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Kia OptimaModel year report

2001 Kia Optima Problems

Complaints
143filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
81,500miles, 84 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Kia Optima (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report corrosion of the front subframe, which in many cases is discovered during routine maintenance or alignment and sometimes progresses to the front wheel assembly collapsing. Airbag warning lights and non-deployment or unexpected deployment, door lock malfunctions, and early brake noise also appear repeatedly in the sampled complaints.

  1. Body and structure

    Front subframe rust and collapse

    • 46 complaints (32%)
    • median 102,350 mi at 9.1 yrs old (41 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2004–2018

    Complaints describe severe rust on the front subframe, often found when a mechanic lifts the car for an oil change or alignment, with holes rusted through the frame. In some cases the lower control arm or wheel mount separates, and owners report the front wheel bending inward or detaching. Several owners say they were told their vehicle was not covered by the regional subframe recall because of where it was sold or registered, and dealers and the manufacturer declined assistance. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 190,000 miles, often on vehicles in states not included in the regional recall.

    Recall 09V1830001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Have the car put on a lift and inspect the front subframe and control arm mounts for rust or holes, and ask whether recall 09V183000 was completed. Note that the recall applies only to vehicles originally sold or registered in certain states.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10485060, filed 2012-11, 210,000 miles

    “Kmc's recall campaign no. Sc075 the sub frame on our Kia Optima 2001 has rusted through this caused the lower control arm and strut to collapse inward pinning the wheel at 45 degree angle and damaging the tire. The car is undrivable. Kia says they will only honor the damages in a northern state.... That uses road salt but we live on the gulf coast that is also a slat hazard area.”

    NHTSA complaint #10311989, filed 2010-02, 113,000 miles
  2. Latches, locks and linkages

    Power door locks locking or failing on their own

    • 20 complaints (14%)
    • median 17,303 mi at 4.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • filed 2001–2010

    Complaints describe power door locks that lock or unlock by themselves, sometimes trapping occupants inside the vehicle, and front passenger doors that cannot be unlocked from inside or outside. Owners report repeated dealer visits, waiting for parts, and being told the repair was not covered. Reported from very low mileage up to about 120,000 miles, at all vehicle ages.

    What to check: Test every door, including the inside and outside handles and the remote, and watch for locks that cycle on their own. Ask whether the door lock actuators have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Just put my 2 yr old daughter in her car seat, loaded the groceries into the car along with my purse and keys. Shut the door. Doors locked automatically. Had to call 911 for police to come and get my daughter out of car. Also have been locked in the car, had the keys and still could not get doors unlocked. Thought this was just a fluke until I read other reports about this type of thing happening in kias.”

    NHTSA complaint #10169910, filed 2006-10, 75,000 miles

    “My 2001 Kia Optima has become the modern age , this vehicle has a mind of it's own. The power locks shuts open and locks on it's own, the vehicle is not reliable when crossing a highway on our street. Vehicle stalls at the point of acceleration and does not respond to pressing of gas pedal. When car electrical system fails and you are in the vehicle the power locks do not operate causing driver and passengers to be locked in vehicle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10023272, filed 2003-06, 6,950 miles
  3. Air bags

    Airbag warning light and deployment problems

    • 29 complaints (20%)
    • median 77,500 mi at 5.9 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2001–2024

    Owners report the SRS or airbag warning light staying on with no obvious cause, and in some cases the front airbags did not deploy in a collision. Others describe the driver airbag deploying while driving without an impact. According to complaints, dealers replaced modules, clock springs and harnesses without resolving the warning light, and some owners were told the vehicle was out of warranty. Reported from low mileage up to around 150,000 miles, across a wide range of vehicle ages.

    Recall 01V1560001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on and goes out at startup, and ask for records of any module, clock spring or harness repairs. A service bulletin describes handling of SRS warning lamp codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving the driver side airbag (in front driver seat) deployed. There was no accident or did I hit anything. There was no evident cause on why the airbag deployed. I took it to a dealership they just look at it did no diagnostic or anything and told me it was out of warranty so they can not do anything about it. I called the manufacturer they basically told me the same thing but did send in a airbag deployment case report.”

    NHTSA complaint #10282420, filed 2009-08, 151,000 miles

    “I purchased my car in 2001 new. I had many problems since then. The alternator and axles had to be replaced in 2005. The locks are malfunctioned. They automatically lock causing us to get locked in the car. The check engine light and the air bag light has been on for a while. The car stalls, jerks when I am driving. The car failed inspection novembeer 30-emissions related. The power steering pump had to be replaced in october. I have spent so much money repairing this car. I took the car to the dealer. I purchased it from Kia /bronx. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10177366, filed 2006-12, 40,000 miles
  4. Brakes

    Brake noise and shudder

    • 12 complaints (8%)
    • median 50,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2002–2012

    Owners report loud squealing from the rear brakes and vibration through the front end when braking, sometimes beginning at low mileage. According to complaints, dealers cleaned or adjusted the brakes and referred to a service bulletin, but the noise returned. Mostly reported under about 70,000 miles, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.

