Model year guide

2002 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

2002 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints110
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$758

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

2002 Kia Optima recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2002 Kia Optima.

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.

2002 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 110 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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2002 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,175

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

What's a 2002 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$758
High
$1,500

From 6 comparable 2002 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,875
Fuel only$15,875
Per mile$0.21

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.

2002 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl

2002 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2002 Kia Optima 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126925104354 2002 Kia Optima 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126225171622 2002 Kia Optima 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126225128608 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126225177582 2002 Kia Optima 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126425183075 2002 Kia Optima 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126325151038 2002 Kia Optima 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126225100078 2002 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126025136660

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001

2002 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2002 Kia Optima.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Optima?

Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Kia Optima at about 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2002 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2002 Kia Optima listings run roughly $500–$1,500, typically around $758 (from 6 vehicles).

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