2003 Kia Optima
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.
- Complaints
- 141
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Latches/locks/linkages
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 141 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 107 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 166 |
| 2008 | 144 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 594 |
| 2012 | 919 |
| 2013 | 1,384 |
| 2014 | 588 |
| 2015 | 1,009 |
| 2016 | 759 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 232 |
| 2019 | 212 |
| 2020 | 151 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Latches/locks/linkages
38% · 53 reportsMost 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-26
Structure
18% · 26 reportsMost 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, 2018-06-14
Also filed under Service brakes
Electrical system
18% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing cables and instrument cluster/panel.
Air bags
13% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
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, 2004-07-15
The air bag sensor was defective.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-24
Suspension
6% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing front.
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, 2015-11-30
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, 2025-02-03
Also filed under Engine and steering
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-06-25Fuel system, gasoline04V180000 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…
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.
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2009-06-16Suspension09V183000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Latches/locks/linkages: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V180000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09V183000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.