    What to check: Listen for brake squeal during a test drive and check service records for repeated brake work. Have the rear brakes and front rotors inspected.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The front frame and many components of my 2001 Kia Optima have completely rusted out. It currently has 50,000 miles on it and has had many problems since I purchased it. Check engine light is pretty much on every day. I was told it was something to do with the gas cap, although that never really came up as the reason, there was more than that- resulting in multiple repairs. The o2 sensor has gone twice, the brakes have corroded so badly my repairman had to hit them off to remove them. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10357905, filed 2010-09, 50,000 miles

    “When the brakes are applied, the rear brakes have been squealing like nothing I have ever heard. Brakes were checked out at a local brake shop and recommended replacement of the rear brakes. At that time the car only had 15,000 miles on it. It now has 29,000 miles on it and the noise is even louder. I contacted the dealer and they said if there isn't anything wrong with the brakes I would have to pay for the brake check and the replacement of the rear brakes. Brakes don't normally go bad that fast unless something is wrong!!”

    NHTSA complaint #10018469, filed 2003-05, 15,000 miles
  5. Engine cooling

    Engine stalling and timing belt failure

    • 10 complaints (7%)
    • median 54,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2002–2006

    Complaints describe the engine stalling while driving, sometimes with all dashboard lights illuminating, and one owner reported the timing belt coming loose and being replaced. Others report a seized engine and check engine light issues, with dealers performing repairs after repeated visits. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles.

    Recall 03V0670002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for proof that the timing belt has been replaced on schedule, and check whether the crankshaft position sensor recall 03V067000 was performed. Watch for a check engine light during the test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving and car just died with no warning. Engine is seized. Getting a hard time from dealership because we do our own maintenance. Rep approved taking the engine apart to see what problem is. Dealer put 3 gallons of antifreeze in and it went right out the tailpipe. Oil changed and antifreeze checked a week before incident. Want me to pay $7 a day rental and put me in a rio or spectra. I have an Optima not a little matchbox car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10062062, filed 2004-03, 54,000 miles

    “2001 Kia Optima with approximately 57,000 miles has been regularly maintained at Kia dealerships since purchase in jan 2002 (used). Since june 2003 car has been serviced for numerous recall items. Car has had many problems since then. Check engine light continuously lit. Engine surges or stalls while driving. Car fails to accelerate then surges. Very high RPM with no acceleration. Engine coils misfire. Difficulty starting occasionally. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10041657, filed 2003-10, 54,000 miles

Buying note. Inspect the front subframe carefully for corrosion and confirm recall status before buying, since this is the most frequently reported issue. Also check the airbag warning light, door locks and brake condition, and ask for timing belt service records.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2001 Kia Optima. 84 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,500 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Seat belts (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Wheels (5), Other or unknown (4), Exterior lighting (3), Fuel system (3), Engine (2), Seats (1), Steering (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Body and 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).”

NHTSA complaint #10892357, filed 2016-08, 130,000 miles

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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10440258, filed 2011-12, 132,993 miles

Air bags: “Air bag light came on while driving & would go out repeatedly. When I called the Kia 800 number was told probably nothing. But you might want to schedule it in with your local dealer. I asked do I need to be concerned that it might deploy unexpectedly . He said probably not, if you are concerned that it might deploy you are better off not driving it. I told him I don't know anything about airbags, he repeated, if I believe there is reason to be concerned, you should probably just park it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10160467, filed 2006-06, 81,000 miles

Engine cooling: “I purchased my brand new car on august 31,2001. I started having electrical problems 9 months after I bought it. I now have a list of problems from electrical to check engine light, fuel sensors, 2 new batteries etc. I have a long long list of repairs that nobody can seem to fix. I am told the problem has been fixed and then my check engine light comes back on and I am told there are additional problems. Meanwhile, I have been stranded on the highway due to these problems, I have had to be towed out of my own driveway to due the electrical problems. …”

NHTSA complaint #10082360, filed 2004-07, 8,264 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

24% of the 84 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,717 and 118,219 miles.

12%0–107%10–255%25–5018%50–7520%75–10026%100–15012%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (84 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 81,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’0324’06’09’12’16’24
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Kia Optima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Optima FWD2.4L 4-cyl5-speed manual192621$3,200
Optima FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic182420$3,350
Optima FWD2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manual182421$3,200
Optima FWD2.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172319$3,550

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2001 Kia Optima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 14 bulletins →

Other model years of the Kia Optima

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202015160,000052923 · FewerRising
201921230,224152950 · TypicalRising
201823345,325252849 · TypicalRising
201725754,000352948 · TypicalRising
201676068,000552898 · MoreRising
20151,01080,0004526100 · MoreStable
201459171,6887526100 · MoreStable
20131,38783,4509527100 · MoreStable
201292080,0005527100 · MoreFalling
201159490,000552796 · MoreFalling
20107570,5001—250 · FewerFalling
200911664,0001—2520 · FewerFalling
200814461,5003—2541 · TypicalFalling
200716775,5002—25Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200615561,8942—23Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200514476,0000—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200422582,5001—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200314184,2002—22Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200210785,0003—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200114381,5003—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising

All Kia Optima model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

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

Owners of this model year most often report corrosion of the front subframe, which in many cases is discovered during routine maintenance or alignment and sometimes progresses to the front wheel assembly collapsing. The issues reported most often: Front subframe rust and collapse; Power door locks locking or failing on their own; Airbag warning light and deployment problems.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2001 Kia Optima as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Kia Optima is reported most often?

Body and structure is named most often, in 35 complaints (24% of the total), followed by suspension with 28.

Has the 2001 Kia Optima been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Kia Optima get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Kia Optima (Optima, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Kia Optima reported?

Among the 84 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,500 miles and the middle half falls between 53,717 and 118,219 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.