2001 Model Year

Kia Optima

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
143
Recalls
1
Crashes
15
Severe
20

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

01V156000 May 2001

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
Jan 2024

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...

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Nov 2023

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

Structure
Oct 2018

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 V...

STRUCTURE,WHEELS
Sep 2016

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 TOW...

Structure
Feb 2016

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 TH...

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Dec 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPL...

Suspension
Nov 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT...

Steering
Sep 2015

GOT IN CAR TO GO HOME NOTICED CAR STEERING WAS TERRIBLE AS IF I WAS ON ICE IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPT. GOT OUT TO SEE IF I WAS EXPERIENCING A FLAT TIRE NOT...

Structure
Sep 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS LIFTED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 2015

THE FRONT K FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTED AND MAKES LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS AFFECTED THE ALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLE, AND CAN CAUSE A ROAD AC...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2001 Kia Optima has 143 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Structure. 15 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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