1.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
128,766 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Kia Optima body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Kia Optima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Kia Optima Owner Comments

problem #6

Nov 202020

Optima

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that there were holes from corrosion due to sub-frame rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the sub-frame to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 09V183000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Dahlonega, GA, USA

problem #5

May 012014

Optima 4-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
Subframe is rusting out and my tires are getting abnormal wear and my front tires are angled in.

- Winona, MN, USA

problem #4

Nov 252013

Optima

  • 137,858 miles
We have had ongoing problems with a 2002 Kia Optima, including tire wear, brake problems, electrical issues, excessive battery wear. This week we were notified by our auto shop that there is excessive rust on the subframe and that a recall exists for this condition. When I contacted both our local dealer and Kia corporate, I was told that this particular VIN is not included in the recall, although the recall clearly states that it does meet the parameters. Upon further research, it appears that many others have experienced the same problems and been given the same information. Currently, we are left with a car that is a danger to drive and enormous personal expense to resolve.

- Columbia, MO, USA

problem #3

Sep 142013

Optima 4-cyl

  • 138,227 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While I was driving I had noticed that the car was pulling to the right. I had new tires and an alignment done 5-6 weeks prior, so I returned to the shop and they looked at everything and the front end was out of alignment. The shop looked further to see what caused this and found that the right front frame area was rusted and cracked. They advised me that the car was not save and that I should contact Kia. I was driving the car home and the car pulled drastically to right and I heard a crushing noise from the right tire area. I pulled off the road and saw that the tire was not positioned properly. I had the car towed to my residence and am in the process of contacting Kia. I was lucking to not have caused an accident, after reading some of the other similar complaints it should have been a national recall on this situation. According the records that I had checked I am only the 2nd owner of this vehicle. I hope that Kia makes good on this situation.

- Bayville, NJ, USA

problem #2

Oct 042012

Optima 6-cyl

  • 126,513 miles
Car was making strange noise. Took to mechanic to have check. It was discovered that the subframe is completely rusted through on passenger side at frame mounts and almost rusted through on drivers side. Mechanic determined that due to the severity of problem vehicle is unsafe to drive and will not allow back on road until necessary repairs are made. I contacted Kia and was told that this particular year vehicle was in a recall due to this problem. However, this particular VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was originally purchased in the state of West va, as stated in the recall. Vehicle is still parked at mechanics garage and I would greatly appreciate communication regarding this matter. I was told by Kia representative that I would need to contact your organization.

- Wittensville, KY, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #1

Feb 022008

Optima 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
Rotted sub frame on 2002 Kia Optima. Kia does not want to consider this their problem.

- Stewart Manor, NY, USA

Not what you are looking for?