004
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.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 04V180000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, starter assemblyMar 4, 2003
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 03V067000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
110 reports, newest first.
Engine, Feb 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,500.
Suspension, Electrical system, Structure, Service brakes, Nov 27, 2013
WE HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH A 2002 KIA OPTIMA, INCLUDING TIRE WEAR, BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, EXCESSIVE BATTERY WEAR. THIS WEEK WE WERE NOTIFIED BY OUR AUTO SHOP THAT THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE SUBFRAME AND THAT A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS CONDITION. WHEN I CONTACTED BOTH OUR LOCAL DEALER AND KIA CORPORATE, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE RECALL CLEARLY STATES THAT IT DOES MEET THE PARAMETERS. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AND BEEN GIVEN THE SAME INFORMATION. CURRENTLY, WE ARE LEFT WITH A CAR THAT IS A DANGER TO DRIVE AND ENORMOUS PERSONAL EXPENSE TO RESOLVE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 28, 2013
I HAVE ALSO BEEN STATED AS "NOT INCLUDED". 2002 KIA OPTIMA V6 LX. THE VEHICLE SHAKES MY ENTIRE BODY UPON BRAKING. RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF. RADIO GOES FROM CD1 ERROR TO FM. LIGHTS FLICKER, AIR SHUTS OFF. IM ALMOST NOT ABLE TO PUMP GAS ANYMORE. PUMP HANDLE CONTINUOUSLY CLICKS OFF. ITS PATHETIC THAT I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE TO WORK!! I HAVE ACTUALLY CALLED IN FOR FEAR OF IT JUST DECIDING TO COMPLETELY STALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Structure, Sep 16, 2013
WHILE I WAS DRIVING I HAD NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I HAD NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT DONE 5-6 WEEKS PRIOR, SO I RETURNED TO THE SHOP AND THEY LOOKED AT EVERYTHING AND THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE SHOP LOOKED FURTHER TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THIS AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT FRONT FRAME AREA WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAVE AND THAT I SHOULD CONTACT KIA. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME AND THE CAR PULLED DRASTICALLY TO RIGHT AND I HEARD A CRUSHING NOISE FROM THE RIGHT TIRE AREA. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND SAW THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT POSITIONED PROPERLY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE AND AM IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING KIA. I WAS LUCKING TO NOT HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, AFTER READING SOME OF THE OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A NATIONAL RECALL ON THIS SITUATION. ACCORDING THE RECORDS THAT I HAD CHECKED I AM ONLY THE 2ND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. I HOPE THAT KIA MAKES GOOD ON THIS SITUATION. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2013
WHEN YOU TURN MY CAR ON IT DOES NOT WANT TO TURN OFF. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE CAR IT SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF AND STOPS. I HAVE READ SIMILAR REPORTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING AND UNDER THE RECALLS IT LISTS THIS AS A COMPLICATION. I HAVE CALLED KIA AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL ON IT AND WAS TOLD THAT ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE OUT OF POCKET. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE TOP HALF OF MY MOTOR COSTING ME 3500 OUT OF POCKET FOR WELL KNOW PROBLEMS AND RECALLS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS CARS VIN NUMBER I DO NOT THINK A CAR SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY ISSUES AND OR REPAIRS IN THE LAST YEAR ALONE I HAVE PUT 2 GRAND INTO THIS CAR I AM VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS SITUATION EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED ALREADY I HAVE HAD TO FIX IT OUT OF MY POCKET BECAUSE THIS MODEL OF CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS I DON'T FEEL LIKE THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THE CAR I CAN NOT RISK MY CHILDREN'S LIVES AND HAVE THIS CAR SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I NEED SOMETHING DONE ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS GOING ON IN THIS CAR DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFAULTS. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, May 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB OR MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE DOOR LOCK MOTOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPILLED OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V180000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 4, 2013
