Four problems related to starter 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.
Tl-the contact owns a 2002 kia Optima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, flames started to emit from underneath the hood due to the wiring near the starter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000. Pam.
The contact owns a 2002 kia Optima. The contact stated the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number 03v067000 (electrical system:starter assembly). The manufacturer informed the contact that the repairs were made prior to the contact owning the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked the contact was unable to turn the vehicle off. The contact had to disconnect the battery in order to turn the vehicle off. The vehicle would also stall while driving. The vehicle also failed to start intemittently; however, the failures became progressively worse over time and failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2002 kia Optima. The contact researched her insurance agency's website and noticed a recall for the crank position sensor. The kia dealer stated that NHTSA campaign id number 03v067000 (electrical system:starter assembly) does not apply to her VIN. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle automatically stopped. She took the vehicle to another dealer and the vehicle was repaired at the contacts expense. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 74,000 and current mileage was 77,000. Updated 02-14-08 updated 02/14/08.
While driving on route i10 in houston, TX car stalled/would not start. Towed car to gas station and had it jumped. Did not help. Towed to a mechanic shop, where I was told that it was the crankshaft position sensor that needed to be repaired. This part was found to be defective in kia Optimas in 2001 and 2002. While researching the part online I found that the NHTSA recalled the 2001 and 2002 Optimas because, and I quote form the NHTSA website" 2001-02 w/two seaerate recalls for improperly manufactured crankshaft position sensors could result in engine stalling while driving. Dealers will replace affected parts. I called the kia dealership which said that my VIN number was not affected in the recall. I find it a bit ironic, and I am now filing this complaint that my vehicle should be included.