2001 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 2001 Kia Optima, 2% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,500 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.
“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. I had to replace all of the brake lines since they all rusted out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10357905, filed 2010-09, 50,000 miles“When I first brought the car and drove it, the lights became dim in the inside and the headlights. The radio turned off and on, took it to dealer 4-5 times for problem and they could find nothing wrong. The car doesn't pick up spend when going over hills not even little ones. The gas needle does not read full even when the tank is practically overflowing with gas. Reading a full tank of gas happens every once in a while. Check engine light comes on . …”
NHTSA complaint #10164399, filed 2006-08, 87,000 miles“Approximately 2 months after purchase, the gas dial would not read full even when the tank was practically overflowing with gas. Took to the dealer who said it was corrected, however periodically it will go weeks without reading a full tank of gas. Check engine light comes on periodically for no reason at all. Have taken to dealer who can not find problem in system.”
NHTSA complaint #10043431, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 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 28, 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