2002 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
- 107
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 107 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
31% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show complaint excerpts
A fire started inside the drivers side door panel filling the car with heavy black smoke my wife opened the drivers side electric window to ge rid of the smoke out of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-24
locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-13
Also filed under Electrical system
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-11
Also filed under Suspension and wheels
Suspension
21% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing front and lower ball joint.
Air bags
19% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, and the air bags did not deploy.*jb....
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-10
Electrical system
16% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and starter assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. After starting the vehicle, flames started to emit from underneath the hood due to the wiring near the starter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-02
Also filed under Engine
Latches/locks/linkages
11% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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R
2004-06-25Fuel system, gasoline04V180000 Some 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 closed were to roll over, fuel…
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began June 25, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
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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
2002 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V067000 · Electrical system
- Recall 04V180000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09V183000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Kia Optima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Optima?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 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.