MYRModel Year Report

2004 Kia Optima

◆ Worse than typical
2004 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more 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, 2004 highlighted. 2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 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: 592 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1379 complaints 2013 2014: 583 complaints 2015: 1006 complaints 2016: 754 complaints 2016 2017: 255 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 205 complaints 2019 2020: 142 complaints 2020
2004: 225 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008143
2009116
201075
2011592
2012919
20131379
2014583
20151006
2016754
2017255
2018231
2019205
2020142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 36%

36% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY DRIVER SIDE LOCKS WILL NO LONGER UNLOCK CORRECTLY. SOMETIMES IF I JIGGLE EVERYTHING TOGETHER JUST SO I CAN GET IT TO UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE. HOWEVER, ONCE INSIDE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THE DOOR OPEN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140727

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and horn.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2004 KIA OPTIMA FROM THE DEALER ON 12/09/2004. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN WORKING SINCE THE FIRST DAY IT WAS DRIVEN OUT OF THE DEALER'S LOT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050327

WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE MY PASSENGER NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD AREA.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050204

WHILE DRIVING, A FIRE STARTED FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050203

STRUCTURE 19%

19% of complaints: structure — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING ON I-10 WESTBOUND, KATY TX FREEWAY, TRAVELLING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE CAR TO GO BACK AND FOURTH BETWEEN TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150203

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171129

AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180116

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250211

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2004 — complaint volume: 225
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

2004 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (81 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (45 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • 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 2004 Kia Optima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Kia Optima is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Optima?

The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Optima have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.