2002 Kia Optima Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,036miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the equipment of the 2002 Kia Optima, 3% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,036 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.
“While driving my 2002 Kia Optima, my stereo,headlights,dashlights would cut out while driving. I took it in to a Kia dealership, the instructed me to get a new battery. I did, and that did not fix the problem. On saturday, january 1rst,2005 I was driving down the freeway doing about 60 MPH, my car lost all power and stalled in the middle of the freeway. I could not warn other drivers behind me because my hazard lights would not turn on, I had no electrical power to my car. It almost caused people behind me to slam into me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10105909, filed 2005-01, 52 miles“2002 Kia Optima sub frame is rusting out. Customer states that the dealer told her there was a spot on the sub frame where the control arm mounts to the engine cradle had rusted out and it looked as if it had been in an accident, and would not help with the repairs. The mechanic concluded that due to the design of the vehicle, the condensation from the air condition running down the frame is what caused the rust to occur. The speed sensor for the automatic transmission was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10203843, filed 2007-09Related service bulletins
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited…
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 3 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
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 complaintsEngine
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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