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2003 Kia Optima locks problems

53 complaints (38% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000.

owner complaints
53
of this car's complaints
38%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Doors: latch
    4

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 locks problems in other years

2001200520102019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Kia Optima locks

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

Door locks 48

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 19, 2016 · Fuel system, Locks · NY

My main issue is the door lock on the drivers side. I can not open my drivers side door from inside or outside the vehicle. This is a major issue and the problem has been all over the internet for years. Everyone that I know that has a 2003 and 2004 kia optima has the same problem. I bet every vehicle kia sold for these years has this problem. My other issue is I am unable to fill my fuel tank as I normally could do. I have to trickle the fuel in the tank because if I pump it too fast the pump will cut off. I've even had the fuel spill out of the tank before the tank was even full (it was at about 3/4 full). Please demand that kia recall these problems. I can't believe it's taking this long for this recall to be issued. I just found out about this form and that is why I have taken so long to process this form. Thanks and I hope that you can help asap. [xxx] ps. As of today my vehicle has approximately 53,000 miles. I've driven it in one winter so far (last winter) and it started having the door lock problem at around 33,000. The fuel issue started around 2 years ago. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

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 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 18, 2014 · Locks · 115,000 miles · NV

The auto door lock would snap shut from inside or out. My daughter have to crawl through the passenger side.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Locks · 145,000 miles · ID

The door(s) have locked and will not unlock without many attempts to pull on the handle while turning the key. When it first happened to the passenger side, attempts at unlocking with the key resulted in all doors locking when the inner or outer handle was pulled, potentially trapping someone in the car. Then it happened to the driver door a few months later. Replacing the latch fixed the problem.

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 5, 2013 · Locks · 75,000 miles · WA

I parked my car for the day to go to work. At that point in time there were no issues with the car. Upon returning that night I found that the driver's side door would no longer unlock. I must now enter and exit my vehicle through the passenger door. The door will not unlock with a key, the unlock-all button, remote entry, interior unlock button, or by turning the car off.

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 locks

Does the 2003 Kia Optima have locks problems?

Owners have filed 53 complaints about the locks of the 2003 Kia Optima, 38% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Kia Optima locks problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Kia Optima locks?

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

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

The Kia Optima model years with the most locks complaints are 2004 (81 complaints), 2005 (66 complaints) and 2003 (53 complaints).

Other 2003 Kia Optima problems

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

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