2001 KIA Optima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Optima › 2001
These records cover every 2001 KIA Optima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 KIA Optima. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 within a reasonable time should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
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 and remedy
Risk
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 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.
Owner complaints
143 complaints15 involved a crash7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
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
- Air bags · Engine · Unknown or other
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 › Body · Structure › Frame and members
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 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.…
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 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. *tt *jb
- Structure › Body · Wheels
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 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 › Body
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 › Frame and members · Suspension
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 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…
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 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.
- Suspension
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 the axle had fractured due to severe corrosion on the motor mount brackets. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000…
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 the axle had fractured due to severe corrosion on the motor mount brackets. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contact and informed that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 236,000.
- Steering
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 noticed the two front tires weren't lined up correctly. After getting to a garage and having the two front tires removed it was found that the front…
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 noticed the two front tires weren't lined up correctly. After getting to a garage and having the two front tires removed it was found that the front subframe on passenger side of car had rusted and broken!!!! It needed replaced. I haven't been able to do so as of yet :( something needs to be done about all these 2001 optimas that are still on the street in desperate need of recall. I could of easily have wrecked and injured myself or someone else.
- Structure › Body
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 of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the sub frame of the vehicle was indeed corroded and…
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 of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the sub frame of the vehicle was indeed corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
- Unknown or other
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 accident or fatality.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 01v156000 (air bags) but as advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The vehicle was previously included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The technician did not find corrosion of the frame at that time and did not perform any repair. The contact stated…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The vehicle was previously included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The technician did not find corrosion of the frame at that time and did not perform any repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the sides. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the sub frame was fractured on the front passenger side destroying the axel and tie rods. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
- Suspension › Front
2001 KIA optima. consumer writes in regards to sub-frame recall. *smd the consumer believed he was treated unfairly and charged exorbitant repair charges that should have been included in the recall. on october 25, 2012, as the consumer's girlfriend was driving the vehicle, the sub-frame…
2001 KIA optima. consumer writes in regards to sub-frame recall. *smd the consumer believed he was treated unfairly and charged exorbitant repair charges that should have been included in the recall. on october 25, 2012, as the consumer's girlfriend was driving the vehicle, the sub-frame collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the nearest repair facility, where it was determined the vehicle was not repairable. The vehicle was then towed to a KIA dealership. The dealership agreed to replace the sub-frame, but they stated they would not repair any other damage caused as a result of the separation. The consumer was informed he would be responsible for the tow charges, plus an additional $1,100-$1,150 to repair other rusty areas under the vehicle. The consumer believed that any subsequent damages caused by the sub-frame corrosion and separation should be included in the recall repairs that were needed to make the vehicle road worthy. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
As I was leaving my neighborhood, my car drifted to the right and fell on top of the right front tire. after inspection of the car, we noticed that there was a hole in the subframe where the suspension broke apart. insurance informed me of recall sc075 and not KIA. insurance will not cover because of recall and KIA will not cover because they did not recall it, they say. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would veer to the right independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnose that due to the moisture from the air conditioner the cross bar became corroded. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would veer to the right independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnose that due to the moisture from the air conditioner the cross bar became corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 122,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change when she was advised that there was a hole in the engine cradle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they stated that the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change when she was advised that there was a hole in the engine cradle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they stated that the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 120,000. The vin was not available.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the driver was driving 65 mph when the front passenger side of the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact noticed that the tire was stuck to the side of the vehicle and the fender well was damaged.…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the driver was driving 65 mph when the front passenger side of the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact noticed that the tire was stuck to the side of the vehicle and the fender well was damaged. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The dealer was notified and they stated that there were no warranties covering the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 157,930.
