2005 KIA Optima
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Optima › 2005
These records cover every 2005 KIA Optima. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
144 complaints7 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. The contact was unable to use the key to manually unlock the door to the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle failed to open consistently from inside the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The…
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. The contact was unable to use the key to manually unlock the door to the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle failed to open consistently from inside the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
- Structure › Body
driver side door lock does not open using the arm rest switch. wife was in the car could reach the switch but not the unlatch lever . Car was overheating with Ac on with keys in the ignition . Had to have her roll down the passenger door window to manually open the rear passenger side door . From the rear seat I could reach the lever and unlock the door. If I could not it would have been a fire hazard.
- Structure › Body
The driver door become jammed and sometimes will not open. You have to continuously/excessively jerk on it. Due to not opening, I have to crawl through the passenger side door in order to gain entrance into the vehicle. Not only that, after finally getting the driver door to open, I have to leave it crack to avoid this struggle.
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. While attempting to exit the vehicle, the door's failed to unlock. The contact had to exit through the sun roof. The contact also stated that he was able to unlock the front passenger side door from outside of the vehicle; however, the front driver's door was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. While attempting to exit the vehicle, the door's failed to unlock. The contact had to exit through the sun roof. The contact also stated that he was able to unlock the front passenger side door from outside of the vehicle; however, the front driver's door was inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Structure › Body
Drivers side door locking mechanism malfunction. Mechanism will not allow the door to unlock, therefore the door can not be opened. Driver must climb out of passenger side.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
After repairing the mass air flow hose,purge valve,and the valve cover gasket. It didn't pass the state inspection. I was told to drive it a little longer to put miles on the car. So I did.. After seven week going back to have it check it was still showing not ready. The merchanic there couldn't tell me what the problem and their subjested to take it to the dealer after putting 1175 miles on my car
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The light for my air bag has been staying on and my horn quit working for over a year now. I finally took it to the shop for them to look at it, they told me it was a clock switch (i believe I said that right) which IS something in the steering connected to the airbag and horn. I am concerned that the airbag might activate while I am driving which would not be good. Maybe even not work if I get in a wreck.
- Electrical system
I am a disabled woman who became trapped in her own car because the lock mechanism on the door would not open nor could I roll down the window. This IS unacceptable. I tried to climb over the gearshift to try the passenger door and hurt my back in the process. I called 911 for help
- Electrical system
Closed driver's door and door would not reopen. I took car to auto shop and mechanic finally got door to open after about an hour and a half. He thought he had repaired the door and closed it, but when he tried to open the door for final inspection, again it would not open normally and upon…
Closed driver's door and door would not reopen. I took car to auto shop and mechanic finally got door to open after about an hour and a half. He thought he had repaired the door and closed it, but when he tried to open the door for final inspection, again it would not open normally and upon further inspection he found the door lock mechanisms were not functioning correctly from the way they had been manufactured. and there was a recall on the KIA door lock mechanisms including my car's year, make and model. I am concerned this IS a serious hazard, especially since I transport small children, some in car seats. my car IS an older car and I would like all four locks replaced with 'up to standard' locks.
- Air bags
My airbag continues to have problems and the airbag light will not go off for over a year now. the car was just started and stationary when the light went on.
- Air bags
One morning I turned the car on and the air bag light came on and has not gone off! ; (
- Air bags · Electrical system
Airbag light came on for no reason and will not go off. The driver seat and sunroof have an electrical issue where they work then don't, found that the switches are bad and work sometimes.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
Locked car after buying it used drivers door will not unlock. Multiple complaints online about this problem. my daughter was going to drive this thing. KIA dealer did not even mention this to me, but did say it was 200 minimum. I hope this gets investigated. In an accident the door will never open. I drove the car home and after 2 hours it will not unlock.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. While in park, the automatic door locks failed. The contact attempted to use the remote for entry and heard a clicking noise. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
- Air bags
I started the vehicle this morning and the air bag light remained illuminated. The light remains illuminated after two days.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the codes were cleared; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Unknown or other
Neither the driver door or passenger door will unlock. This occurs from both inside and outside the car. Very unsafe condition.
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. While the vehicle was parked, the locks on the door failed to work. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system
Drivers side door will not open, this has happened several times. When you pull on the outside handle it will make all the doors lock sometimes. I thought this was an isolated case, but there are several other compliants with this same issue. this IS a severe safety issue if the car was in a crash.
