2002 Kia Optima Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 11%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,048miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2002 Kia Optima, 11% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,048 miles.
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.
“2002 Kia Optima -- when you unlock the doors either manually or with key fob and attempt to open the passenger door it immediately locks and does not allow you to exit the vehicle. It locks from both inside and outside of vehicle. This incident has happened in the past approximately april of 2005 with the exception it also included the driver door. Had to climb out of window to exit vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10228888, filed 2008-05, 102,000 miles“Was locked inside vehicle. After climbing out window, was locked out of vehicle. The door would unlock with key then when you try to open door it locks itself, even with key still in door. When this happens door will not open by manual use of locks either.”
NHTSA complaint #10254710, filed 2009-01, 75,095 miles“Door locks when using the door handle to open the door after the door has been unlocked using key or keyless entry. So far only been locked out of the car, but concerned I will be locked in the car at some point.”
NHTSA complaint #10402512, filed 2011-05, 161,000 miles“Vehicle model is a 2002 Kia Optima 4 door sedan and the problem is regarding the drivers left door. The power lock door locks on its own immediately after the door is unlocked using the key. The car was then taken to get fixed on 05/24/02 and ounce again the same problem occurred on 01/31/08 this time cost to fix is $233.16. After the problem was fixed, again for the second time, it occurred again. I am convinced that the power locks are defect and dangerous risks of becoming trapped in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218744, filed 2008-02, 16,169 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front driver's side door would not unlock with the key fob or manually. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated the door lock motor would have to be replaced. After the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10513860, filed 2013-05, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 27 | 17% |
| 2005 | 66 | 46% |
| 2004 | 81 | 36% |
| 2003 | 53 | 38% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 15 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Optima
30 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
6 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