2002 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,026miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Kia Optima, 2% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,026 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 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“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
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 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