- Structure › Body
The frame IS extensive rusted to the point where the vehicle's structural integrity has likely been compromised. Nothing unusual has happened that would cause such rust, such as backing into salt water, etc. It has been driven on salted ny roads but still, the rust IS extreme on this vehicle even…
The frame IS extensive rusted to the point where the vehicle's structural integrity has likely been compromised. Nothing unusual has happened that would cause such rust, such as backing into salt water, etc. It has been driven on salted ny roads but still, the rust IS extreme on this vehicle even with that taken into consideration. the body has rusted extensively as well, to the point where the rear quarter panels by the rear wheel arches have rusted completely through.
- Structure › Body
For the last few years the driver's side door lock has not worked properly. It will lock without problem but then will not unlock. It cannot be unlocked from within the vehicle at all. To unlock it from outside requires that the door be unlocked at the same time the door handles IS pulled open. It…
For the last few years the driver's side door lock has not worked properly. It will lock without problem but then will not unlock. It cannot be unlocked from within the vehicle at all. To unlock it from outside requires that the door be unlocked at the same time the door handles IS pulled open. It requires multiple tries to get it right - usually it takes a few minutes of playing with the door handle and key to get it to work properly.
- Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. While the vehicle was parked, the front driver side door was locked and failed to open from the inside or outside. The contact had to go through the front passenger side door and climb over the seat to the driver's side. The failure recurred continuously. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA optima. While the vehicle was parked, the front driver side door was locked and failed to open from the inside or outside. The contact had to go through the front passenger side door and climb over the seat to the driver's side. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Structure › Body
Key will not unlock driver's door and driver cannot unlock door from inside vehicle. KIA motors will not issue a recall even though this IS a major safety issue. Climbing over the center console IS required to enter or exit the vehicle. This IS a frequent issue with KIA optima cars, well known and often written up online, the part required to repair the vehicle IS sold on ebay by multiple sellers always. *tr
- Electrical system
I believe this problem should be a recall. This IS a safety issue and needs to be corrected by the manufacturer. We had the same problem where the driver door would not open no matter what you did,. It wouldn't open from the inside or the outside. All the other doors would open, but the driver…
I believe this problem should be a recall. This IS a safety issue and needs to be corrected by the manufacturer. We had the same problem where the driver door would not open no matter what you did,. It wouldn't open from the inside or the outside. All the other doors would open, but the driver door. If you opened it with the key it clicked, but when you pulled the handle to open the door it would lock.. In order to get out of the car my husband, who has a bad back had to climb over the center console. You wouldn't be able to get out in an emergency and this issue needs to be addressed. another issue that we are having IS we are always replacing bulbs in the headlights and taillights; about once a month. We are forever getting pulled over by the police to tell us our headlight or taillight IS out. There seems to be a lot of electrical problems with this car and they need to be addressed. the repair cost for the door was $400.00 and we should be refunded as well as everyone else who has paid to repair this defective issue. *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Body › Door
Driver's side door would not open. you could click it and it would sound like it was going to open, but it didn't. had to drive to a KIA store and have the whole assembly replaced at the tune of $450. interestingly enough, they did not seem to think this was a common problem, but I can see there…
Driver's side door would not open. you could click it and it would sound like it was going to open, but it didn't. had to drive to a KIA store and have the whole assembly replaced at the tune of $450. interestingly enough, they did not seem to think this was a common problem, but I can see there are hundreds of complaints about this problem. I had my two year old grandson in the back seat and was very worried about getting stuck in the car. if this happens again, I will sell the car. there seem to be a lot of electrical problems on this car. I replace the headlights and taillights regularly (about once a month) and I am always having the engine light come on, when there IS nothing wrong. how many of these complaints do you need before something IS done? or does someone have to get killed first? *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
- Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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
- 10174520TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.
- 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.
- 10033673KIA: ecm upgrade-dtc p0130 and p0150 on 2.7L engine equipped. Provides information related to a ecm software upgrade of some model year 2005-2006 vehicles equipped with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with ecm (electronic control module) system related dtcs.
- 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.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10019639Canister close valve inspection/replacement. Malfunction indicator light (mil) related to the canister close valve and/or evaporative system.
- 10017769Power steering fluid update.
- 10017768Hesitation for a short period of time after an initial cold start. Ecm reprogramming/upgrade.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
- 10016737Techline faqs. KIA technician times. Volume 8, issue 4.
- 10015749New name & maintenance schedule for evap canister vent filter. KIA technician times.
- 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.