2003 Kia Optima problems, complaints & recalls

2025-02-03 · Suspension

“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 the left turn lane. as this occurred you could here a noise underneath the vehicle . as i wasn't sure…”

2019-11-05 · Suspension · 168,531 mi

“tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment. the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that an alignment could not be performed because the subframe was fractured. the contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 09v183000(suspension). the contact called bob rohrman k…”

2019-07-29 · Structure:body · 167,000 mi

“the frame is rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced. the car was initially taken to a local auto repair shop for an alignment as it pulled to the right, the shop said the frame was rusted so badly that an alignment could not be done. it was determin…”

2018-06-14 · Unknown Or Other · 60,000 mi

“drivers side door will not unlock with key or inside door look switch. this is a real safety hazzard.…”

2017-12-27 · Unknown Or Other · 24,000 mi

“at 24,000 miles my vehicle started locking doors when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower. vehicle outside on city street or driveway. when temperatures get to 32 degrees, doors lock and do not unlock to allow access. if you are inside of car it locks you inside of car, as well as out of car. locks unlock then lock instantly even when using key…”

2017-07-05 · Structure · 123,000 mi

“tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to dulles motorcars located at 107 catoctin cir se, leesburg, va 20175, phone number: (703) 777-7077, for a routine oil change and safety inspection, there it was informed by the technician of severe corrosion and cracks in the sub frame and the vehicle was unsafe to …”

2017-03-11 · Structure:body · 35,000 mi

“drivers side door will not open if locked when closed. mechanism works fine to lock and unlock when open, however. a part in the lock assembly appears to be rotating too far and getting stuck. as a result, the door cannot be opened if locked when the door is closed or the driver will have to climb out of the passengers side door or through the wind…”

2016-10-19 · Latches/Locks/Linkages

“my main issue is the door lock on the drivers side. i can not open my drivers side door from inside or outside the vehicle. this is a major issue and the problem has been all over the internet for years. everyone that i know that has a 2003 and 2004 kia optima has the same problem. i bet every vehicle kia sold for these years has this problem. m…”

2016-09-09 · Air Bags

“air bag light on dashboard is lite, for no reason! the car has less than 48k miles , never been in an accident nor hit anything . i am afraid to drive the vehicle nor have anyone in the car with me because , it's without an airbag there is no protection…”

2016-05-11 · Structure:body:door · 147,433 mi

“tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact stated that the passenger side door failed to unlock from either side of the vehicle. the failure was persistent. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the contact also mentioned that the same failure occurred on the driver side door prior to the failure. the manufacturer was not notified. t…”