Two problems related to front air bag have been reported for the 2001 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2001 Optima.
I was involved in a crash on Nov 02. I was broadsided by a truck (f150 type veh. ) in an intersection. As a result, my roof bowed and the entire drivers side from wheel well to wheel well was caved in like a half moon. The frame was pinned up against the drivers seat. The seat belt did not lock but released me and none of the air bags deployed. I suffered back and neck injury and was transported by amubulance to a nearby hospital. The vehicle was in storage. I contacted the manufacturer numerous times as did my attorney. All we received was the run-around for approx. Six months. No return calls, excuses, unable to get a release to have a kia auditor look at the car, etc. My insurance company and my attorney sent them the release twice and still no response. Consequently, I deployed overseas (military) and upon my return found that the car had been disposed of (destroyed). I still suffer from my injuries and my attorney is still handling my case.
While driving another vehicle ran into consumer's vehicle at 300-40 mph head-on and none of the front air bags deployed.