2004 KIA Optima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Optima › 2004
These records cover every 2004 KIA Optima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2004 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.
Owner complaints
225 complaints8 involved a crash3 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Had some noise coming from the front of the car, had my mechanic look at it, he said we needed a control arm. When he took off the cover to replace the control arm, he found the sub frame had rotten and was cracking. As I looked online, I saw that KIA had a recall for this issue. When I…
Had some noise coming from the front of the car, had my mechanic look at it, he said we needed a control arm. When he took off the cover to replace the control arm, he found the sub frame had rotten and was cracking. As I looked online, I saw that KIA had a recall for this issue. When I contacted KIA, their response was "as my car is not under warranty, they are not required to repair the car" The car in question has 70, 558 miles on it. We are the 2nd owner.
- Structure › Body
Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on…
Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on Kia forums and general Google search. There was no warning that this part was wearing out until it became impossible to open the door.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V180000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not…
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V180000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
- Air bags · Lane departure › Warning · Suspension
I was repairing brakelines, while observing under carriage I noticed suspension rust, frame. Looked up recalls and this IS one. I included screenshot of proog
- Vehicle speed control
While driving on a highway with cruise control active, I was unable to turn off the cruise control with the steering wheel control buttons. The cancel and set buttons had no effect when pressed. The car remained traveling at the set speed. Tapping on the brake pedal did cancel the cruise control.
- Structure › Body
While stationary - driver's side door will not open from inside or outside with key, manual lock or electronic lock controls (stuck closed). unable to evacuate car from driver's side. safety concern - lack of egress
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2004 KIA optima. While driving 25 mph, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle from the front. The passenger side air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained stomach and chest injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 KIA optima. While driving 25 mph, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle from the front. The passenger side air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained stomach and chest injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
- Electrical system
Unable to open passenger door due to door lock actuator stopped working. Unsafe to drive.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. When the vehicle was taken to bill doraty KIA (2925 medina rd, medina, oh 44256, (330) 721-9500) for routine brake service, the technician found a crack in the front frame. The dealer stated that the vehicle was safe to drive at that time. The contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. When the vehicle was taken to bill doraty KIA (2925 medina rd, medina, oh 44256, (330) 721-9500) for routine brake service, the technician found a crack in the front frame. The dealer stated that the vehicle was safe to drive at that time. The contact was informed that the frame would need to be replaced, but no repairs were made. Since winter was approaching, the contact was concerned that the frame would completely crack due to the weather and salted roadways in her state. The contact received a manufacturer recall and extended warranty notices in 2009. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no issues were found. The dealer sent pictures of the cracked frame to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and issued case number: 2560103. The manufacturer stated that they would contact the local dealer. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer and dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
- Structure › Body
Driver door does not open from inside nor from outside. When unlocking the doors, all doors will open except the driver's door. Center lock mechanism or manual use of keys does not help. This IS without a doubt a safety problem where driver can be trapped in the car in case of emergency. This IS very common in KIA optima models.
- Unknown or other
Cannot add fuel because the pump stops from filling up the tank. it took me about 7 times to get in $7 worth of gas. even though this car only has 25,830 miles on it. it has hardly been used. we put gas in about every 3 or 4 weeks - not that often.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection due to severe corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension) as a…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection due to severe corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension) as a possible solution to the failure; however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. ..Updated 05/05/17 *bf *cn
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle lost power and several indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle shut down and was pushed to the side of the road with the help of the state highway patrol. The vehicle was later towed to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle lost power and several indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle shut down and was pushed to the side of the road with the help of the state highway patrol. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt fractured and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
- Air bags
The air bag went off while my wife was reaching for her seat belt and scrapped and burned her arm. It sounded like a gun going off. I rushed her home and took care of her wounds
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. The contact heard an abnormal loud sound from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame failed. The vehicle was serviced per an unknown recall; however, the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 178,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to unlock. The contact was able to gain access after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
- Unknown or other
Driver's door locking system will not unlock, all others do. The door locks itself immediately as you try to unlock either with the key (outside) or pressing the central lock button (when inside). this would be a serious problem if the car was involved in an accident and/or fire was an issue.…
Driver's door locking system will not unlock, all others do. The door locks itself immediately as you try to unlock either with the key (outside) or pressing the central lock button (when inside). this would be a serious problem if the car was involved in an accident and/or fire was an issue. Right now it IS inconvenient to climb over the center console. I see this IS not the first complaint on this subject and the problem seems endemic to this car. the problem started intermittently from september 2016 and now IS permanent as of november 30.
- Air bags
Air bag light on dashboard stays on, started two days a go.
- Structure › Body
Passenger and driver door locks will not unlock 85% of the time, preventing normal entry to / exit from the vehicle. multiple attempts using the key in the door latch are required to gain entry the other 15% of the time. this IS a huge safety issue in case of crash, fire, or carjacking. internet research shows this to be a common issue around 100K miles. this should be a recall event...
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Seat belts
My air bag light comes on there's no wires disconnected under the seat and my seat belts do not retract well also my door locks are getting stuck in lock mode and my engine comes on and then goes off.after awhile.when in park
- Electrical system
On several occasions, when manually unlocking the power door locks, they will immediately lock again and will go into a loop of unlock-relock, whether using the manual door lock or the power lock switch (the relay clicks but nothing happens when using the switch). This happens about 10% of the time.
- Unknown or other
Drivers door lock will not open from inside at all & only 10%OF the time from outside with key. Pulled fuse on actuators & lock continues to malfunction. Can not efficiently get in or out of the car. Have to slide over center to reach passenger door to get out. I am 6'4" so this IS a real safety hazard.
- Air bags · Service brakes · Steering
TL* the contact owned a 2004 KIA optima. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal clicking noise emitted from the vehicle. The power steering failed and the wheels shook violently. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle and it crashed into a wall. The air bags deployed and an unknown substance…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 KIA optima. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal clicking noise emitted from the vehicle. The power steering failed and the wheels shook violently. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle and it crashed into a wall. The air bags deployed and an unknown substance emitted into the contacts eyes. The contact sustained burns to the body and lacerations to both eyes that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin and failure mileage were unknown. updated 09/23/16*lj *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle locked and unlocked without using the keys, and the alarm activated on its own. The failure prevented the driver from entering or exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA optima. The contact stated that the vehicle locked and unlocked without using the keys, and the alarm activated on its own. The failure prevented the driver from entering or exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the anti-theft system failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Structure › Body
Driver door would not open from inside or out. Power door lock would automatically re-lock all doors when attempting to open or unlock with key or inside lock lever. Had to crawl over console to get in or out when finally able to get passenger front door to open. Finally able to get door open by…
Driver door would not open from inside or out. Power door lock would automatically re-lock all doors when attempting to open or unlock with key or inside lock lever. Had to crawl over console to get in or out when finally able to get passenger front door to open. Finally able to get door open by holding key cylinder in unlock position and forcing handle to open. Unhooked door lock actuator. As long as locked or unlocked door with key only, door would open. If locked door with inside lock lever, door would not open again. Mechanic replacing the driver front door latch assembly repaired vehicle. Very dangerous situation if in accident or vehicle fire.
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.
Every KIA Optima model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.