2002 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,848miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Kia Optima, 6% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,848 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“Vehicle hesitates when pressing on the gas. It takes approximately 5-10 seconds before the vehicle responds to depression of accelerator pedal consumer indicates that she has almost been rear-ended due to stalling without warning.”
NHTSA complaint #10080067, filed 2004-06, 18,500 miles“Recall on fuel cut valve was installed at 33,000 miles on vehicle - at 77,000 vehicle failed - found out from another dealer (greystoke) that recall fuel cut valve had been installed incorrectly.”
NHTSA complaint #10131554, filed 2005-08, 77,675 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while refueling, fuel spilled out of the fuel filler neck. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v180000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10502049, filed 2013-03, 52,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V180000Apr 12, 2004Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly…Covers: Kia Optima 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 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 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsEngine
4 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 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