2002 Kia Optima vs 2004 Kia Optima
Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
| Metric | 2002 Kia Optima | 2004 Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA complaints | 107 | 225 |
| Recall campaigns | 3 | 1 |
| Service bulletins (TSBs) | 20 | 15 |
| Investigations | 0 | 0 |
| Crash reports | 15 | 8 |
| Fire reports | 4 | 3 |
| NCAP overall rating | — | — |
| EPA MPG (combined) | 18–21 | 21–23 |
| Median reported incident mileage | 85,152 mi | 85,000 mi |
Reported problems side by side
| Component | Kia Optima | Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages | 12 | 81 |
| Structure | 30 | 42 |
| Electrical System | 14 | 45 |
| Air Bags | 19 | 26 |
| Suspension | 21 | 19 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 11 |
| Steering | 8 | 7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | 5 |
Symptoms owners describe
| Rust / corrosion | 28 | 12 |
| Stalling | 13 | 9 |
| Airbag warning light | 8 | 17 |
| Check engine light | 0 | 6 |
2002 Kia Optima
2004 Kia Optima
Compare all Kia Optima vs Kia Optima years →
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.