2005 Kia Optima
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 107 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 166 |
| 2008 | 143 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 593 |
| 2012 | 919 |
| 2013 | 1380 |
| 2014 | 583 |
| 2015 | 1006 |
| 2016 | 754 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 231 |
| 2019 | 206 |
| 2020 | 143 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
46% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 66 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
INJURYShow 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, 20130125
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, 20180102
20% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20170606
15% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20050909
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, 20050902
15% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
INJURYShow 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, 20220418
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, 20181116
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (66 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 "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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.