2002 Kia Optima electrical problems

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Body, Electrical · AZ

locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way to get to safety. In researching online this is a common problem and there is a part in the lock mechanism that gets stuck so the door does not unlock and cannot open. It appears it has been reported several times on the year of my car and other years but nothing has been done. There is no warning that this will happen, you just lock the doors and then it doesn't unlock.

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Electrical · NE

My 16 year old just purchased a 2002 kia optima sedan on saturday 8/20/2016 from a used car dealership. Very first car, his own earned savings. Upon finalizing the paperwork, we literally walked out the door & immediately were unable to unlock his driver's door with the key fob. The car was stationary, not running, parked in all instances in regards to this complaint. Coincidentally, it worked perfect for our test drive. I do also have signed documentation stating the car lot does nothing to the car electronically, mechanically or otherwise as well if needed. I was hopeful it was the key fob battery, but it's been replaced & still not working. We've had the same issue with all the locks since & no success to unlock when needed. He uses the driver's side the vast majority of the time, but all without warning will not lock or unlock with no rhyme or reason. He's had to crawl over from the passenger side to get in every time. My nightmare as any parents is god forbid a fire start or he accidentally goes into a body of water & is trapped. I realize it's an older car bought used, but I see there are dozens of complaints about the locks, not just on your site. Even a class action lawsuit that was mysteriously "voluntarily dismissed" by the plaintiff in 2015. Case no. [xxx] from what I can see. Where is the recall? What does it take to have one issued? We don't have the financial capability to pay for a manufacturer defect that is already been uncovered yet amazingly no one is required to repair? Nor do I feel we should have to. Another point to note is every single VIN # I've seen complaints on this site, are in very close numerical succession with ours. I have to say it seems very unlikely it's sheer coincidence. I understand companies need to guard their "bottom line" but what cost? I sincerely appreciate your time & feedback. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 2, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 220,000 miles · TN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. After starting the vehicle, flames started to emit from underneath the hood due to the wiring near the starter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Electrical, Locks · 70,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that the actuator door locks for the front driver and passenger doors failed. The contact stated that the window was used in order to enter the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The the front passenger actuator was repaired previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Nov 27, 2013 · Body, Brakes · 137,858 miles · MO

We have had ongoing problems with a 2002 kia optima, including tire wear, brake problems, electrical issues, excessive battery wear. This week we were notified by our auto shop that there is excessive rust on the subframe and that a recall exists for this condition. When I contacted both our local dealer and kia corporate, I was told that this particular VIN is not included in the recall, although the recall clearly states that it does meet the parameters. Upon further research, it appears that many others have experienced the same problems and been given the same information. Currently, we are left with a car that is a danger to drive and enormous personal expense to resolve.

Filed Sep 28, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · IN

I have also been stated as "not included". 2002 kia optima v6 lx. The vehicle shakes my entire body upon braking. Radio turns on and off. Radio goes from cd1 error to fm. Lights flicker, air shuts off. Im almost not able to pump gas anymore. Pump handle continuously clicks off. Its pathetic that I am now afraid to drive to work!! I have actually called in for fear of it just deciding to completely stall.

Filed Aug 6, 2013 · Electrical · 102,000 miles · IN

When you turn my car on it does not want to turn off. When you are driving the car it suddenly shuts off and stops. I have read similar reports of the same thing happening and under the recalls it lists this as a complication. I have called kia and was told that my VIN number doesn't have a recall on it and was told that any repairs would be out of pocket. I have already had to replace the top half of my motor costing me 3500 out of pocket for well know problems and recalls that were not included in this cars VIN number I do not think a car should have this many issues and or repairs in the last year alone I have put 2 grand into this car I am very unhappy about this situation everything that has been recalled already I have had to fix it out of my pocket because this model of car is not included in the recalls I don't feel like this car is safe to drive and I have 2 small children who ride in the car I can not risk my children's lives and have this car shutting off in the middle of the road. I need something done about all the problems going on in this car due to manufacturing defaults.

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Electrical · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number 03v067000 (electrical system:starter assembly). The manufacturer informed the contact that the repairs were made prior to the contact owning the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked the contact was unable to turn the vehicle off. The contact had to disconnect the battery in order to turn the vehicle off. The vehicle would also stall while driving. The vehicle also failed to start intemittently; however, the failures became progressively worse over time and failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Electrical · 74,000 miles · RI

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact researched her insurance agency's website and noticed a recall for the crank position sensor. The kia dealer stated that the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v067000 (electrical system:starter assembly) does not apply to her VIN. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle automatically stopped. She took the vehicle to another dealer and the vehicle was repaired at the contacts expense. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 74,000 and current mileage was 77,000. Updated 02-14-08 *bf updated 02/14/08

Filed May 17, 2007 · Electrical · 72,000 miles · TX

While driving on route i10 in houston, tx car stalled/would not start. Towed car to gas station and had it jumped. Did not help. Towed to a mechanic shop, where I was told that it was the crankshaft position sensor that needed to be repaired. This part was found to be defective in kia optimas in 2001 and 2002. While researching the part online I found that the federal safety agency recalled the 2001 and 2002 optimas because, and I quote form the federal safety agency website" 2001-02 w/v6: two seaerate recalls for improperly manufactured crankshaft position sensors could result in engine stalling while driving. Dealers will replace affected parts. *ak I called the kia dealership which said that my VIN number was not affected in the recall. I find it a bit ironic, and I am now filing this complaint that my vehicle should be included.