10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
130,400 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Kia Optima Owner Comments

problem #4

Mar 272015

Optima 4-cyl

  • 136,098 miles

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

I was driving on freeway engine light came on vehicle stopped engine shut off I had to coast to side of road. It quit shifting after it stalled. Had to be towed home. Kia dealer in Ontario California can't find what is wrong they want me to pay $1600 to change battery cables, battery and fix shifter.

- Riverside , CA, USA

problem #3

Mar 252015

Optima

  • 220,000 miles
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. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.

- Williamsport, TN, USA

problem #2

Jan 292014

Optima

  • 65,500 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the check engine warning lamp illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the crank shaft sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 65,500.

- Lake In The Hills, IL, USA

problem #1

Apr 012013

Optima 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
I have also been stated as "not included". 2002 Kia Optima V6 LX. The vehicle shakes my entire body upon braking. Radio turns on and off. Radio goes from CD1 error to fm. Lights flicker, air shuts off. Im almost not able to pump gas anymore. Pump handle continuously clicks off. Its pathetic that I am now afraid to drive to work!! I have actually called in for fear of it just deciding to completely stall.

- Jeffersonville, IN, USA

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