Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parked, the door lock failed. The contact attempted to use the fobik and could lock the doors, but they failed to unlock. The contact had to unlock and lock the doors manually. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 02/12/16 updated 4/23/18
After 60,000 miles, while driving or with the engine running, the engine light came on and stayed on. This has been repaired three times by replacing a main fuse. Each time it has been repaired, the problem has reoccurred. In connection with this problem, the door will lock after the driver exits the car. Sometimes, the keys have been locked in the car.
Doors (all) will lock after unlocking when you're trying to get in. I unlock the door, either manually or with the key fob, when you pull the handle to open the door the doors lock. You can play with it and finally get in but I've heard alot of problems with the same thing on the same model.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle canister close valve failed, which caused the fuel gauge to display inaccurate readings. The check engine light illuminated and the dealer stated that a vapor hose attached to the fuel canister cracked. The dealer replaced the canister close valve and lever fender. The repair costs totaled $104; however, the repairs did not correct the failure. The dealer is now suggesting that the cluster panel will need to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04V180000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) and would not assist. The failure mileage was 58,671. Updated 07/29/08 the consumer stated while filling the gas tank, the pump clicked, but that gas gauge only showed 1/2 tank of gas. Updated 08/05/08
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the drivers side door locked and she was unable to unlock it manually or by using the key fob. She was forced to climb into the back seat in order to exit the vehicle. When the failure recently recurred all of the doors failed to unlock. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the technician replaced the locks; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 90,000. Updated 2/11/14 the consumer stated the trunk and ignition would not unlock. The ignition and trunk lock was replaced. Also, the alternator, fuel tank sensor and timing belt were replaced. The high beam lights would come on, when she made turns.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly fails to start. When he turns the key in the ignition, it feels as if the vehicle does not have fuel. The contact has to make three to four attempts just to get the vehicle to start. The vehicle fails in both cold and warm weather and has occurred eight times within the past thirty days. The vehicle will eventually start after approximately five to ten minutes. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle has been in the shop for days and no cause of failure has been determined. The current mileage is 58,400 and failure mileage was 57,000.
***safety issue*** 1) under normal operating conditions without abuse or consumer modification. 2) door locks frequently fail to unlock or will automatically re-lock when attempting to unlock either manually or electronically. This could cause an inability to escape the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time or May result in being unable to access children trapped inside. Thus, leading to heat stroke, death, or other physical harm. 3) had to pay to replace door latch assembly, but still intermittently fails to unlock as of the date of this report. There is no manual override to unlock the doors with this mechanical/electrical failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the driver's side door failed to unlock and could not be unlocked from the outside or inside of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that she had to enter the vehicle through the passenger's side door. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic stated that the latch was not working properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 85,000. The current mileage was 86,500. Updated 12/20/13 the dealer stated the lock problem was electrical. Updated 12/26/13
First: in the affect parts section of this complaint there is no where to mark defective locks. I have 2003 Kia Optima se four-door. It will continuously lock and unlock automatically. Will only stop clicking on and off when engine is turned off. This poses a safety issue by being locked in an auto with electronic locks that cannot be unlocked either manually or with the key fob. When will there be a recall, either involuntarily or voluntarily. I bought this auto new and still have it.
Power door locks re-lock after you unlock them and pull on the door handle to open the door. This can either trap you in your car, or trap you out. You have to go around to the other side, but crawling over the center console to the driver's side is almost impossible. Had the switch and actuator replaced on the driver's side. About a year later, the same thing happened with the passenger side door. Kia doesn't seem to care since it gets them over $300 worth of business each time.
Electrical complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Kia Optima, 18% of the model year's 141 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery › cables (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Kia Optima electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 Kia Optima, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Kia Optima electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.