general problems of the 2002 Kia Motor Optima

Locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way to get to safety. In researching online this is a common problem and there is a part in the lock mechanism that gets stuck so the door does not unlock and cannot open. It appears it has been reported several times on the year of my car and other years but nothing has been done. There is no warning that this will happen, you just lock the doors and then it doesn't unlock.

My 16 year old just purchased a 2002 kia Optima sedan on Saturday 8/20/2016 from a used car dealership. Very first car, his own earned savings. Upon finalizing the paperwork, we literally walked out the door & immediately were unable to unlock his driver's door with the key fob. The car was stationary, not running, parked in all instances in regards to this complaint. Coincidentally, it worked perfect for our test drive. I do also have signed documentation stating the car lot does nothing to the car electronically, mechanically or otherwise as well if needed. I was hopeful it was the key fob battery, but it's been replaced & still not working. We've had the same issue with all the locks since & no success to unlock when needed. He uses the driver's side the vast majority of the time, but all without warning will not lock or unlock with no rhyme or reason. He's had to crawl over from the passenger side to get in every time. My nightmare as any parents is god forbid a fire start or he accidentally goes into a body of water & is trapped. I realize it's an older car bought used, but I see there are dozens of complaints about the locks, not just on your site. Even a class action lawsuit that was mysteriously "voluntarily dismissed" by the plantiff in 2015. Case no. 8:15-cv-00239 from what I can see. Where is the recall? what does it take to have one issued? we don't have the financial capability to pay for a manufacturer defect that is already been uncovered yet amazingly no one is required to repair? nor do I feel we should have to. Another point to note is every single VIN # I've seen complaints on this site, are in very close numerical succession with ours. I have to say it seems very unlikely it's sheer coincidence. I understand companies need to guard their "bottom line" but what cost? I sincerely appreciate your time & feedback.

We have had ongoing problems with a 2002 kia Optima, including tire wear, brake problems, electrical issues, excessive battery wear. This week we were notified by our auto shop that there is excessive rust on the subframe and that a recall exists for this condition. When I contacted both our local dealer and kia corporate, I was told that this particular VIN is not included in the recall, although the recall clearly states that it does meet the parameters. Upon further research, it appears that many others have experienced the same problems and been given the same information. Currently, we are left with a car that is a danger to drive and enormous personal expense to resolve.

When you turn my car on it does not want to turn off. When you are driving the car it suddenly shuts off and stops. I have read simular reports of the same thing happening and under the recalls it lists this as a complication. I have called kia and was told that my VIN number doesn't have a recal on it and was told that any repairs would be out of pocket. I have already had to replace the top half of my motor costing me 3500 out of pocket for well know problems and recalls that were not included in this cars VIN number I do not think a car should have this many issues and or repairs in the last year alone I have put 2 grand into this car I am very unhappy about this situation everything that has been recalled already I have had to fix it out of my pocket because this model of car is not included in the recalls I don't feel like this car is safe to drive and I have 2 small children who ride in the car I can not risk my childrens lives and have this car shutting off in the middle of the road. I need something done about all the problems going on in this car due to manufacturing defalts.

I have also been stated as "not included". 2002 kia Optima v6 lx. The vehicle shakes my entire body upon braking. Radio turns on and off. Radio goes from cd1 error to fm. Lights flicker, air shuts off. Im almost not able to pump gas anymore. Pump handle continuously clicks off. Its pathetic that I am now afraid to drive to work!! I have actually called in for fear of it just deciding to completely stall.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 kia Optima. The contact stated that the actuator door locks for the front driver and passenger doors failed. The contact stated that the window was used in order to enter the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The contact mentioned that the front passenger actuator was repaired previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Djr.