2002 Kia Optima air bags problems
20 complaints about air bags have been filed for the 2002 Kia Optima, which is 12% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 20 12% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 48,000 miles 15 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 12 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 9 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When air bags problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 15 air bags complaints that report mileage, the median is about 48,000 miles, and 60% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 12 crashes, 9 injuries.
What owners wrote
Dt*: the contact stated that there were two accidents with the vehicle where the air bag did not deploy. In the first accident, in 2003, none of the airbags deployed. In the second of these accidents which was more severe, the vehicle was totaled, and none of the airbags deployed either. In the both accidents, the occupant were wearing their seatbelts however the contact expressed concern that there must be a problem air bag sensor of the vehicle.
While driving on a paved surface going approx. 40 MPH, my driver side seat airbag went off for no reason. I sustained severe bruising and burning scabs on my left shoulder and currently have a scar there.
Other problems reported for the 2002 Kia Optima
- Body & structure 33 complaints
- Suspension 22 complaints
- Electrical system 17 complaints