2002 Kia Optima structure problems
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2002 Kia Optima — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Nov 13, 2025
“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after he replaced all four tires, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment; however, the mechanic was unable to perform an alignment due to the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…”
filed Nov 14, 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia optima. The contact stated that there were holes from corrosion due to sub-frame rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the sub-frame to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. Upon investigation, the contact…”
filed Jan 28, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL 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…
TSB_BOD055_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 13, 2021Kia: 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. *pe
TSB-026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2009
Structure problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 Optima | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 Optima | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 Optima | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 Optima | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 Optima | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 Optima | 127 | 9% |
| 2012 Optima | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 Optima | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.