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2003 Kia Optima electrical problems

25 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000.

owner complaints
25
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    2
  • 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
    2
  • Ignition
    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 electrical problems in other years

20012005201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Kia Optima electrical

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

Key fob 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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 Feb 2, 2015 · Electrical, Locks · 93,400 miles · IN

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.

Filed Dec 21, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 97,055 miles · GA

Drivers door is jammed locked. The remote works the locks move with remote and key. The door does not open. Multiple complaints on kia forum regarding door locks.

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 May 9, 2014 · Electrical · 69,000 miles · CO

The door will not unlock with a key fob, key or manually. You are literally locked in the car and cannot open the door to get out. This is horribly dangerous and if you were in an accident you could not get out of the car. Please help get a recall on this part. This car is not safe.

Filed Apr 18, 2014 · Electrical, Locks · 100,000 miles · NE

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.

Filed Dec 26, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · CA

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*cn 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.

Filed Sep 20, 2013 · Electrical, Locks · 85,000 miles · MA

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*cn the dealer stated the lock problem was electrical. Updated 12/26/13

Filed May 1, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 77,538 miles · CA

Passenger door locks and will not unlock without pushing the unlock button and pulling the door handle at the same time. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to get door open using this method. This is a serious safety issue which could trap a person in their car.

Questions about the 2003 Kia Optima electrical

Does the 2003 Kia Optima have electrical problems?

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

At what mileage do 2003 Kia Optima electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Kia Optima electrical?

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

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

The Kia Optima model years with the most electrical complaints are 2013 (146 complaints), 2015 (135 complaints) and 2012 (123 complaints).

Other 2003 Kia Optima problems

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

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