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2003 Kia Optima airbags problems

17 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
7
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Frontal
    4
  • Frontal: sensor/control module
    3
  • Side/window
    1
  • Frontal: driver side: inflator module
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Optima airbags problems in other years

20012005201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Kia Optima airbags

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Airbag light 8

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 9, 2016 · Airbags · FL

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

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 60,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Jun 10, 2015 · Airbags · 60,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed May 29, 2015 · Airbags · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning lamp flashed and remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 11/04/15*lj updated 2/1/2016*js updated 04/05/16.

Filed Oct 16, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 75,126 miles · IN

The engine light came on. The doors would lock without any prompts. The horn would honk while parked in the garage. The car was checked out on the computer and the driver's air bag needs replaced and there is an electrical problem.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 85,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact stated that the front driver side door failed to unlock. The contact stated that in order to get inside the vehicle, he had to climb over to the driver side. The contact also stated that the "air bag" warning light was illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic and the mechanic was unable to locate a solution to the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2012 · Airbags, Locks · 175,000 miles · VA

Drivers side door lock locks unattended, traps driver inside car. Can not open with key or switch. Safety issue. Also; air bag sensor light activated for the second time, has to be a defect.

Filed Jan 22, 2009 · Airbags · 70,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag indicators remained illuminated in her vehicle. The dealer performed a diagnostic, but no codes appeared. The dealer reset the computer and the indicators remained dim for a few days; however, they would eventually illuminate again. The cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2008 · Airbags · FL

2003 kia optima has a problem with the air bag indicator light staying on. Consumer states that the vehicle has been service for this issue but it keeps recurring.

Filed Apr 16, 2007 · Airbags · 84,000 miles · UT · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. While driving approximately 30 MPH the vehicle was struck from the driver's side. The vehicle crashed into a wooden fence and rolled over three times. The driver was injured because the air bag failed to deploy. The fire and police departments arrived at the scene and filed a full report. The crash occurred in dry conditions. The contact called the manufacturer about the air bag failure, and was told that the side impact was not strong enough to deploy the air bags. The current and failure mileages were 84,000.*ak the consumer has provided multiple pictures of the accident. Update 05/10/07

Questions about the 2003 Kia Optima airbags

Does the 2003 Kia Optima have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the airbags of the 2003 Kia Optima, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Kia Optima airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Kia Optima airbags?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Optima have bad airbags?

The Kia Optima model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (65 complaints), 2013 (62 complaints) and 2008 (57 complaints).

Other 2003 Kia Optima problems

Locks 53Body 25Electrical 25Fuel system 12Engine 9Suspension 9Transmission 8Visibility 5Brakes 4Lights 3Acceleration 2Steering 2Driver assistance 1Seat belts 1Tires 1Wheels 1

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