2003 KIA Optima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Optima › 2003
These records cover every 2003 KIA Optima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 KIA Optima. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began june 25, 2004. owners should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
141 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Steering · Suspension
While driving on the roadway, I was almost to a four way intersection, as i was going to get into the left turn lane, I turned the steering wheel slightly to the left as the steering wheel turned but the car almost did little adjusting to turn into the left turn lane. As this occurred you could…
While driving on the roadway, I was almost to a four way intersection, as i was going to get into the left turn lane, I turned the steering wheel slightly to the left as the steering wheel turned but the car almost did little adjusting to turn into the left turn lane. As this occurred you could here a noise underneath the vehicle . As I wasn't sure exactly what had happened, I attempted to limp the vehicle down the road to a friend's. As I did the steering got worse and as I could nearly stear the vehicle something was in the road which because of the steering I couldn't avoid it as it was late at night and raining and I ran over something that gave me a flat on the passenger side front tire . I got to my friends drive a few feet away and almost didn't get it pulled in because of the steering. As I took a look at my car, I noticed that two bolts on the driver side on the rack and pinion were almost about to fall out, two ball joints were bent and one nut was completely missing from the lower ball joint, as well as the sway bar was out of place and If I would have been driving down the highway, I do belive I would have wrecked.
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that an alignment could not be performed because the subframe was fractured. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign number…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that an alignment could not be performed because the subframe was fractured. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000(suspension). The contact called bob rohrman KIA (801 sagamore pkwy s, lafayette, in 47905, 765-746-7301) and was informed that the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they could not assist since the recall repair had been completed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 168,531.
- Structure › Body
The frame IS rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced. The car was initially taken to a local auto repair shop for an alignment as it pulled to the right, the shop said the frame was rusted so badly…
The frame IS rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced. The car was initially taken to a local auto repair shop for an alignment as it pulled to the right, the shop said the frame was rusted so badly that an alignment could not be done. It was determined that a recall had been made for this vehicle. Recall #09v183000. Gurley leep KIA in mishawaka, indiana was contacted and an appointment was made. The technician said the frame was rusted but KIA would not repair the vehicle as the recall had already been made.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Drivers side door will not unlock with key or inside door look switch. this IS a real safety hazzard.
- Unknown or other
At 24,000 miles my vehicle started locking doors when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower. Vehicle outside on city street or driveway. When temperatures get to 32 degrees, doors lock and do not unlock to allow access. If you are inside of car it locks you inside of car, as well as out of car.…
At 24,000 miles my vehicle started locking doors when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower. Vehicle outside on city street or driveway. When temperatures get to 32 degrees, doors lock and do not unlock to allow access. If you are inside of car it locks you inside of car, as well as out of car. Locks unlock then lock instantly even when using key, not key fob to unlock car~ no access to enter vehicle until above 32 degrees. In case of emergency...you have no vehicle. This has happened every year when temperature gets below 32 degrees. I have reported this problem in past.recall and fix it please!!!
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to dulles motorcars located at 107 catoctin cir SE, leesburg, va 20175, phone number: (703) 777-7077, for a routine oil change and safety inspection, there it was informed by the technician of severe corrosion and…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to dulles motorcars located at 107 catoctin cir SE, leesburg, va 20175, phone number: (703) 777-7077, for a routine oil change and safety inspection, there it was informed by the technician of severe corrosion and cracks in the sub frame and the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The contact stated that the vehicle has been at the dealer for several weeks without repairs being completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
- Structure › Body
Drivers side door will not open if locked when closed. Mechanism works fine to lock and unlock when open, however. A part in the lock assembly appears to be rotating too far and getting stuck. As a result, the door cannot be opened if locked when the door IS closed or the driver will have to climb out of the passengers side door or through the window.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages
My main issue IS the door lock on the drivers side. I can not open my drivers side door from inside or outside the vehicle. This IS a major issue and the problem has been all over the internet for years. Everyone that I know that has a 2003 and 2004 KIA optima has the same problem. I bet every…
My main issue IS the door lock on the drivers side. I can not open my drivers side door from inside or outside the vehicle. This IS a major issue and the problem has been all over the internet for years. Everyone that I know that has a 2003 and 2004 KIA optima has the same problem. I bet every vehicle KIA sold for these years has this problem. my other issue IS I am unable to fill my fuel tank as I normally could do. I have to trickle the fuel in the tank because if I pump it too fast the pump will cut off. I've even had the fuel spill out of the tank before the tank was even full (it was at about 3/4 full). please demand that KIA recall these problems. I can't believe it's taking this long for this recall to be issued. I just found out about this form and that IS why I have taken so long to process this form. thanks and I hope that you can help asap. [xxx] ps. As of today my vehicle has approximately 53,000 miles. I've driven it in one winter so far (last winter) and it started having the door lock problem at around 33,000. the fuel issue started around 2 years ago. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
Air bag light on dashboard IS lite, for no reason! The car has less than 48K miles , never been in an accident nor hit anything . I am afraid to drive the vehicle nor have anyone in the car with me because , it's without an airbag there IS no protection
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated that the passenger side door failed to unlock from either side of the vehicle. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact also mentioned that the same failure occurred on the driver side door prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 147,433.
- Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. When utilizing the interior and exterior front passenger side door handles, they failed to operate properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,526.
- Suspension
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…
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 left with a vehicle that IS now inoperable. The sub-frame on the passenger side has rusted through and caused the tire and suspension to break free.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle began to swerve and drove into a ditch. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Engine
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, the keys have been locked in the car.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated that while parked, the door lock failed. The contact attempted to use the fobik and could lock the doors, but they failed to unlock. The contact had to unlock and lock the doors manually. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000. updated 02/12/16*lj updated 4/23/18*jb *cn
- Air bags
TL* 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.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning lamp flashed and remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. updated 11/04/15*lj updated 2/1/2016*js updated 04/05/16.*jb
- Tires
I stopped to have my tire pressure checked and the mechanics were very concerned with the passenger tire's sidewall separating from the body of the tire. they highly suggested they replace the tire with the doughnut spare even though I was onlyb10 miles from home. after inspection of the other tires the back passenger tire was also beginning to separate. These tires only have 20,000 miles. *tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the front driver side wheel separated for the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused due to rusting and corrosion of the front…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 KIA optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the front driver side wheel separated for the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused due to rusting and corrosion of the front ball joint. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
Doors (all) will lock after unlocking when you're trying to get in. I unlock the door, either manually or with the key fob, when you pull the handle to open the door the doors lock. You can play with it and finally get in but I've heard alot of problems with the same thing on the same model. *tr
- Unknown or other
The problem with this make and model of car IS with the door locking mechanism. It started in april with a problem with the drivers side front door. When you unlocked the doors with the key fob, all the doors would unlock, but when you grabbed the handle of the door to open it, all the doors to the…
The problem with this make and model of car IS with the door locking mechanism. It started in april with a problem with the drivers side front door. When you unlocked the doors with the key fob, all the doors would unlock, but when you grabbed the handle of the door to open it, all the doors to the car would lock.it cost me $350.00 to get that fixed. Now the passenger side front door will not unlock, either from the inside or out. The key fob won't unlock it, nor manually using a key. This IS a serious defect that I think KIA should be fixing. What if someone was unable to get out of the car in a serious wreck, and was killed, or seriously injured? I talked to the KIA dealership, but they are not interested, because my warranty period IS over. *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
Drivers door IS jammed locked. the remote works the locks move with remote and key. the door does not open. multiple complaints on KIA forum regarding door locks. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
The auto door lock would snap shut from inside or out. My daughter have to crawl through the passenger side. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system
The engine light came on. the doors would lock without any prompts. the horn would honk while parked in the garage. the car was checked out on the computer and the driver's air bag needs replaced and there IS an electrical problem. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. the contact stated that the front driver side door failed to unlock. the contact stated that in order to get inside the vehicle, he had to climb over to the driver side. The contact also stated that the "air bag" warning light was illuminated continuously.…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. the contact stated that the front driver side door failed to unlock. the contact stated that in order to get inside the vehicle, he had to climb over to the driver side. The contact also stated that the "air bag" warning light was illuminated continuously. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic and the mechanic was unable to locate a solution to the problem. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10034246KIA: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may cause the mil to illuminate and a dtc p1330 (spark timing adjust) to be stored.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10031006KIA: during a service procedure that requires the subframe to be removed from a 2001-2005 optima (ms) (V-6 or I-4), an improved service procedure has been developed to enhance service efficiency.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10023626This bulletin provides information relating to an engine hesitation or the illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) for p0123 (throttle position sensor / switch (a) circuit high input).
- 10022959Supplement restraint system (srs) warning lamp illumination for b1378 and b1382.
- 10017768Hesitation for a short period of time after an initial cold start. Ecm reprogramming/upgrade.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
- 10015272Improved timing belts for the KIA rio and optima.
- 10009700O2 sensor engine control module upgrade.
- 10009310Air quality system. KIA tech times.
- 10004658Service letters to dealers and owners and questionnaire regarding air conditioning receiver-drier replacement.
- 10004657This technical service bulletin provides information on a service campaign to replace the air conditioning system receiver-driver on 2003my optima models produced from 11/14/02 through 4/16/03.
- 10002355Optima charging system - V6 engine.
- 10001679Charging system changes to improve alternator output in high ambient temperature severe operating conditions.
- 10000260Srs indicator on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 9-3 or driver's seat belt buckle replacement.
Every KIA Optima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.