2002 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 168 complaints about the 2002 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 19.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 13.1%.
Complaints168
Crashes28
Fires5
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Structure 19.6% · 33
Suspension 13.1% · 22
Air bags 11.9% · 20
Electrical system 10.1% · 17
Latches/locks/linkages 7.1% · 12
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.0% · 10
Steering 4.8% · 8
Engine and engine cooling 4.2% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 28 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 2013 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 16 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 89,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 KIA Optima. The contact stated that the subframe on the passenger side of his vehicle was very rusty. The vehicle is unable to be driven and the contact has no control of the steering because the a-arm was separated from the subframe. The dealer acknowledged the failures, but there are no recalls available. The failure mileage was 91,400. Updated 05/19/09 *bf updated 05/20/09. Structure · reported at 91,400 miles
The contact owns a 2002 KIA Optima. The contact stated that while driving she heard an unfamiliar sound coming from the under carriage. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the sub frame was severely rusted which caused it to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure and current mileage was not available. Structure
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. Structure
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…