2002 Kia Optima Reviews

Timing belt and serpentine belt broke at 42000 miles.

Electrical problems; clock won't work then works slow, and now won't let me change the time.

Check engine light comes on and off.

I own a 2002 Kia Optima, and had to replace my timing belt and serpentine belt at 42000 miles.

My check engine light has come on and off. Now I'm having issues with my clock. I think it's an electrical issue, because it runs slow and now won't allow me to change the time.

I have to take my car in again because I'm losing my first gear and sometimes the engine won't shift out of 2nd. It happens now and then, which is strange.

I'm glad I found I wasn't the only one dealing with all these strange problems.

I strongly recommend not buying a Kia.

After 6-9 months of owning the '02 Kia Optima, I started having trouble putting gas in the car. It would shut off like the tank was full; this has gotten progressively worse to the point where it clicks off every 1-2 cents and the gas pours back out of my car.

The door to the gas tank opens by itself all the time.

My car locks me in it, and sometimes I can't get in - seems to have a mind of its own!

My tires have been replaced, but seem to wear excessively.

This looks like a great car, but looks can be deceiving.

Replaced all head lights.

Gas cap stopped snapping shut (currently taped shut).

Middle console inside fell apart.

Clock and CD player no longer light up

Back tires replaced twice.

Metal strip above windows starting to come off (currently glued down).

Replaced vacuum hose.

Replaced engine!!! (which luckily my warranty covered).

Replaced battery.

Replaced windshield wipers.

I have had so many problems with my car, and I've only had it for 3 years. It's only 5 years old!

I feels like I need to look into another car, but since I'm slowly replacing everything... it's going to be a good car! Sad that I had to do everything in order for that to be true.

The car is comfortable... but other than that.. I have nothing good to say.

Weather stripping from front window has come loose.

Check engine light comes on continuously, repair shop unable to identify a problem. The light is registering as a problem with the fuel valves, both were replaced, but the light continues to come on and go off every couple of days.

Electrical problem with the front head lights. thought the fuse was blown, but replaced it and lights still won't come on. replaced the light bulbs also, still won't come on.

Turn signal bar is also used to turn brights on, brights turn on with turn signals often and needs to be jiggled to shut off the brights. unfortunately at night it confuses other drivers.

Windshield wipers quit working, but the were fixed under warranty.

Alignment goes out very easily and must be fixed. Learned this the hard way by replacing two sets of tires that were worn completely bald on outer edges. Both times they were replaced after only 20,000 miles.

This car has been a reliable driver, but the little problems I have run into have made my life crazy. Most of the things that have gone wrong did so after the warranty ended (two months after) and the check engine light has me wondering when it is going to explode.

For anyone considering a Kia, it will get you from point a to point b, but the resale value is very low. I have owned my car for 4 years and I still owe more than the vehicle is worth.