2001 Kia Optima Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2001 Kia Optima, 5% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Since purchasing my 2001 Kia Optima, I have had nothing but difficulty. I purchased an extended warranty at the dealership I purchased it from in case I needed repairs. I got my money's worth. But the problems I had are common problems with the vehicle, locks not working, windows not rolling up, paint peeling off, transmission problems, check engine light constantly on, decreased acceleration, heat surges when gas pedal released and pressed and the list goes on. It is not hard to find other Kia owners with the same problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10264297, filed 2009-04, 14,000 miles“I have safety concerns regarding this vehicle. I was driving on the highway when engine dropped into 3rd gear and wouldn't get out of it. I had it diagnosed at the auto parts store and the speed sensors were shot. If I keep driving it like this I am going to blow the transmission, if it is not already blown! I called the dealership where I purchased it, only to find out that they were shut down. I called another dealer to look up my warranty information only to find that the warranty expired 1 month before this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10187230, filed 2007-04“The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward while it was stopped. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the rear brakes intermittently seized. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10462390, filed 2012-06, 175,000 miles“While driving about 55 MPH on the highway and without warning consumer's vehicle suddenly accelerated up to 75 MPH or more, resulting in a collision with another vehicle. Driver sustained minor injuries, was not transported by ambulance nor was there any fatality.”
NHTSA complaint #10042023, filed 2003-09“When car is started after it has sat for extended amount of time and put in drive car hesitates and does not move when acclerator is pressed. Have taken to two different Kia dealerships and both say nothing is wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #761734, filed 2002-05Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 13 | 5% |
| 2016 | 29 | 4% |
| 2015 | 36 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 4% |
| 2013 | 39 | 3% |
| 2012 | 40 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 8% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
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 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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