2001 Kia Optima
3 Recalls · 100 Complaints · 0 Crashes · 2 Fires
3
Recalls
100
Complaints
2
Fires
No crashes reported
The 2001 Kia Optima has 3 recalls and 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. No crashes have been reported. 2 fires have been reported. The most common issue involves air bags:side/window.
- Owner complaints have reported 2 fires linked to this vehicle, based on NHTSA data.
Recalls (3)
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
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 E...
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
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 WIT...
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, OHI...
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.
Owner Complaints (100)
BOTH front door actuators have failed. Can NOT open the front passenger side door at ALL and the front driver side door will ONLY OPEN from the INSIDE. My passenger had to exit the vehicle through the front passenger side window when the door malfunctioned in January. Then about 2 weeks later we could no longer open the front driver's side door from the outside. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My front seat passenger was trapped in the car. Luckily the window was able to roll down and my passenger was limber enough to crawl out through the window.
Over a year ago, my vehicles engine began ticking. On 12/14/2024, while driving the vehicle, it developed a rod knock, went into a limp mode and was towed back to our house. I eventually took the vehicle to Honda in Beaumont, Tx where they did an inspection of the vehicle and verbally told me it was the crankshaft, but would not provide me any documentation stating that. According to the lady at the desk, the service tech had never seen or heard of an issue like this in these vans. I was quoted almost $10,000 to replace the engine with a salvage yard engine with almost as many miles on it. I knew prior to taking it to Honda that there was a recall that did not cover my vehicle regarding this same issue. The vehicle is still parked at my house being started occasionally to keep battery charged.
I was sold this 2024 Mazda cx30 from Ken ganley kia located in mentor Ohio (44060) the vehicle started showing major electrical issues. when they occur I have no control of the functions of anything in the cabin (infotainment, heat/air, braking system,) just to name a few. My wife and I were assured we were purchasing a good safe and reliable used vehicle. I feel this vehicle is extremely unsafe and unpredictable and ken ganley kia of mentor refuse to take this unsafe vehicle back or even pay for the repairs. I am utterly disappointed such a big name in the auto industry could turn there back on a customer not only that let a young family pull off in a unpredictable electrical nightmare of a vehicle and refuse to stand by it.
While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Flames erupted from the front of the vehicle. We called 911, which dispatched the fire department. The LAFD responded, cutting open the hood in order to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a yard following the incident. The vehicle and its contents were declared a total loss. BWM North America dispatched a technician to inspect the vehicle. After inspection, the manufacturer indicated that the starter was the source of the fire. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to a safety recall related to the starter with no remedy available. The failure occurred without warning. Both occupants were exposed to heavy smoke.
we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.
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Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Data reflects all recalls and owner complaints on file.