2001 Kia Optima Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the wheels of the 2001 Kia Optima, 4% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 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.
“I have a 2001 Kia and on july 5 2009 I was driving down the road when I was pushed over to the left lane and my tire has detached from the frame it messed up my bumper and the hole underneath of my car was damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #10275814, filed 2009-07, 100,000 miles“While driving my 2001 Kia Optima on north interstate 65 to indiana, in four lane traffic my Kia right front wheel nearly came off due to corrosion of the sub-frame and lower wheel control arm causing separation. My husband and I could have both been kill along with many other people. I loved my car and I praise the Kia, now they don't care about me or other people in kentucky. They want fix my car but most of the states around my state is doing so, they are thousands of recalls on all other car's I am sending a letter to the president of the u.s.a. …”
NHTSA complaint #10298148, filed 2010-01, 138,000 miles“While driving my 2001 Kia Optima on north interstate 65 to indiana, in four lane traffic my Kia right front wheel nearly came off due to corrosion of the sub-frame and lower wheel control arm causing separation. My husband and I could have both been kill along with many other people. I loved my car and I praise the Kia, now they don't care about me or other people in kentucky. They want fix my car but most of the states around my state is doing so, they are thousands of recalls on all other car's I am sending a letter to the president of the u.s.a. …”
NHTSA complaint #10298143, filed 2010-01, 138,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. While driving 15 MPH, the front passenger side wheel completely detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10894500, filed 2016-08, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact felt the vehicle pulling to the right. She drove to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the front passenger side wheel and subframe were corroded and cracking. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 99,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10245808, filed 2008-10, 99,000 milesWheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 5% |
| 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 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 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