CAR WAS MAKING STRANGE NOISE. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO HAVE CHECK. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE AT FRAME MOUNTS AND ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH ON DRIVERS SIDE. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF PROBLEM VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WILL NOT ALLOW BACK ON ROAD UNTIL NECESSARY REPAIRS ARE MADE. I CONTACTED KIA AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR YEAR VEHICLE WAS IN A RECALL DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS PARTICULAR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN THE STATE OF WEST VA, AS STATED IN THE RECALL. VEHICLE IS STILL PARKED AT MECHANICS GARAGE AND I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE COMMUNICATION REGARDING THIS MATTER. I WAS TOLD BY KIA REPRESENTATIVE THAT I WOULD NEED TO CONTACT YOUR ORGANIZATION. *TR
Suspension, Feb 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT IN A JERKING MOTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS POSITIONED OUTWARDLY. ALSO, BOTH FRONT TIRES HAD PREMATURELY WORN DUE TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V183000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 31, 2012
THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND AT ONE POINT THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN STEERING AND THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT. WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF THIS EVENT, THE BRAND NEW TIRES THAT WERE PURCHASED JUST A FEW MONTHS EARLIER, WORE FROM THE INNER EDGE TO ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WIDTH OF THE TIRE, EXPOSING THE BELTS. THIS CAUSED ONE TIRE TO POP, WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. A SPARE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE TO GET IT TO A TIRE REPAIR LOCATION AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES OF DRIVING, THE SPARE LOST ALL TREAD AND ALSO POPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE TIRE REPAIR SHOP AND THE RUSTED AND BROKEN SUBFRAME WAS DETECTED. THE AREA WAS SO RUSTED THAT PORTIONS OF THE FRAME BROKE AND THE TIRES WERE NO LONGER RUNNING STRAIGHT. I CALLED KIA AND THEY TOLD ME ALTHOUGH THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM ON KIA OPTIMAS FROM 2001 TO 2004, MY CAR WAS NOT IN THE RECALL BECAUSE I LIVE IN KANSAS. THE RECALL DOES APPLY TO KIAS IN MISSOURI, WHICH IS 15 MINUTES FROM WHERE I LIVE. THE KANSAS CITY AREA IS BOTH MISSOURI AND KANSAS AND THE AREA WHERE I LIVE. THE RUSTING IS ATTRIBUTED TO SALT USED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER IN MISSOURI AND NOT ONLY IS THE SAME SALT USED IN KANSAS, BUT I ALSO DRIVE IN MISSOURI. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE STILL REFUSED TO RECOGNIZE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE THAT CAUSED OTHER KIA OPTIMAS TO BE RECALLED HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE. THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO KANSAS BECAUSE WE DEAL WITH THE SAME ELEMENTS AS MISSOURI AND IOWA WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY SON WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE DAMAGE OCCURRED AND HE COULD HAVE SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURY IF HE HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY INSTEAD OF A SIDE STREET. *TR
Structure, Oct 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR SOUND COMING FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED WHICH CAUSED IT TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Jul 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AS THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STILL HEARD A NOISE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 08-03-12 *BF UPDATED 09/07/2012 *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 16, 2012
UPON ROUTINE INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, MY REPAIR GARAGE NOTED THAT BRAKE LINES WERE QUITE RUSTED, AND STATED THAT THEY COULD FAIL SUDDENLY. IS THIS COMMON OR UNCOMMON IN A 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE? *JB
Suspension, Apr 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,148.
