CarRecallDB

2001 Kia Optima recalls and problems

3 recalls and 143 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Kia Optima.

3
recalls
143
owner complaints
15
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Kia Optima recalls

Suspension: front

NHTSA campaign 09V183000 · reported May 27, 2009 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 36,538 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Road salt applied in these states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.
The risk
Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: starter assembly

NHTSA campaign 03V067000 · reported March 4, 2003 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 11,501 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Internal gaps within the cases allowed epoxy to contact the printed circuit board, which resulted in cracking of the circuit board capacitor. A damaged ckp capacitor could result in engine stalling.
The fix
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 within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 01V156000 · reported May 1, 2001 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 16,231 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Damage to the wire harness could result in the side air bag not deploying in an accident.
The fix
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 expected to begin during may 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 26, 2024 · Air bags

My air bag light has been on and I've check everything and my seat belt don't lock when its on and the light to the seat belt goes off contented, I've tried to go to the dealer to have them fix my airbags and senses I don't have recall on it they won't fix it ,The air bag is very important and so is the seat belt

Nov 28, 2023 · Air bags

My airbag light on and I've check the fuses in it,Not it,,, My AC,. The drivers door lock , Oxagen senser Crank Shaft,

Oct 29, 2018 · Structure · 90,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE LIFT, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

Aug 9, 2016 · Wheels · 100,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE…

Aug 2, 2016 · Structure · 130,000 miles

I TOOK MY CAR FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS BEGINNING TO SHOW RUST. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND PROVIDER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THIS WAS THE CASE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME HAD BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT FOR THE STATE I LIVE IN (VIRGINIA).

Optima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 3143150
2002 3107154
2003 214182
2004 122583

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on May 27, 2009 (Suspension: front). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (35 complaints), followed by suspension (28).
How many 2001 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?
15 of 143 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 26, 2024.