2001 Kia Optima recalls and problems

The 2001 Kia Optima has 3 safety recalls and 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

143

Crashes / fires

15 / 0

Injuries / deaths

7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Kia Optima recalls

Recall 09V-183: Suspension

Reported May 27, 2009 · 36,538 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Risk: Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-067: Electrical System

Reported Mar 4, 2003 · 11,501 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 01V-156: Air Bags

Reported May 1, 2001 · 16,231 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Damage to the wire harness could result in the side air bag not deploying in an accident.

Fix: 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.

2001 Kia Optima problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	37
Air Bags	31
Suspension	29
Engine and Engine Cooling	25
Electrical System	20
Latches/Locks/Linkages	16
Power Train	12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	12
Seat Belts	8
Equipment	7
Vehicle Speed Control	7
Visibility	5

Most reported parts

Structure › Frame and Members — 21
Suspension › Front — 17
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 11
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
Air Bags › Frontal — 7
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 5
Structure › Body — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Kia Optima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jan 26, 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 tried to go to the dealer to have them fix my airbags and senses I don't have recall on it they won't fix it ,The air bag is very important and so is the seat belt

Structure · at 90,000 miles · reported Oct 29, 2018

The contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for scheduled maintenance, when the vehicle was placed on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the sub frame was severely rusted and the determined that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Wheels · at 100,000 miles · reported Aug 9, 2016

The contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving 15 MPH, the front passenger side wheel completely detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was 100,000.

Structure · at 130,000 miles · reported Aug 2, 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 that this was the case. After doing some research I found that rusting of the subframe had been recalled but not for the state I live in (Virginia).

Structure · at 190,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2015

The contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving approximately 30 MPH in the rain, the vehicle swerved to the right. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front end needed to be aligned. The vehicle was not repaired because the front subframe was corroded and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Other Kia Optima years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 20022001

Compare all Kia Optima years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Kia Optima: 09V-183 (suspension), 03V-067 (electrical system), 01V-156 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kia Optima?

Owners report structure problems most often (37 reports), followed by air bags (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.