2002 Kia Optima SE V6 from North America - Comments

The Brake calipers on the rear were both replaced due to not releasing properly.

Both 0/2 sensors have been replaced.

Both headlights replaced due to moisture getting inside.

Rear window degogger..4 heat lines not working (not replaced due to no way to produce moisture on back window at the dealership)

Seat belt system connection error causing ABS light to stay on.

Pushing electric door lock locking only drivers door and not the other doors (replaced arm rest panel, actuator and still not operational)

now the electric brain is now on order.

What to do, when you really like a car, but taking all of my Monday days off ecept 5 in 7 months, in the dealership getting things replaced.

The dealership has been super, but the car definitely has inferior parts, requiring replacement and sometimes more than once.

The car rides well... decent mpg...looks great... adequate power...great features...

I am having similar difficulties with my 2004 Optima 4-cyl

My "lock" problem is a little different though. If I lock my doors using the electric switch, I can't get the driver's door open again except by sliding out the passenger door, going around and wrestling with the key until I hear a "snap" then I can get in. This process can take as long as ten minutes.

Door lock issues are very common for these models (01-06). I have had 2 Optimas. 01 SE and 03 LV... both have had various door issues.

03 LX driver door would not open from either inside or outside (dealer installed new lock internals). Then power locks began failing within 6 mos. Would not lock automatically except the driver door and would not unlock except the diver door. Went to dealer 3 times. Their fix would last about 1 month... then the problem returns. Still there just lock/unlock manually now.

01 SE doors keep locking even when you press unlock. Makes it impossible to get out of the car. Have to jiggle the door latch to the proper spot and coordinate unlocking of door handle. Solution... remove power door lock fuse. No more issue.

We are having electrical nightmares with our 2002 KIA Optima. The charging system has gone nuts. Sometimes the alternator is working other times not. We have replaced the cables, had the alternator tested, both in the car and out, at a couple of different shops. We are hoping to find some tips/clues online as to what the problem may be. Please help.

2002 Kia Optima SE, 4 cyl. Have always had electrical problems with this car. Passenger side window stopped working twice under warranty. Headlights and fog lights kept burning out - usually one a month. Had voltage regulator changed. Then crankshaft position sensor went when car was right out of warranty. It was recalled on 6 cyl, but not 4 cyl. Airbag and check engine light have stayed on since then. Not sure if airbag will deploy in accident. Now having trouble with door locks. At times, I have to unlock with key, then physically unlock each door with button, then I can use key again. Driver's side window very slow to go up, almost stopping. Very slow cranking and has gone dead after sitting for one day. Battery less than one year old. Car is paid off and was planning on giving it to my daughter, but not worth the hassle. Trading up for a Honda.

Also had 2003 Optima. It was a nightmare! Cost more to run than it was worth.

In regards to the rear defrost just have the dealer test the voltage on the lines to see which ones are bad. They also sell a metallic paint to repair this problem. If you know what lines are bad look for a small break in the line and repair it.

Please. Those KIA Optima's are a waste of money. Parts are hard to find, electrical problems every month, automatic locks don't work, tape deck and CD player don't work properly, lugnuts on tires are hard to remove, even when they are new. Not worth all the money, KIA should be investigated by someone, somewhere, because there are too many problems with those Optima's and I don't see anything on the news about recalls, because those cars are dangerous. KIA should be boycotted.

I have owned our 2002 Kia Optima and could not be happier with it! I have read all the problems about the electrical system and such, but I have only had to replace the speed sensor since 2002. We are getting ready to buy our 2nd Kia.

The parts are hard to find if you buy the original manufacturer's brand, but I have been able to go to Auto Zone or Pep Boys and they get me the parts in no time at all, and much cheaper than what the dealer charges.

So I purchased a used 2002 Optima.. not even two weeks after, I had to replace the speed sensor. I've been through 4 batteries and 2 alternators. But it seems the electrical problems keep coming. I also get locked in a couple of times.. have to hold the lock so I can get out.. Really disappointed.