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward while it was stopped. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward while it was stopped. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the rear brakes intermittently seized. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000. ...Updated 07/19/12 *bf the consumer stated one of the rear brake had jammed and only applied brake pressure from one side, causing the brake pad on one side to wear metal to metal, while the brake on the other side of the disk had little wear. Updated 07/23/12
- Engine and engine cooling
Defect #2032 engine families 1kmxv02.5d01 improperly made crankshaft position sensors didn't meet dimensional specifications. Epoxy flowed between gaps in cases and contacted the printed circuit board result cracked circuit board capacitor. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair and they detected the sub frame completely rusted. In addition, the front driver's side wheel assembly separated from the sub frame. There was a recall associated with…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair and they detected the sub frame completely rusted. In addition, the front driver's side wheel assembly separated from the sub frame. There was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 09v183000 (suspension: front). The vehicle was ineligible under the recall due to not being currently registered or originally sold in the states mentioned in the recall. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
- Suspension · Suspension › Front
While driving in a neighborhood, my daughter heard a loud "pop" and then the car came to a stop and shuddered. I got there and did a quick look and I noticed the driver side inside cv joint had failed and was leaking the grease out of the boot. We towed it home and was able to jack the car up and…
While driving in a neighborhood, my daughter heard a loud "pop" and then the car came to a stop and shuddered. I got there and did a quick look and I noticed the driver side inside cv joint had failed and was leaking the grease out of the boot. We towed it home and was able to jack the car up and get a better view of the area and noticed the lower arm of suspension had pulled from the rusted frame. Looks like the same thing IS happening on the passenger side. I came in to look up parts needed and found the recall info #09v183000 that showed the same exact problem we have but doesn't include kansas??? I actually bought this in missouri, which IS included??? I believe this should be covered. Please reply asap. *tr
- Suspension › Front
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the front passenger tire bent inward abnormally. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the sub-frame had caved in. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the front passenger tire bent inward abnormally. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the sub-frame had caved in. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the vehicle would be repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). There was additional damage to the struts as a result of the failure but the dealer refused to perform any repairs outside of what was stated would be repaired in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 90,000. The vin was unavailable. updated 02/09/12*lj
- Suspension › Front
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated after having his vehicle aligned the front passenger side sub framed collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the sub frame and the control arm were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated after having his vehicle aligned the front passenger side sub framed collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the sub frame and the control arm were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 126,000.
- Suspension › Front
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that when driving various speeds, the steering wheel would become hard to control, which caused the tires to wear prematurely.the contact called the manufacturer and was told that his vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that when driving various speeds, the steering wheel would become hard to control, which caused the tires to wear prematurely.the contact called the manufacturer and was told that his vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v183000 (suspension:front). The contact stated that the reason the vehicle was not included was that virgina was not listed as a salt belt state, which the recall only pertainined to those vehicle that were located in salt belt states. The failure mileage was 210,000. Updated 06/01/11*lj
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v183000, suspension: front was related to the corrosion on the front sub frame of his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who sprayed an under coating on the bottom to cover the rust, corrosion and…
Tl*the contact owns 2001 KIA optima. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v183000, suspension: front was related to the corrosion on the front sub frame of his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who sprayed an under coating on the bottom to cover the rust, corrosion and replaced the sub frame. After routine maintenance, he found the entire bottom of the vehicle including the fuel well covered with rust again. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 113,400.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power door lock failure
Investigation failed to disclose a malfunction with a clear and consistent pattern of compromise to motor vehicle safety.failure of the subject door locks may impede normal egress of a vehicle occupant but does not entrap the occupant.complaints and warranty data document the deficiencies of the door lock system, but…
Investigation failed to disclose a malfunction with a clear and consistent pattern of compromise to motor vehicle safety.failure of the subject door locks may impede normal egress of a vehicle occupant but does not entrap the occupant.complaints and warranty data document the deficiencies of the door lock system, but these malfunctions have not been accompanied by a history of demonstrated safety related implications.details regarding this investigation are contained in the engineering analysis closing report.further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that a safety related defect does not exist.the agency may take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Power door lock failure
This pe disclosed that the subject vehicles have experienced incidents of the alleged defect in significant numbers.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea04-030) to facilitate a thorough review of the matter, including evaluation of the potential safety-related consequences.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10034246KIA: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may cause the mil to illuminate and a dtc p1330 (spark timing adjust) to be stored.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10031006KIA: during a service procedure that requires the subframe to be removed from a 2001-2005 optima (ms) (V-6 or I-4), an improved service procedure has been developed to enhance service efficiency.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10023626This bulletin provides information relating to an engine hesitation or the illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) for p0123 (throttle position sensor / switch (a) circuit high input).
- 10022959Supplement restraint system (srs) warning lamp illumination for b1378 and b1382.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
- 10015272Improved timing belts for the KIA rio and optima.
- 10006107Service manager notification regarding engine control module reprogram and oxygen sensor replacement.
- 10006106Dealer principal notification regarding engine control module reprogram and oxygen sensor replacement.
- 10006105Questions and answers for campaign sc037 engine control module (ecm) reprogram and oxygen sensor replacement.
- 10006104Owner notification regarding campaign sc037 to replace the engine control module (ecm) and oxygen sensor.
- 10006103A service campaign for possible O2 sensor malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination. KIA will reprogram the engine control module (ecm) and replace the oxygen sensors as needed.
- 10002355Optima charging system - V6 engine.
- 10001683Service campaign to replace oxygen sensors and to reprogram the engine control module (ecm) to reduce incidence of malfunction indicator lamp illumination with oxygen sensor related diagnostic trouble codes.
- 633730Malfunction indicator light illumination with oxygen sensors related diagnostic trouble codes.
- 633729Change in diagnostic trouble code p0128, thermostat malfunction, logic.
- 625168Towing capacity.
- 622194This bulletin provides information related to the repair of certain vehicles with sunroof drain tube water leak complaints.
Every KIA Optima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.