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2001 Kia Optima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Kia Optima do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

84 reports with mileage · 59 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports0 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

143 reports
113,000 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTMA. THE FRONT SUB-FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF, AND IT COLLAPSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS, SINCE THE STATE OF TEXAS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 09V183000, SUSPENSION FRONT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTMA. THE FRONT SUB-FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED IN HALF, AND IT COLLAPSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS, SINCE THE STATE OF TEXAS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 09V183000, SUSPENSION FRONT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 113,000. UPDATED 05/07/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/14/10

NHTSA ODI #10312001

113,000 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Structure

KMC'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. SC075 THE SUB FRAME ON OUR KIA OPTIMA 2001 HAS RUSTED THROUGH THIS CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND STRUT TO COLLAPSE INWARD PINNING THE WHEEL AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE AND DAMAGING THE TIRE. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. KIA SAYS THEY WILL ONLY HONOR THE DAMAGES IN A NORTHERN STATE.... THAT USES ROAD SALT BUT WE…

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KMC'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. SC075 THE SUB FRAME ON OUR KIA OPTIMA 2001 HAS RUSTED THROUGH THIS CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND STRUT TO COLLAPSE INWARD PINNING THE WHEEL AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE AND DAMAGING THE TIRE. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. KIA SAYS THEY WILL ONLY HONOR THE DAMAGES IN A NORTHERN STATE.... THAT USES ROAD SALT BUT WE LIVE ON THE GULF COAST THAT IS ALSO A SLAT HAZARD AREA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10311989

138,000 miles · Jan 4, 2010
StructureSuspensionWheels

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 65 TO INDIANA, IN FOUR LANE TRAFFIC MY KIA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME AND LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARM CAUSING SEPARATION. MY HUSBAND AND I COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE. I LOVED MY CAR AND I PRAISE THE KIA, NOW T…

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WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 65 TO INDIANA, IN FOUR LANE TRAFFIC MY KIA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME AND LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARM CAUSING SEPARATION. MY HUSBAND AND I COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE. I LOVED MY CAR AND I PRAISE THE KIA, NOW THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT ME OR OTHER PEOPLE IN KENTUCKY. THEY WANT FIX MY CAR BUT MOST OF THE STATES AROUND MY STATE IS DOING SO, THEY ARE THOUSANDS OF RECALLS ON ALL OTHER CAR'S I AM SENDING A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A. I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL KY OR KIA IS ALLOWING VEHICLE IN KY NOT BE IN THE RECALLS. TELLS ME PEOPLE IN KY JUST DON'T MATTER TO KIA OR KY , WE ARE PEOPLE TO, AND THIS CAR WOULD HAVE LAST ME A LIFE TIME I AM SURE IF THIS HAD NOT HAPPEN. JUST BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE SYSTEM , EVEN THOUGH 2001 - 2004 KIA OPTIMA HAS BEEN RECALL KY LAGS BEHIND AND DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ME. MY CAR IS JUST JUNK NOW AND I CAN NOT BUY ANOTHER. I WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HOW THEY ARE TREATING ME I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10298148

138,000 miles · Jan 4, 2010
StructureSuspensionWheels

WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 65 TO INDIANA, IN FOUR LANE TRAFFIC MY KIA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME AND LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARM CAUSING SEPARATION. MY HUSBAND AND I COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE. I LOVED MY CAR AND I PRAISE THE KIA, NOW T…

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WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 KIA OPTIMA ON NORTH INTERSTATE 65 TO INDIANA, IN FOUR LANE TRAFFIC MY KIA RIGHT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY CAME OFF DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUB-FRAME AND LOWER WHEEL CONTROL ARM CAUSING SEPARATION. MY HUSBAND AND I COULD HAVE BOTH BEEN KILL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE. I LOVED MY CAR AND I PRAISE THE KIA, NOW THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT ME OR OTHER PEOPLE IN KENTUCKY. THEY WANT FIX MY CAR BUT MOST OF THE STATES AROUND MY STATE IS DOING SO, THEY ARE THOUSANDS OF RECALLS ON ALL OTHER CAR'S I AM SENDING A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A. I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL KY OR KIA IS NOT ALLOWING VEHICLE IN KY NOT BE IN THE RECALLS. TELLS ME PEOPLE IN KY JUST DON'T MATTER TO KIA OR KY , WE ARE PEOPLE TO, AND THIS CAR WOULD HAVE LAST ME A LIFE TIME I AM SURE IF THIS HAD NOT HAPPEN. JUST BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER. WAS NOT IN THE SYSTEM , EVEN THOUGH 2001 - 2004 KIA OPTIMA HAS BEEN RECALL KY LAGS BEHIND AND DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ME. MY CAR IS JUST JUNK NOW AND I CAN NOT BUY ANOTHER. I WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HOW THEY ARE TREATING ME I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10298143

