The Lemon Index2001 Kia Optima.
The 2001 Kia Optima is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 64 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 233, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Lemon alert. 2.3× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2017
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 143 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Kia Optima year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 119K miles on the car (84 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 62K–123K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 90K–146K miles
Recalls 3
- suspension 2009
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION (KMC) IS RECALLING 36,538 MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 OPTIMA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUS…
- electrical 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 AND 2.7 LITER V6 ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CKP) CASES DID NOT MEET DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS.
- airbags 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 25 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin provides information relating to an engine hesitation or the illumination of the…
- Intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330
- TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPower door lock failure2004–2005
- ClosedPower door lock failure2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle failed to start, the dealer replaced the battery, however the problem recurred.
2001 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 10008783
More owner reports
While driving at any speed, the check engine light appeared on the dashboard intermittently. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, but the dealer was unable to resolve the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10071812
Vehicle dies while driving, won't restart turn key and no response, dash light coe on but northing from starter, will restart after sitting a while, ac stops blowing.
NHTSA complaint 764690
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Kia Optima reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 233; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2001 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (28%), electrical (25%) and engine (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Optima have?
3 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Kia Optima get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,900 and 119,600 miles. The middle report was at 81,500 miles, from 84 complaints.
Does the 2001 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Kia Optima have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works