2002 Kia Optima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,049miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Kia Optima, 4% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,049 miles. 1 a fire, 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 was driving on freeway engine light came on vehicle stopped engine shut off I had to coast to side of road. It quit shifting after it stalled. Had to be towed home. Kia dealer in ontario california can't find what is wrong they want me to pay 1600.00 to change battery cables, battery and fix shifter.”
NHTSA complaint #10704103, filed 2015-04, 136,098 miles“I have also been stated as not included . 2002 Kia Optima v6 lx. The vehicle shakes my entire body upon braking. Radio turns on and off. Radio goes from cd1 error to fm. Lights flicker, air shuts off. Im almost not able to pump gas anymore. Pump handle continuously clicks off. Its pathetic that I am now afraid to drive to work!! I have actually called in for fear of it just deciding to completely stall.”
NHTSA complaint #10545763, filed 2013-09, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. After starting the vehicle, flames started to emit from underneath the hood due to the wiring near the starter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10703345, filed 2015-04, 220,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 102 | 68% |
| 2019 | 92 | 43% |
| 2018 | 132 | 57% |
| 2017 | 165 | 64% |
| 2016 | 426 | 56% |
| 2015 | 623 | 62% |
| 2014 | 284 | 48% |
| 2013 | 614 | 44% |
| 2012 | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 | 256 | 43% |
| 2010 | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 | 14 | 12% |
| 2008 | 19 | 13% |
| 2007 | 16 | 10% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Optima
30 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
12 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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