2004 Kia Optima electrical problems

Filed Dec 23, 2017 · Electrical · 114,000 miles · CA

Unable to open passenger door due to door lock actuator stopped working. Unsafe to drive.

Filed Aug 16, 2016 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · OR

On several occasions, when manually unlocking the power door locks, they will immediately lock again and will go into a loop of unlock-relock, whether using the manual door lock or the power lock switch (the relay clicks but nothing happens when using the switch). This happens about 10% of the time.

Filed Aug 9, 2016 · Electrical · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle locked and unlocked without using the keys, and the alarm activated on its own. The failure prevented the driver from entering or exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the anti-theft system failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Sep 27, 2015 · Electrical · 47,000 miles · VA

First my passenger side door would not unlock (cannot get the door open at all) - my passengers have to crawl in through the window to sit in passenger seat and my 78 year old grandma can't do that so she has to sit in the back. Now 7 months later, my driver side door will not unlock with the key and when I got off the exit last night doing about 20 or 25 miles an hour, my entire car failed (lcheck engine, brake, oil, etc. Lights all came on and then my car died - total system failure). Towed the car to get checked - nothing wrong with alternator or battery per mechanic. He said kia knows they have this electrical issue and faulty locks but the cheapskates won't conduct a recall like responsible auto companies do, so he tells all his clients to never buy a kia. For me, this is a serious safety issue. I saved my money to buy my first car and I have obviously made a poor choice. What needs to be done to force kia to recall this serious safety issue? If my car goes on fire from their faulty electrical system, how do I get out of the car to save my life? Where do I take my car to get repaired since I can't afford to buy a more reliable car? Does anyone know how to fix this issue? I can't keep going back, so I want it fixed once and fixed right.

Filed Aug 27, 2015 · Electrical · 87,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact stated that the keyless entry ability failed to work for the past three years. The contact mentioned that the rear doors failed to unlock when utilizing a key or manually. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed May 2, 2015 · Body, Electrical · 146,680 miles · FL

Power door lock locks when unlocking from outside with key. Replaced the door latch. But it still does it. Also the headlights stay on when turning off the car. Have to manually turn off headlight switch.

Filed Apr 21, 2015 · Electrical · NY

All doors lock and won't unlock, have to climb out window then play with key in locks. Cannot get in or out of car. Not good in emergency especially since my three grandchildren are with me in the car 90% of the time, we do not feel safe. Looked the problem up and seen numerous complaints on it plus the dealer won't fix free of charge and the parts are plastic. I'm not a mechanic and do not believe I should pay for repairs since my warranty is up.

Filed Apr 10, 2015 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure recurred four times and failed to restart on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump. The failure persisted after the repair was performed. There was a recall according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v067000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Mar 28, 2015 · Electrical · CO · crash · fire

Almost died in an accident tate kia did not allow me to leave the through my door. I was hit one my passenger side not allowing my escape through that side of the vehicle and I needed to crawl through to the back of the vehicle to escape. My drivers side door lock malfunctioned because of wear on a commonly know part. This should not be considered normal wear and tear considering my 1967 camero still has functioning locks and 50 yrs older. I see not reason as to why a 11 yr old vehicle has non functioning locking equipment and I have owned various other cars without a problem like this malfunction that seems only too obvious of an american safety concern. This seems like a mandatory recall for such an important function of a vehicle to be able to even "get in" or "get out" of the car. Simple concept! Won't even be able to operate the vehicle if I can't get in it or sleep in my apartment if I can't get out of it. Huh? The web is full of these complaints and near life disasters because of this malfunction. Seems like this is a problem that people want resolution including myself! If there are so many people aware of this problem online and they have regular jobs no slated to the task of highway safety. How is it that your agency slated with the task of this important job has not done anything to fix this problem. This issue has now span several years of these vehicles and various models. Seems to me that someone, referring to your agency is not doing their job very well at all and needs to wake up concerning this issue with the kia manufacturer to fix this very dangerous problem. Get to its boys and girls and get this done, because families depend on you to do the right thing for our well being. Scenario: car starts on fire.......can't open door....dead.......a duh!!!!!!!! Make sense? Yeah! Good! They have created a death trap. Fix it!!!!!!

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Electrical, Locks · 126,000 miles · NC

When trying to exit my kia, the door locks would not unlock. I tried the manual and electrical switches on the door and all I could get was a click, and then an immediate re-lock of the doors, as soon as I pulled on the door handle. I then rolled the window down and tried the key, several times, from the outside with the same results. I managed to work my 79 year old 210 lb. Body over to the passenger seat and tried the same thing and got the same results. I was ready to call 911 when I tried the key on the outside again for the 5th or 6th time and the locks worked. This is a dangerous situation and I understand is quite common on the kia's at about 100,000 miles, I know I was frightened. I don't know what would happen in a wreck with a fire and the doors would not unlock from the inside or outside. This has happened 4 times, twice while locked inside and twice from the outside tying to get in.