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2002 Kia Optima locks problems

12 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Doors: latch
    3

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Optima locks problems in other years

2001200520102019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Kia Optima locks

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Door locks 12

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2002 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Mar 14, 2014 · Body, Locks · 85,000 miles · MA

Front door fails to unlock after multiple attempts. Door must be unlocked with a key, using the power locks or manually flipping the door lock doesn't do it, and the key only unlocks it approximately 1 out of every 20 tries. There are multiple complaints about this online, see for instance: http://www.kia-forums.com/1g-2g-2001-2006-magentis-optima/47179-2004-optima-door-lock-fault.html.

Filed May 28, 2013 · Locks · 150,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that the front driver's side door would not unlock with the key fob or manually. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated the door lock motor would have to be replaced. After the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2011 · Locks · 43,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated the front drivers side door would not open after it was locked. The driver was forced to enter and exit the vehicle by climbing out of the window. The dealer was notified; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileage was 43,000. Once the driver side door is locked it cannot be unlocked for the inside or using a key for the outside. After working the lock for sometime it may unlock or stay locked. What we do now is to leave the car unlocked which is not the best idea. The problem is not getting into the car but getting out. No recall from kia. Updated 10/26/2011 *ln

Filed May 24, 2011 · Locks · 161,000 miles · PA

Door locks when using the door handle to open the door after the door has been unlocked using key or keyless entry. So far only been locked out of the car, but concerned I will be locked in the car at some point.

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Locks · 25,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that the drivers side door would not unlock by using the key or the keyless entry. The contact had to entered through the passenger side of the vehicle in order to unlock the drivers side door. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was concerned about the safety issue being addressed by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2009 · Locks · 75,095 miles · CO

Was locked inside vehicle. After climbing out window, was locked out of vehicle. The door would unlock with key then when you try to open door it locks itself, even with key still in door. When this happens door will not open by manual use of locks either.

Filed Dec 10, 2008 · Airbags, Fuel system · 86,020 miles · FM

After buying the vehicle from a auto dealer between july 2 and july 5 ...this vehicle began to have many problems like the audio receiver switch from radio to cd on its own,doors locks on its own,RPM runs to 4000 going 45mph after a hard jerk assuming that I was hit by a other car the air bag light came on after that 2 hard jerks while driving,,(they didn't even deployed) can not pump gas due to fuel keeps over flowing when its barely empty ....its been a living ?!@#$% and I'm still paying for the car....is it legal for a dealership to sell a vehicle like this.

Filed May 26, 2008 · Locks · 102,000 miles · MN

2002 kia optima -- when you unlock the doors either manually or with key fob and attempt to open the passenger door it immediately locks and does not allow you to exit the vehicle. It locks from both inside and outside of vehicle. This incident has happened in the past approximately april of 2005 with the exception it also included the driver door. Had to climb out of window to exit vehicle.

Filed Feb 21, 2008 · Locks · 16,169 miles · CA

Vehicle model is a 2002 kia optima 4 door sedan and the problem is regarding the drivers left door. The power lock door locks on its own immediately after the door is unlocked using the key. The car was then taken to get fixed on 05/24/02 and ounce again the same problem occurred on 01/31/08 this time cost to fix is $233.16. After the problem was fixed, again for the second time, it occurred again. I am convinced that the power locks are defect and dangerous risks of becoming trapped in the car. This problem is unpredictable it occurs from time to time, and I am unable to get it fixed because mechanics must be there to see when problem occurs in order to try to fix it. In one incident I was forced to crawl out of the window in order to get out of the car. I feel very insecure and unsafe in case of an accident if I would be able to get out of the car which is why I am raising awareness of this problem.

Questions about the 2002 Kia Optima locks

Does the 2002 Kia Optima have locks problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the locks of the 2002 Kia Optima, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 Kia Optima locks problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2002 Kia Optima locks?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2002 Kia Optima problems

Body 30Suspension 21Airbags 19Electrical 14Brakes 12Engine 11Steering 8Fuel system 6Transmission 6Wheels 5Acceleration 2Lights 2Seat belts 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Seats 1Tires 1

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