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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2002 > Kia > OPTIMA

2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used KIA.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not Tested  
Passenger Not Tested  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   A
Structure/Safety Cage   M
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   A
Leg/foot, right   M
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. The Sonata was again redesigned for 2006, but the Kia Optima remained unchanged for the early part of the 2006 model year (2006 cars manufactured before October 2005). Therefore the ratings listed here also apply to early 2006 Optimas.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail. Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on both tibias indicate that injuries to the lower legs would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low. 1999 Hyundai Sonata 4-door 3131 front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags 106 185 71 2.4 L 4-cylinder 21 28

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Side Impact Crash Test Rating:  
Overall Evaluation   P
Structure/safety cage   P
Injury Measures
Driver Passenger
3277 standard front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags 106 197 72 2.7 L V6 19 27 Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries plus a fracture of the pelvis would be likely in a crash of this severity. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. The dummy's head was hit by the pillar behind the rear passenger door and the window sill of the rear door. This pillar is required by federal standard to provide some protection for occupants' heads. The hit by the window sill did not produce high head injury measures, but the head protection is inadequate. 2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4-door <p>The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. The Sonata was again redesigned for 2006, but the Kia Optima remained unchanged for the early part of the 2006 model year (2006 cars manufactured before October 2005). Therefore the ratings listed here also apply to early 2006 Optimas.</p> The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
Head Protection
  G   M
Head/neck
  G   G
Torso
  P   G
Pelvis/Leg
  P   G

Crash Tested Vehicle: standard front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags
Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE . The crashworthiness data for this 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 151 Substantially worse than average
Collision Index 101 Average
Theft Index 134 Average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 11,501
NHTSA campaign number: 03V067000
Defective part or component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Description: 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. INTERNAL GAPS WITHIN THE CASES ALLOWED EPOXY TO CONTACT THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD, WHICH RESULTED IN CRACKING OF THE CIRCUIT BOARD CAPACITOR. A DAMAGED CKP CAPACITOR COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CKP. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING LATE MARCH OR EARLY APRIL 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.
Recall date: 06-25-2004
Units potentially affected: 25,803
NHTSA campaign number: 04V180000
Defective part or component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Description: Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur. Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began June 25, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.


This 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 3.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Timing Belt (2.4L engine only). This failure can cause the engine to stall and will prevent the engine from starting. When the timing belt fails it may also damage the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor. The damaged CKP can prevent the engine from starting, and may cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. In extreme cases, if the Timing Belt breaks while driving it is possible to damage the Engine Valves. The cost to repair the Timing Belt is estimated at $106.90 for parts and $195.00 for labor. The cost to replace the CKP sensor is estimated at $108.35 and $136.50 for labor, or can be replaced at the same time as the timing belt for no additional labor. The cost to repair the Engine Valves is estimated at $325.00 for parts and $715.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Significant Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2002 KIA OPTIMA reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2002 - 2006):
Category:    Optima LX 4 Dr Sedan:    Optima SE 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $8,657 $9,281
Financing $3,351 $3,607
Insurance $6,300 $6,120
State Fees $347 $362
Fuel $4,287 $4,287
Maintenance $1,910 $1,910
Repairs $491 $491
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $25,343 $26,058

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 5 years or 60,000 miles  
Drivetrain 10 years or 100,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 5 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable 2000-2003 transferable to immediate family only.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 7 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: 2000 models: coverage changed mid-year, check vehicle in-service date. Towing 2000 model year before 7/10/00 covered 3/36,000. 2000-2005 model year 5/unlimited. 2006-2009 model year 5/60,000. See Kia warranty and consumer information provided with each vehicle for details regarding each of these warranties. Adjustments 12/12,000. 2006 model year: tire and wheel road hazard coverage 12 months/unlimited mileage. 5/60,000 basic and 10/100,000 powertrain warranty begins on 2000 model year vehicles sold after 7/10/00. Paint and audio equipment covered for 3/36,000. Drivetrain warranty applies to first retail customer only (not for vehicles placed in commercial use). Second and subsequent owners covered for 5/60,000 for 2003 - current model year. 2000-2003 transferable to immediate family only. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 2002 KIA OPTIMA LX/SE warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Kia's mid-size car gets more power.
By John Matras, NewCarTestDrive.com

Kia Optima excels at providing surprisingly good transportation at a reasonable cost, several hundred dollars less on each model this year than less, in fact. Don't expect the name Kia to be the talk around the water cooler, but your monthly payment will be something to talk about, especially in conversations that include the warranty, the roadside assistance plan, and all the standard features.

Overview:

The Kia Optima is a remarkably good car, especially for the price. Kia would like customers to think value rather than cheap, and we'd be inclined to concur. You do get a lot for your money, and unlike early Korean attempts at the midsize sedan class, the Optima displays sophistication in engine and chassis that is fully competitive in its size (and not just price) class.

Kia Optima is based on the platform of the current Hyundai Sonata and shares its engine and suspension layout; no doubt if you like one, you'll like the other. But the Optima shares no body panels with the Sonata and is distinctive in design and features. A rebadged Sonata it isn't.

For 2002, the Optima's optional V6 increased to 2.7 liters. And prices have dropped.

Read the complete 2002 Kia Optima review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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