Most common 2004 Kia Optima problems
Share of the 225 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Optima complaints by model year
Best Optima years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2011. Compare all years →
2004 Kia Optima recalls (1)
Suspension › Front
Kia motors corporation (kmc) is recalling 36,538 model year 2001-2004 optima vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…
Remedy: Kmc will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 15, 2009. Owners May contact Kia's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
What 2004 Kia Optima owners say
Locks & latches all 81 →
When trying to exit my Kia, the door locks would not unlock. I tried the manual and electrical switches on the door and all I could get was a click, and then an immediate re-lock of the doors, as soon as I pulled on the door handle. I then rolled the window down and tried the key, several times, from the outside with the same results. I managed to work my 79 year old 210 lb. Body over to the passenger seat and tried the same thing and got the same results. I was ready to call 911 when I tried the key on the outside again for the 5th or 6th time and the locks worked. This is a dangerous situation and I understand is quite common on the Kia's at about 100,000 miles, I know I was frightened. I don't know what would happen in a wreck with a fire and the doors would not unlock from the inside or outside. …
It started with doors will lock and unlock automatically while driving, this has been going on since 2012, then the passenger door will not unlock at times since 2012. Then on 2-28-15, the driver's side door will not unlock. I had to climb through the back seat and the console to get to the driver seat. Then on the 3-02-2015, driver's door, the passenger door and the rear back door completely refused to unlock. This is very scary, in fact, I almost broke my right foot while climbing into the driver seat from the back seat through the console, because my right leg was caught on the passenger seat head rest.
Electrical system all 45 →
First my passenger side door would not unlock (cannot get the door open at all) - my passengers have to crawl in through the window to sit in passenger seat and my 78 year old grandma can't do that so she has to sit in the back. Now 7 months later, my driver side door will not unlock with the key and when I got off the exit last night doing about 20 or 25 miles an hour, my entire car failed (lcheck engine, brake, oil, etc. Lights all came on and then my car died - total system failure). Towed the car to get checked - nothing wrong with alternator or battery per mechanic. He said Kia knows they have this electrical issue and faulty locks but the cheapskates won't conduct a recall like responsible auto companies do, so he tells all his clients to never buy a Kia. For me, this is a serious safety issue. I saved my money to buy my first car and I have obviously made a poor choice. …
When trying to exit my Kia, the door locks would not unlock. I tried the manual and electrical switches on the door and all I could get was a click, and then an immediate re-lock of the doors, as soon as I pulled on the door handle. I then rolled the window down and tried the key, several times, from the outside with the same results. I managed to work my 79 year old 210 lb. Body over to the passenger seat and tried the same thing and got the same results. I was ready to call 911 when I tried the key on the outside again for the 5th or 6th time and the locks worked. This is a dangerous situation and I understand is quite common on the Kia's at about 100,000 miles, I know I was frightened. I don't know what would happen in a wreck with a fire and the doors would not unlock from the inside or outside. …
Body & structure all 42 →
Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on Kia forums and general Google search. There was no warning that this part was wearing out until it became impossible to open the door.
I was driving on I-10 westbound, katy tx freeway, travelling about 65 miles per hour. The passenger's side front tire blew out causing the car to go back and fourth between two lanes of traffic. In the process, I was hitting the rubber dividers, damaging the hood of the car and the windshield. The blown tire caused damage to the oil pan, the radiator, and eventually the transmission. I got the car to the emergency lane. The car was towed off the freeway and eventually picked up and transported to a car repair shop. A few days later, the insurance adjuster and the repair shop owner both agreed the car was a total loss. I had to buy a new car.
2004 Kia Optima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Kia Optima a good car?
Based on 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Optima rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Optima at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Kia Optima?
The locks & latches — 81 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about doors › latch. Next are the electrical system (45) and body & structure (42).
How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Optima have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Kia Optima, the most recent from May 27, 2009 (front). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Optima?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016 and 2011. See the full Kia Optima years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Kia Optima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 83,000 miles; 24% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.