2001 Kia Optima structure problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2001 Kia Optima — 24% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for scheduled maintenance, when the vehicle was placed on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the sub frame was severely rusted and the determined that the vehicle should not be driven…”
filed Oct 29, 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia optima. While driving 15 mph, the front passenger side wheel completely detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…”
filed Aug 9, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Kia: during a service procedure that requires the subframe to be removed from a 2001-2005 optima (ms) (v-6 or I-4), an improved service procedure has been developed to enhance service efficiency. *pe
TSB-026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2009
Structure problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 Optima | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 Optima | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 Optima | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 Optima | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 Optima | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 Optima | 127 | 9% |
| 2012 Optima | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 Optima | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2001 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.