Three problems related to side/window air bag have been reported for the 2002 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2002 Optima.
While driving on a paved surface going approx. 40 mph, my driver side seat airbag went off for no reason. I sustained severe bruising and burning scabs on my left shoulder and currently have a scar there.
2002 kia Optima airbag driver's side deployed going 35 miles perhour while in a right hand curve. When the air bag deployed it hit the left shouder causing my daughter to turn the wheel more and go off the road. There where no impacts on any part of the car . We are lucky no one was hurt other than a strained neck and a hole in the oil pan. Kia recalled some 2001 for the same problem .
: the contact stated the driver side airbag deployed without warning while driving 35mph. The driver seat belt was in use at the time of the incident and the brakes were not being applied. The sudden deployment of the airbag startled the contact and the steering wheel was jerked in reaction to the airbag. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a curb, the vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side and the oil pan was ruptured. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer who determined the air bag sensor/actuator was set too high causing the air bag to deploy prematurely.