7.9

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,390 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Kia Optima:

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

problem #3

May 242002

Optima 4-cyl

  • 16,169 miles
Vehicle model is a 2002 Kia Optima 4 door sedan and the problem is regarding the drivers left door. The power lock door locks on its own immediately after the door is unlocked using the key. The car was then taken to get fixed on 05/24/02 and ounce again the same problem occurred on 01/31/08 this time cost to fix is $233.16. After the problem was fixed, again for the second time, it occurred again. I am convinced that the power locks are defect and dangerous risks of becoming trapped in the car. This problem is unpredictable it occurs from time to time, and I am unable to get it fixed because mechanics must be there to see when problem occurs in order to try to fix it. In one incident I was forced to crawl out of the window in order to get out of the car. I feel very insecure and unsafe in case of an accident if I would be able to get out of the car which is why I am raising awareness of this problem.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 032005

Optima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Contact states when he locks the doors on vehicle it will not unlock.

- Rossford, OH, USA

problem #1

May 312004

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Door locks don't lock consistently. The master switch has been replaced twice.

- Arab, AL, USA