Model Year Problem Record

Kia Optima 2002 - Problems, Recalls, and Investigations

The complete public record for the 2002 Kia Optima: what owners reported, which systems drew recalls, and where complaints exist that no recall has ever covered.

107Distinct owner complaintsSource: NHTSA Complaints

3Recall campaignsSource: NHTSA Recalls

0Defect investigationsSource: NHTSA Investigations

33Complaints reporting a crash or fireOwner Reports, Unverified

Complaints by System

Distinct complaints naming each system, most reported first. Select a system for its own page.

Did a Recall Cover It?

The join between complaints and recalls for this model year, system by system. A gap does not prove a defect - it means owners reported the problem and no recall campaign covers that system on this model year.

Vehicle Structure33 complaints

33 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Suspension22 complaints

22 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 09V183000.

Air Bags20 complaints

20 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Electrical System17 complaints

17 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 03V067000.

Brakes13 complaints

13 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Latches, Locks and Linkages12 complaints

12 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Engine11 complaints

11 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Steering8 complaints

8 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Fuel and Propulsion System6 complaints

6 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 04V180000.

Power Train6 complaints

6 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Wheels5 complaints

5 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Equipment3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Speed Control2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Visibility2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seat Belts2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Lighting2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Tires1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seats1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Unknown Or Other1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Recall Campaigns

Every campaign covering this model year, in our own words. The campaign number is the official reference.

03V067000Reported March 4, 2003 - 11,501 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical System. Recall covering the electrical system system, reported to NHTSA on March 4, 2003. The campaign covers an estimated 11,501 vehicles across all affected models.

04V180000Reported April 12, 2004 - 25,803 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel and Propulsion System. Recall covering the fuel and propulsion system system, reported to NHTSA on April 12, 2004. The campaign covers an estimated 25,803 vehicles across all affected models.

09V183000Reported May 27, 2009 - 36,538 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension. Recall covering the suspension system, reported to NHTSA on May 27, 2009. The campaign covers an estimated 36,538 vehicles across all affected models.

Complaints by Year Received

When this model year's complaints reached NHTSA - whether its problems surfaced early or late in its life.

20021

20034

200414

20059

200610

20074

20087

20099

20104

20115

20126

20138

20148

20155

20167

20171

20192

20211

20221

20251

How to Read These Counts: complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not failure rates. Older and higher-volume vehicles accumulate more reports, and counts are not adjusted for vehicles sold - no per-sales rate or reliability ranking is shown, because the public data does not support one.

Data as of October 30, 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaints, recalls, and investigations files (U.S. Government public domain). DefectRecord is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. For your specific vehicle, use NHTSA's VIN lookup. Report an error.