2001 Kia Optima Problems
Below Average Complaints
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2001 Kia Optima.
Complaints
231
Crashes
26
Fires
0
Injuries
18
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0
Worst 2001 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#121 complaints
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Avg mileage:101,596 mi
#217 complaints
AIR BAGS
Avg mileage:82,429 mi
Crash-related:8
#317 complaints
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Avg mileage:123,645 mi
Considering a 2001 Kia Optima?
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2001 Kia Optima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 21 | — | — | 101,596 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 17 | 8 | — | 82,429 mi | |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 17 | — | — | 123,645 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 11 | — | — | 34,268 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 10 | — | — | 38,238 mi | |
| SUSPENSION | 10 | 1 | — | 132,962 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 9 | — | — | 16,452 mi | |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 7 | 5 | — | 83,250 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7 | — | — | 26,004 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 7 | — | — | 28,333 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 6 | — | — | 35,721 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 | 1 | — | 63,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) | 5 | — | — | 74,500 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 5 | — | — | 35,725 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 5 | — | — | 98,600 mi | |
| WHEELS | 5 | 1 | — | 115,000 mi | |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 4 | — | — | 87,000 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS | 4 | 1 | — | 115,233 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 | — | — | 45,000 mi | |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 3 | 1 | — | 53,500 mi | |
| AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 3 | 1 | — | 151,000 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 3 | — | — | 18,481 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 3 | — | — | 54,000 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 3 | — | — | 9,250 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| STRUCTURE | 3 | 1 | — | 93,406 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 3 | — | — | 5,000 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 2 | — | — | 18,481 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 2 | — | — | 5,000 mi | |
| ENGINE | 2 | — | — | 105,000 mi |
Other Kia Optima Years
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2001 Kia Optima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99