2002 Kia Optima electrical system problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2002 Kia Optima — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Nov 13, 2025
“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…”
filed Aug 23, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 AND 2.7 LITER V6 ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT…Campaign 03V067000 · Mar 4, 2003
Related service bulletins
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues…
PS443 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 4, 2016Kia: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7l engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp…
TSB-044 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2009
Electrical System problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 12 | 9% |
| 2019 Optima | 22 | 11% |
| 2018 Optima | 33 | 14% |
| 2017 Optima | 25 | 10% |
| 2016 Optima | 99 | 13% |
| 2015 Optima | 135 | 13% |
| 2014 Optima | 59 | 10% |
| 2013 Optima | 145 | 11% |
| 2012 Optima | 122 | 13% |
| 2011 Optima | 61 | 10% |
| 2010 Optima | 13 | 17% |
| 2009 Optima | 16 | 14% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 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.