2002 Kia Optima Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 141,802miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the wheels of the 2002 Kia Optima, 5% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 141,802 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.
“Over a weeks time,I noticed my steering wheel was turned like maybe I needed an alignment and it started pulling to the left so bad that I had to force the steering wheel to the right so I wouldn't wreck into the median on the interstate. I could only go about 45 or 50 MPH or it would start shaking the entire car and was absolutely impossible to control it on the road. Had it looked at and at the bottom control arm that bolts to the subframe had rusted out and the right side was on the verge of doing the same! …”
NHTSA complaint #11267968, filed 2019-10, 143,605 miles“We own a 2002 Kia Optima- found out there was a recall- the recall was corrision to the subframe that could lead to problems with the control arm. I was told that the car was inspected in 2010 and the recall was taken care of at that time. We bought the car from a private owner in 2014. 2015 went to get new tires on the car and discount tire told us that they couldn't do an alignment because there is an issue with the control arm. We found out to repair the control are it would be over $500. …”
NHTSA complaint #10883976, filed 2016-07, 167,000 miles“My 2002 Kia Optima, veered of the side of the interstate due to a flat tire. The tires had been replaced that morning and within 130 miles on the highway the right front tire popped. As I took a closer look I noticed my wheel was slanted in. I then had it towed to the nearest repair shop who informed me the engine cradle was rusted and corroded. When I contacted Kia about the issue they basically said sorry about your luck. There is a recall for this problem but my VIN is not included. No action has been taken by Kia in any of my attempts to have them resolve this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450151, filed 2012-03, 140,000 miles“The vehicle was driven and at one point there was a noticeable difference in steering and the car pulled to the right. Within a few days of this event, the brand new tires that were purchased just a few months earlier, wore from the inner edge to about 1/3 of the width of the tire, exposing the belts. This caused one tire to pop, while the car was being driven. A spare was placed on the vehicle to get it to a tire repair location and after approximately 30 miles of driving, the spare lost all tread and also popped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10482815, filed 2012-10, 104,000 miles“There was a safety recall on my 2002 Kia Optima regarding the subframe. The corrosion under my car is devastating. Nhtsa needs to know that this corrosion problem is extensive and affects more then the subframe. Kia is insisting that I pay for the damage they will cause when they have to replace the subframe. This is a safety hazard that will affect thousands.”
NHTSA complaint #10278252, filed 2009-07Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
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 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 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