2001 Kia Optima Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES
NHTSA campaign 01V156000 · Air Bags · filed May 1, 2001 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER POSITION COULD BE MIS-ROUTED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN IT BEING PINCHED OR CUT BY THE SEAT CUSHION TILT MECHANISM.
The risk
DAMAGE TO THE WIRE HARNESS COULD RESULT IN THE SIDE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL CHECK FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS AND SECURE IT IN PLACE WITH A PLASTIC TIE-WRAP. IF THE WIRE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Kia Optima recalls
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- 2016–2018 Kia Optima and 3 other models — Trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the…
- 2012–2013 Kia Optima — Right and left headliner plates may not be secured…
- 2013–2014 Kia Optima — Low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing…
- 2013–2015 Kia Optima and 1 other model — Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic…
Other campaigns involving Kia vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 01V156000 (manufacturer number SC020). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.