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2003 Kia Optima body problems

25 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 114,993.

owner complaints
25
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
114,993
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body
    13
  • Body: door
    10
  • Frame and members
    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 body problems in other years

20012005201020152020

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 5, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 168,531 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that an alignment could not be performed because the subframe was fractured. The contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v183000(suspension). The contact called bob rohrman kia (801 sagamore pkwy s, lafayette, in 47905, 765‑746‑7301) and was informed that the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they could not assist since the recall repair had been completed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 168,531.

Filed Jul 29, 2019 · Body · 167,000 miles · IN

The frame is rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced. The car was initially taken to a local auto repair shop for an alignment as it pulled to the right, the shop said the frame was rusted so badly that an alignment could not be done. It was determined that a recall had been made for this vehicle. Recall #09v183000. Gurley leep kia in mishawaka, indiana was contacted and an appointment was made. The technician said the frame was rusted but kia would not repair the vehicle as the recall had already been made.

Filed Jun 14, 2018 · Body, Brakes · 60,000 miles · SC

Drivers side door will not unlock with key or inside door look switch. This is a real safety hazzard.

Filed Jul 5, 2017 · Body · 123,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to dulles motorcars located at 107 catoctin cir se, leesburg, va 20175, phone number: (703) 777-7077, for a routine oil change and safety inspection, there it was informed by the technician of severe corrosion and cracks in the sub frame and the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The contact stated that the vehicle has been at the dealer for several weeks without repairs being completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2017 · Body · 35,000 miles · VA

Drivers side door will not open if locked when closed. Mechanism works fine to lock and unlock when open, however. A part in the lock assembly appears to be rotating too far and getting stuck. As a result, the door cannot be opened if locked when the door is closed or the driver will have to climb out of the passengers side door or through the window.

Filed May 11, 2016 · Body, Locks · 147,433 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact stated that the passenger side door failed to unlock from either side of the vehicle. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact also mentioned that the same failure occurred on the driver side door prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 147,433.

Filed May 6, 2016 · Body · 177,526 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. When utilizing the interior and exterior front passenger side door handles, they failed to operate properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,526.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Body, Electrical · 98,000 miles · TN

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*lj updated 4/23/18*jb

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 Jan 27, 2014 · Body · 131,000 miles · RI

I had parked at the grocery store one night and my car door wouldn't shut. It appeared as though the latch was stuck in a position that wouldn't catch. Finally, after lifting the door handle and pushing the door shut, it stayed closed. When I came out of the store, I found that the driver side door would not open. I tried using the key and the automatic lock features, but neither allowed for the door to open. I now have to exit and enter in the passenger side door. If I were to get into an accident, I would be trapped.

Questions about the 2003 Kia Optima body

Does the 2003 Kia Optima have body problems?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the body of the 2003 Kia Optima, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Kia Optima body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 114,993 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Kia Optima body?

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

What year does the Kia Optima have the most body problems?

The Kia Optima model years with the most body complaints are 2013 (127 complaints), 2015 (76 complaints) and 2014 (48 complaints).

Other 2003 Kia Optima problems

Locks 53Electrical 25Airbags 17Fuel system 12Engine 9Suspension 9Transmission 8Visibility 5Brakes 4Lights 3Acceleration 2Steering 2Driver assistance 1Seat belts 1Tires 1Wheels 1

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