MYRModel Year Report

2003 Kia Optima

▲ Better than typical
2003 Kia Optima
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:00:36.199Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1380 complaints 2013 2014: 583 complaints 2015: 1006 complaints 2016: 754 complaints 2016 2017: 255 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 206 complaints 2019 2020: 143 complaints 2020
2003: 141 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008143
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131380
2014583
20151006
2016754
2017255
2018231
2019206
2020143

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 38%

38% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

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

STRUCTURE 18%

18% of complaints: structure — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.

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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables and instrument cluster/panel.

AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT, HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE COLLISION WAS UNDER THE TRUCK'S BUMPER. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040715

THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030224

SUSPENSION 6%

6% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151130

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 20250203

Also filed under ENGINE and STEERING

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 (53 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 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 "better than typical".

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

The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Optima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.