MYRModel Year Report

2003 Kia Optima

● Typical for this model
2003 Kia Optima
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:41:18.021Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Optima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 143 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 589 complaints 2012: 916 complaints 2013: 1371 complaints 2013 2014: 576 complaints 2015: 998 complaints 2016: 747 complaints 2016 2017: 252 complaints 2018: 227 complaints 2019: 200 complaints 2019 2020: 136 complaints 2020
2003: 141 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008143
2009116
201075
2011589
2012916
20131371
2014576
2015998
2016747
2017252
2018227
2019200
2020136

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 35%

35% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 49 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK LOCKS UNATTENDED, TRAPS DRIVER INSIDE CAR. CAN NOT OPEN WITH KEY OR SWITCH. SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO; AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ACTIVATED FOR THE SECOND TIME, HAS TO BE A DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120326

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 9%

9% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY OR INSIDE DOOR LOOK SWITCH. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZZARD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180614

STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040625 — fuel system, gasoline

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

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.

Campaign 04V180000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090616 — suspension

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,

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.

Campaign 09V183000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (49 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V180000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09V183000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2002 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2015 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Kia Optima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Kia Optima is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Optima?

The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Optima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.