2005 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
- 144
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Latches/locks/linkages
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 144 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
46% · 66 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
I have had to take my car twice now to get my driver side door open, I have been having to climb in from the passenger side of my car and I have hurt my knees in doing so.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-25
Also filed under Structure
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-02
Electrical system
20% · 29 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-06
Air bags
15% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: 2005 Kia Optima. The consumer's vehicle was rear ended and was pushed into the vehicle in front of hers. The vehicle that hit her was totaled. Upon impact, the airbags did not deploy. The front and back of the vehicle was smashed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-09
On 8/27/05, about 1:30 p.m. Roberta seals was involved in a semi-head-on collision with an 85 chevy blazer traveling approximatley 35-40MPH. Roberta was at an almost complete stop, attempting to make a left-hand turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-02
Structure
15% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-16
Fuel system, gasoline
6% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Latches/locks/linkages: 66 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 22 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Kia Optima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Optima?
- The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Optima have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.