2001 Kia Optima Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Kia Optima, 4% of the 143 complaints for this model year.
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.
“I don't have the exact dates of these repairs as my car is at the dealership right now being looked at again and I am going to get a history when I pick up the car, here are the issues I've had since spring/summer of last year. We have lost time, money, wages and possible employment because of these problems! 1. Air conditioner seemed very cool, but not cold. Checked two or three times, each time service dept. Said it was fine. 2. Car died and wouldn't restart without a jump 3 times. Called towing twice. Service could not "recreate the problem." third time they replaced the battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070065, filed 2004-01“Windshield wipers do not work in snow must be repaired ofter .windows regulators need to be replaced however dealer that is suppose to fix these problems seems to be unable to do so .Kia needs to find someone who will repair these problems . Vehicle has been placed in shop 5 times for the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10033356, filed 2003-08“The air bag light came on. The consumer was informed if the air bag light was on the air bags would not deploy. The consumer experienced problems with the electrical system and the transmission dropping to 3rd gear when going uphill. The dealership told the consumer the vehicle was not powerful enough to drive uphill in 3rd gear. The driver door lock actuator and latch was replaced because the door would not lock or remain unlock, the window made a chattering noise when it was rolled down.”
NHTSA complaint #10059685, filed 2004-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 21 | 2% |
| 2012 | 28 | 3% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 14 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 20% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
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 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 27, 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