CarRecallDB

2002 Kia Optima recalls and problems

3 recalls and 107 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Kia Optima.

3
recalls
107
owner complaints
15
complaints mentioning a crash
4
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.

2002 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly

NHTSA campaign 04V180000 · reported April 12, 2004 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 25,803 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 spillage may occur.
The risk
Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began june 25, 2004. Owners should contact kia 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.

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.

Nov 13, 2025 · Structure

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. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked"…

Nov 14, 2022 · Suspension · 111,000 miles

The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after he replaced all four tires, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment; however, the mechanic was unable to perform an alignment due to the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of…

Jan 28, 2021 · Structure · 160,000 miles

TL* 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…

Oct 23, 2019 · Air bags · 107,200 miles

AIR BAG LIGHT ALL OF SUDDEN,AFTER JUST STARTING UP

Oct 11, 2019 · Structure · 143,605 miles

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. I COULD ONLY GO ABOUT 45 OR 50 MPH OR IT WOULD START SHAKING THE ENTIRE CAR AND…

Optima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 3143150
2002 3107154
2003 214182
2004 122583
2005 014471

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

Questions

Does the 2002 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (30 complaints), followed by suspension (21).
How many 2002 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?
15 of 107 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 13, 2025.