Three problems related to structure 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.
The contact owns a 2002 kia Optima. While driving approximately 10 mph and making a left turn, the front driver side control arm, tie rod, and cv axle fractured. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced along with the driver side control arm, tie rod, and cv axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 133,313.
The contact owns a 2002 kia Optima. While driving 50 mph, the front driver side lower subframe detached due to corrosion inside the subframe. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
There was a safety recall on my 2002 kia Optima regarding the subframe. The corrosion under my car is devastating. Nhtsa needs to know that this corrosion problem is extensive and affects more then the subframe. Kia is insisting that I pay for the damage they will cause when they have to replace the subframe. This is a safety hazard that will affect thousands.