Steering, Structure, Wheels, Mar 3, 2012, crash
MY 2002 KIA OPTIMA, VEERED OF THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE DUE TO A FLAT TIRE. THE TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED THAT MORNING AND WITHIN 130 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE POPPED. AS I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK I NOTICED MY WHEEL WAS SLANTED IN. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP WHO INFORMED ME THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. WHEN I CONTACTED KIA ABOUT THE ISSUE THEY BASICALLY SAID SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY KIA IN ANY OF MY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THEM RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM, AND HAVE BEEN, STRANDED OUT OF TOWN FOR 3 WEEKS NOW WAITING ON THEM TO MAKE SOME KIND OF DECISION. THEY HAVE OVERLOOKED EVERY WORD I HAVE SAID TO THEM ABOUT THE SALT IN MY LOCATION AND THE CARS PREVIOUS LOCATIONS WHICH CAUSES SUCH CORROSION TO A POORLY MAKE VEHICLE. THE CAR ORIGINATES FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHERE SALT IS PRESENTLY IN THE AIR. IT THEN WAS REGISTERED IN OKLAHOMA AND THE TEXAS PANHANDLE, BOTH HAVING HARSH SNOWY WINTERS. THE CAR CLEARLY HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO ENOUGH SALT TO HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS KIA'S RESPONSIBILITY, YET THEY ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. WHEN I CRASHED MY CAR INTO THE DITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, MY LIFE WAS PUT AT RISK. THERE VERY EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN A CAR TO MY LEFT OR RIGHT OR A POLE IN THAT DITCH. KIA SHOULD HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN ALL OPTIMA'S PUT OUT DURING THE YEAR OF THE RECALL. IT IS A SERIOUS DANGER TO ANY UNAWARE DRIVER OF A 2001-2004 KIA OPTIMA. LEGAL ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN AGAINST KIA. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AFTER IT WAS LOCKED. THE DRIVER WAS FORCED TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE BY CLIMBING OUT OF THE WINDOW. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. ONCE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS LOCKED IT CANNOT BE UNLOCKED FOR THE INSIDE OR USING A KEY FOR THE OUTSIDE. AFTER WORKING THE LOCK FOR SOMETIME IT MAY UNLOCK OR STAY LOCKED. WHAT WE DO NOW IS TO LEAVE THE CAR UNLOCKED WHICH IS NOT THE BEST IDEA. THE PROBLEM IS NOT GETTING INTO THE CAR BUT GETTING OUT. NO RECALL FROM KIA. UPDATED 10/26/2011 *LN *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, May 24, 2011
DOOR LOCKS WHEN USING THE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AFTER THE DOOR HAS BEEN UNLOCKED USING KEY OR KEYLESS ENTRY. SO FAR ONLY BEEN LOCKED OUT OF THE CAR, BUT CONCERNED I WILL BE LOCKED IN THE CAR AT SOME POINT. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V067000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIRS WERE MADE PRIOR TO THE CONTACT OWNING THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO START INTEMITTENTLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME AND FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK BY USING THE KEY OR THE KEYLESS ENTRY. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTERED THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE BEING ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Structure, Jan 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SUB FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE SUB FRAME, TIE ROD, FRONT TIRE AND RIM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION: FRONT) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Suspension, Nov 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAD CORRODED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND REFERENCED RECALL 09V183000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT) BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,834.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THIS BECAME A RECURRING FAILURE SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO MORE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,900.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 KIA OPTIMA THAT THE VIN IS NOT ONE OF THE VEHICLES THAT IS COVERED BY YOUR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V183000 WHICH STATES "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...". YOU HAVE IT LISTED AS STATES WITH DIFFICULT WINTERS AND THE USE OF ROAD SALT. I LIVE IN LOUISVILLE, KY. NOT ONE OF THE NAMED STATES. BUT. I GUARANTEE YOU THAT THIS SAME CORROSION CAN BE CAUSED BY THE WATER COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING DIRECTLY ONTO THESE PARTS. THE BACK SIDE OF SUBFRAME HAS RUST HOLES IN IT. THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO ANY AND ALL KIA OPTIMAS THAT HAVE THE AC WATER RUNNING THERE DUE TO MANUFACTURE DESIGN. I HAVE PICTURES THAT I CAN SEND TO YOU SHOWING THIS CORROSION. I TRIED TO GET IT ALIGNED AT A KIA STORE AND THEY SAID "LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET ON PASS SIDE IS RUSTED AND BROKEN. PASS SIDE WHEEL IS PUSHED BACK AND TIRES ON FRONT ARE ANGLED." HOW WAS THE 36,538 VEHICLES DETERMINED ? WAS IT FROM THE STATE THAT THE CAR WAS SOLD IN ? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA OPTIMA. SHE STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT UTILIZED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD FRACTURED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,323. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, REAR BRAKES AND REAR DRUMS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/12/10*JB
Suspension, Structure, Nov 30, 2009
MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2002 KIA OPTIMA AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FELL OFF. THE WHOLE FRAME RUSTED FROM INSIDE OUT CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FALL OFF. *TR