2001 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Kia Optima, 2% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,250 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This vehicles electrical system continues to fail along with nonworking lights, air conditioner, lock failure, battery and altrenator failure. Car has been worked on for same problems more than 5 times. Car has had (that I know of) 3 batteries and 2 alternators. Once the locks on the car failed and I was trapped inside vehicle for more than an hour. Locks would automatically relock faster than you could open the door.”
NHTSA complaint #10025993, filed 2003-07, 18,481 miles“While driving at night, the headlights would dim whenever the A/C or the heater was turned on. The dealer/manufacturer both agreed that was the normal characteristic of that vehicle. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10092349, filed 2004-09, 20 miles“A/c condensation build up on the inside of car had at dealer 2 times before they fixed .#2 replaced right headlight 4 times in1 1/2 yr no finger on bulbe! #3 after sitting over night on first start up transmission will not move at first #4 gas gauge from day 1 wouldn't read full after 3 trip to shop they fixed it”
NHTSA complaint #762704, filed 2002-06Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia Optima
35 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology