Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the dashboard while the air conditioner was running. The smoke was so thick that he could not see through the smoke. The dealer was notified and stated that the cigarette lighter could be the possible cause of the failure. They stated that nothing could be done because the vehicle was out of warranty. Upon further investigation, the contact noticed a black box on the driver's side underneath the dashboard covered in electrical tape. It was discovered that the previous owner installed after market floor board lights in the vehicle that required a massive amount of power. The tail lights on the vehicle were inoperable. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were less than 77,000.
Closed driver's door and door would not reopen. I took car to auto shop and mechanic finally got door to open after about an hour and a half. He thought he had repaired the door and closed it, but when he tried to open the door for final inspection, again it would not open normally and upon further inspection he found the door lock mechanisms were not functioning correctly from the way they had been manufactured. And there was a recall on the Kia door lock mechanisms including my car's year, make and model. I am concerned this is a serious hazard, especially since I transport small children, some in car seats. My car is an older car and I would like all four locks replaced with 'up to standard' locks.
After repairing the mass air flow hose,purge valve,and the valve cover gasket. It didn't pass the state inspection. I was told to drive it a little longer to put miles on the car. So I did.. After seven week going back to have it check it was still showing not ready. The merchanic there couldn't tell me what the problem and their subjested to take it to the dealer after putting 1175 miles on my car
Locked car after buying it used drivers door will not unlock. Multiple complaints online about this problem. My daughter was going to drive this thing. Kia dealer did not even mention this to me, but did say it was 200 minimum. I hope this gets investigated. In an accident the door will never open. I drove the car home and after 2 hours it will not unlock.
Drivers side door will not open, this has happened several times. When you pull on the outside handle it will make all the doors lock sometimes. I thought this was an isolated case, but there are several other compliants with this same issue. This is a severe safety issue if the car was in a crash.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. While in park, the automatic door locks failed. The contact attempted to use the remote for entry and heard a clicking noise. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
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. I tried to climb over the gearshift to try the passenger door and hurt my back in the process. I called 911 for help
Both low beam headlights blow out simultaneously. When this happened, high beams (separate bulbs and switch) would only work sporadically (switched 'on', nothing. Switched again, May come 'on', turned 'off' then 'on' May or May not come on). Dealer states 'it happens, they burn out', yet said the battery needed to be replaced.(?) non warranty, so you pay. Another complaint on the same car year/make/model, same issue, has already been filed with you. In addition, 'google' search shows many entries for this same problem on Kia and Hyundai vehicles (same manufacturer) over many models/years. Signs point to possible defective charging of battery by vehicle's electrical system (maybe why they replaced the battery at the same time). Battery was previously fine. …
I became entrapped in my 2005 Kia Optima when I accidentally hit the lock. Its been an issue before. While its dangerous to keep it unlocked, I chose that over being locked out or being locked in. Last night my elbow hit the lock as I parked. I had my coworker come pull the handle while I pushed the unlock button. While it has worked after several tries in the past, it just wouldn't give in. I then, had my coworker try the passenger side and it popped. I'm now reduced to climbing over from the passenger side door. While its painful and timely, its not as bad as climbing over the back. I've had to do that when I had no one to call for help. It's so dangerous not being able to get out of your car when you're ready. Its also horrible to think about your vehicle not being there when you come outside because you left your doors unlocked for a car thief. …
I have been researching the problem I have with my 2005 Kia Optima and I found out that I am not the only person with this issue. Therefore I saw it necessary for me to bring this to your attention. The door latches are malfunctioning. This is a major safety hazard because if the car ever caught fire or if the car ever went into a river, got flooded, or in a wreck it would be very difficult for the driver to get out of the car. My driver side door will not open, from the inside or the outside. It stays locked and even when you unlock the car, the door will not open. I currently had a baby and had to have a c-section. It was horrible having to climb in and out the car through the passenger side.... From researching this issue I have come across so many people that have had the same issue. Kia should recall the 2005 Optima.
Electrical complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Kia Optima, 20% of the model year's 144 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2005 Kia Optima electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Kia Optima. 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 2005 Kia Optima electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.