Major Problems with 2003 Kia Optima Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Custom-fit Add-ons

Torque wrench
Mechanic tool set
Tool box

Worst 3 complaints of 2003 Kia Optima

2003 Kia Optima INFLATOR MODULE Victims: 2 Mileage: 37000 miles

2003 Kia Optima ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Victims: 1 Mileage: 11000 miles

2003 Kia Optima FRONTAL Victims: 1 Mileage: 5500 miles

Browse 2003 Kia Optima complaints by category

Problems with LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and BODY are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Kia Optima owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES dt: periodically the doors on the consumer's 2003 kia optima lock on there own. the consumer stated he never locks...	49 ~ 73500 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM consumer turned on the ignition switch and heard a clicking noise and then lights/radio and air conditioner went off. a...	20 ~ 66306 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact stated that when attempting to open the driver side door...	12 ~ 82769 miles
AIR BAGS tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle was struck from the driver's side....	10 ~ 60913 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE about a year ago the driver side door lock stuck and i could not open the door. took the vehicle...	10 ~ 93539 miles
SUSPENSION i was leaving my driveway and drove approximately 2 car lengths my car stopped and started shaking it wouldn't go...	7 ~ 116603 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER the consumer was concerned about the time it took to get the parts to do the repairs. bf sc ...	7 ~ 51286 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE it took 3-4 attempts to get the consumer's 2003 kia optima to start and the consumer also had to pump...	4 ~ 59377 miles
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS the consumer rear ended another vehicle. the consumer was wearing his seat belt however the air bags did not deploy....	4 ~ 17517 miles
LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES when pulling the door lock up to get out or pull the door handle the locking mechanism fails to disengage....	4 ~ 53725 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM as i fill the tank gasoline forcefully spits back out onto the person filling the tank. this is getting worse....	3 ~ 93733 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC brake failure front rotors grooved pads heat glazed rear rotors also. plus rear calipers were bounded up. *bf the doors...	3 ~ 36333 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING while driving 55 mph on the highway consumer lost control of vehicle and hit the guard rail. the driver was...	3 ~ 38112 miles
POWER TRAIN i just bought this car august 14. that night it would not start. i have not had this car over	3 ~ 66252 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING the accelerator pedal sticks and the vehicle randomly starts. *jg ph...	3 ~ 27667 miles
SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE > FRONTAL > AIR BAGS the air bag sensor was defective.ak jb...	3 ~ 18333 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER excessive check engine on.....all tests were done on fuel system and everything was diagnosed as functioning. *tr...	2 ~ 103230 miles
STRUCTURE paint chipping off front bumper and both handles. *tr...	2 ~ 61500 miles
CABLES > 12V/24V/48V BATTERY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph the charging system's warning light illuminated. the vehicle stalled and was coasted...	2 ~ 64906 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN i was driving my 2003 kia optima on i85 at 65 mph when the vehicle suddenly lost power and slowed...	2 ~ 36250 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM el auto kia optima 2003 en mltiples ocasiones ha marcado altas temperaturas. existen problemas para ponerle gasolina ya que la	2 ~ 29336 miles
CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN while turning in either direction there was heavy vibration in the steering wheel. the consumer also heard a loud clicking...	2 ~ 10015 miles
FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment. the contact...	1 ~ 168531 miles
TIRES i stopped to have my tire pressure checked and the mechanics were very concerned with the passenger tire's sidewall separating...	1 ~ 119829 miles
SIDEWALL > TIRES i stopped to have my tire pressure checked and the mechanics were very concerned with the passenger tire's sidewall separating...	1 ~ 119829 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL drivers door is jammed locked. the remote works the locks move with remote and key. the door does not open.	1 ~ 97055 miles
STEERING i was leaving my driveway and drove approximately 2 car lengths my car stopped and started shaking it wouldn't go...	1 ~ 169700 miles
WHEELS i was leaving my driveway and drove approximately 2 car lengths my car stopped and started shaking it wouldn't go...	1 ~ 169700 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact stated that the passenger doors would not unlock from the...	1 ~ 180000 miles
COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. whenever the contact attempted to use the air conditioner he noticed that the...	1 ~ 89000 miles
ENGINE after 60 000 miles while driving or with the engine running the engine light came on and stayed on. this...	1 ~ 60000 miles
VISIBILITY passenger mirror falls off. *tr...	1
FRONT > SUSPENSION tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 09v183000 (suspension:front)....	1 ~ 132818 miles
REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY rusting of windshield wipers. *tr...	1 ~ 110120 miles
SERVICE BRAKES drivers side door will not unlock with key or inside door look switch. this is a real safety hazzard....	1 ~ 60000 miles
TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact stated that the vehicle canister close valve failed which caused the...	1 ~ 58671 miles
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT radio turns off and stays off during daylight hours of normal driving on regular paved road ways. the unit is...	1
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. the contact stated that the vehicle randomly fails to start. when he turns...	1 ~ 57000 miles
MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN purchased a 2003 kia optima and after 3 months of driving vehicle the clutch went out. i am an experienced	1 ~ 19000 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL it took 3-4 attempts to get the consumer's 2003 kia optima to start and the consumer also had to pump...	1 ~ 75504 miles
SIDE/WINDOW > AIR BAGS dt*: the contact stated while traveling through an intersection at 25 mph. the vehicle was struck on the driver's front...	1 ~ 37000 miles
INFLATOR MODULE > DRIVER SIDE > FRONTAL dt*: the contact stated while traveling through an intersection at 25 mph. the vehicle was struck on the driver's front...	1 ~ 37000 miles
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 45 mph the vehicle accelerated without warning. the vehicle was taken to...	1
ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT while changing a flat tire the jack which was provided with the vehicle bent and collapsed under the weight of	1
REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS the standard safety strap in the middle rear seat will not securely fasten the child seat. after a period of...	1
DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY vehicle is experiencing problems with the defroster. when the vehicle is in the elements the windows on the left side...	1 ~ 9000 miles
FILLER PIPE AND CAP > TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE the engine and air bag light would come on and off. the engine oxygen sensors were replaced. the air bag...	1
HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH > HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING the vehicle came equipped with an automatic switch to turn the headlights on or use the manual switch. when the...	1 ~ 31 miles
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY the design of the large over view mirror only allowed the consumer to see half of the front windshield. *jb...	1 ~ 31 miles
HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING vehicle comes equipped with an automatic or manual operated headlights. when the automatic headlight are engaged vehicle's high beams are	1
INTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY the location of the driver side mirror and sun visor is obstructing the view through the windshield. this results in	1
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL the accelerator pedal sticks and the vehicle randomly starts. *jg ph...	1

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...