Three problems related to side/window 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.
While driving the driver side airbag (in front driver seat) deployed. There was no accident or did I hit anything. There was no evident cause on why the airbag deployed. I took it to a dealership they just look at it did no diagnostic or anything and told me it was out of warranty so they can not do anything about it. I called the manufacturer they basically told me the same thing but did send in a airbag deployment case report.
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.
01 v 156 000/side air bag wire harness: reporting dealer ( performance kia; nicholasville, ky; phone # 1-800/203-8445 or 859/887-4737) sold vehicle before correcting recall. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.