2001 Kia Optima
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 143
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 143 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 107 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 166 |
| 2008 | 144 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 594 |
| 2012 | 919 |
| 2013 | 1,384 |
| 2014 | 588 |
| 2015 | 1,009 |
| 2016 | 759 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 232 |
| 2019 | 212 |
| 2020 | 151 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
26% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show complaint excerpts
As I was leaving my neighborhood, my car drifted to the right and fell on top of the right front tire. After inspection of the car, we noticed that there was a hole in the subframe where the suspension broke apart.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-18
Also filed under Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-29
Power locking mechanism for doors operate erratically. Consumer cannot unlock driver's side door without locking all of doors at the same time. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-05-17
Air bags
22% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was rear ended, and the air bags failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-02
While making a right turn,vehicle was hit on the side. None of the air deployed upon impact. Causing injuries to driver. Please provide more details.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-06
This vehicle was involved in an off centered collision that resulted in vehicle being totaled. None of the four air bags deployed, even after the extent of damage, and window breaking. Owner suffered head injury and chest trauma.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-11
Suspension
20% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing front and rear.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Kia Optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair and they detected the sub frame completely rusted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-03
Was driving vehicle 75MPH when front end locked up. Transmission dropped to 2ND gear, and caused steering to lock up. Vehicle had started to skid. Nothing was hit when vehicle skidded.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-26
Engine and engine cooling
17% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).
Electrical system
14% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and module.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2001-05-11Air bags01V156000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The side air bag wire harness for the driver position could be mis-routed, which could result in it being pinched or cut by the seat cushion tilt mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will check for proper routing of the side air bag wire harness and secure it in place with a plastic tie-wrap. If the wire harness is damaged, it will be replaced. Owner notification is…
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R
2003-03-28Electrical system03V067000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5 and 2.7 liter V6 engines, the crankshaft position sensor (Ckp) cases did not meet dimensional specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ckp. Owner notification began March 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
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I
2004-07-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-11-04 Power door lock failure
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I
2004-11-04Engineering analysisClosed 2005-11-07 Power door lock failure
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R
2009-06-16Suspension09V183000 Kia motors corporation (Kmc) is recalling 36,538 model year 2001-2004 Optima vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa…
Remedy: Kmc will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 15, 2009. Owners may contact Kia's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 29 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V156000 · Air bags
- Recall 03V067000 · Electrical system
- Recall 09V183000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Kia Optima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Optima?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Optima have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.