KnownCarProblems2003 Kia Optima Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 141 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Kia Optima, most often about the doors and locks (38% of complaints, typically around 90,000 miles). It is 17th of 20 Optima model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2003 Kia Optima problems
Doors and locks
53 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated the interior door locks were inoperable. When exiting the vehicle, the contact would have to reach outside the window and unlock the doors from the outside latch. Once the doors were unlocked, they would independently relock within seconds. The dealer was not able…
***safety issue*** 1) under normal operating conditions without abuse or consumer modification. 2) door locks frequently fail to unlock or will automatically re-lock when attempting to unlock either manually or electronically. This could cause an inability to escape the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time or may…
Electrical
25 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument cluster/panel, ignition.
Passenger door locks and will not unlock without pushing the unlock button and pulling the door handle at the same time. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to get door open using this method. This is a serious safety issue which could trap a person in their car.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the drivers side door locked and she was unable to unlock it manually or by using the key fob. She was forced to climb into the back seat in order to exit the vehicle. When the failure recently recurred all of the doors failed to unlock. The vehicle was taken…
Body and structure
25 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 115,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
My wife noticed the car pulling to the right and called her brother. He looked at the vehicle that evening 12/30/2013. He drove the car pulling onto a highway, the car would not move -- neither forward nor reverse. He pushed the vehicle off the road and the front axle dropped out of the transmission. It was towed and…
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated the front driver's and passenger's side door would not open when the doors were unlocked. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Air bags
17 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
After 60,000 miles, while driving or with the engine running, the engine light came on and stayed on. This has been repaired three times by replacing a main fuse. Each time it has been repaired, the problem has reoccurred. In connection with this problem, the door will lock after the driver exits the car. Sometimes…
Fuel system
12 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 82,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, fuel injection system.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle decelerated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the gas mileage was poor as well. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The air filter and oil were replaced, however, the failure remained. The…
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the drivers side door locked and she was unable to unlock it manually or by using the key fob. She was forced to climb into the back seat in order to exit the vehicle. When the failure recently recurred all of the doors failed to unlock. The vehicle was taken…
Engine
9 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
- the contact stated that the 2003 Kia Optima's with 50000 failure mileage lights, locks, radio did not work. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer multiple times. The dealer installed a new engine. The vehicle did not work properly. The current mileage was 56,000.
After 60,000 miles, while driving or with the engine running, the engine light came on and stayed on. This has been repaired three times by replacing a main fuse. Each time it has been repaired, the problem has reoccurred. In connection with this problem, the door will lock after the driver exits the car. Sometimes…
Suspension
9 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 133,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 09v183000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repair. The vehicle had to receive a wheel alignment in conjunction to the recall repair. The authorized dealer would not be financially…
Kia has issued a recall (09v183000) however it does not include the state in which I reside, but all bordering states to the east, west, and north. I'm in ky and states like oh, in, il, wv, are included. I'm having the exact issue listed in the recall however as they have selected to cover only specific states I'm…
Transmission
8 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, manual transmission.
I was driving my 2003 Kia Optima on i85 at 65 MPH when the vehicle suddenly lost power and slowed quickly to less than 10 MPH. The vehicle continued to sputter and backfire until I was forced to pull over and wait approximately. 15 minutes before proceeding normally. My wife has also experienced the same problems and…
After stopping at a stop sign I tried to accelerate and turn left. My car would not "go". So I pressed the accelerator harder and it finally and slowly moved forward. I have an automatic transmission, but it was like I was driving a manual and had tried to start in 3rd gear instead of 1st. It's almost like my car had…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Kia Optima recalls
Suspension: front
Risk: Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
Full defect summary
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 states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.
Fuel system: tank assembly
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began june 25, 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Kia Optima
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Optima?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: doors and locks (53 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles); electrical (25 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles); body and structure (25 complaints, typically around 115,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Optima have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 27, 2009 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Kia Optima?
- It is 17th of 20 Optima model years by number of complaints, with 141 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.