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2009
Suspension

2001 KIA OPTIMA SUBFRAME HAS A PROBLEM WITH CORROSION. *NJ THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AND TRIED TO BRING THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF KIA. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT, WHEN THE SUBFRAME RUSTED THRO…

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2001 KIA OPTIMA SUBFRAME HAS A PROBLEM WITH CORROSION. *NJ THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AND TRIED TO BRING THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF KIA. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT, WHEN THE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND CRACKED. THE SUBFRAME WAS BEING HELD BY ONE BOLT. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL 09V183000. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10290669

62,728 miles · Oct 18, 2009
Structure

WE HAVE A 2001 KIA OPTIMA AND OUR WHEELS CAVED IN BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT COST US 2,500.00. THEY REFUSED TO WARRANTY IT. WE SUBMITTED REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION FEELING IT SHOULD BE COVERED ESPECIALLY ON A CAR WITH ONLY 49,000 MILES. THEY REFUSED. NOW A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND YET THEY ARE DRAGGING THERE FEET. IT HAS B…

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WE HAVE A 2001 KIA OPTIMA AND OUR WHEELS CAVED IN BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME RUSTED OUT COST US 2,500.00. THEY REFUSED TO WARRANTY IT. WE SUBMITTED REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION FEELING IT SHOULD BE COVERED ESPECIALLY ON A CAR WITH ONLY 49,000 MILES. THEY REFUSED. NOW A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND YET THEY ARE DRAGGING THERE FEET. IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER 6 MONTHS NOW AND STILL NOTHING. I FEEL WE SHOULD ALL BAND TOGETHER AND FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST KIA FOR ISSUES AND THERE POOR HANDLING OF THERE CAR OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10288882

110,000 miles · Sep 16, 2009
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #09V183000, SUSPENSION, FRONT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OVER THREE WEEKS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO SERVICE A LARGE VOLUME OF VEHICLES. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE SAFETY HAZARD IS STILL PRESENT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #09V183000, SUSPENSION, FRONT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OVER THREE WEEKS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED SINCE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO SERVICE A LARGE VOLUME OF VEHICLES. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE SAFETY HAZARD IS STILL PRESENT. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10284138

151,000 miles · Aug 31, 2009
Air Bags

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG (IN FRONT DRIVER SEAT) DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR DID I HIT ANYTHING. THERE WAS NO EVIDENT CAUSE ON WHY THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THEY JUST LOOK AT IT DID NO DIAGNOSTIC OR ANYTHING AND TOLD ME IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CALLED T…

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WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG (IN FRONT DRIVER SEAT) DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR DID I HIT ANYTHING. THERE WAS NO EVIDENT CAUSE ON WHY THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THEY JUST LOOK AT IT DID NO DIAGNOSTIC OR ANYTHING AND TOLD ME IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THE SAME THING BUT DID SEND IN A AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CASE REPORT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10282420

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2009
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT) FOR HIS VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE HE LIVES IN VIRGINIA. THE RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO CERTAIN STATES. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE SYMPT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V183000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT) FOR HIS VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE HE LIVES IN VIRGINIA. THE RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO CERTAIN STATES. HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE SYMPTOMS WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD ALSO HAVE TO HAUL THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A REPAIR SHOP AND IS NOT IN DRIVING CONDITION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10279191

100,000 miles · Jul 5, 2009
StructureWheelsCrash

I HAVE A 2001 KIA AND ON JULY 5 2009 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE LEFT LANE AND MY TIRE HAS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME IT MESSED UP MY BUMPER AND THE HOLE UNDERNEATH OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275814

Official recalls

3

09V183000 · Suspension:front

May 27, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

03V067000 · Electrical System:starter Assembly

Mar 4, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

01V156000 · Air Bags:side/window

May 1, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE WIRE HARNESS COULD RESULT IN THE SIDE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA04030 · Power Door Lock Failure

Opened Nov 4, 2004 · Closed Nov 7, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM, BUT THESE MALFUNCTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY A HISTORY OF DEMONSTRATED SAFETY RELATED IMPLICATIONS.DETAILS REGARDING THIS INVESTIGATION ARE CONTAINED IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT.FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

PE04050 · Power Door Lock Failure

Opened Jul 7, 2004 · Closed Nov 4, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.