Model year guide

2001 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 6 on record.

2001 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints143
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$630

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2001 Kia Optima recalls 3

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #01V156000 · 01/05/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER POSITION COULD BE MIS-ROUTED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN IT BEING PINCHED OR CUT BY THE SEAT CUSHION TILT MECHANISM.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK FOR PROPER ROUTING OF THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS AND SECURE IT IN PLACE WITH A PLASTIC TIE-WRAP. IF THE WIRE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREE…

Electrical System:starter Assembly NHTSA Campaign #03V067000 · 04/03/2003

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CKP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Suspension:front NHTSA Campaign #09V183000 · 27/05/2009

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, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE…

Fix: KMC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2001 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2001 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,063

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2001 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$630
High
$700

From 5 comparable 2001 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,315
Fuel only$15,315
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2001 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · LX
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl

2001 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2001 Kia Optima 2001 Kia Optima SEKNAGD126315041248 2001 Kia Optima 2001 Kia Optima SEKNAGD126915038676 2001 Kia Optima 2001 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126215050832 2001 Kia Optima 2001 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126X15067376 2001 Kia Optima 2001 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126915092835 2001 Kia Optima 2001 Kia Optima SEKNAGD126X15067989

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

2001 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Optima?

Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2001 Kia Optima at about 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2001 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2001 Kia Optima listings run roughly $500–$700, typically around $630 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.