Check a VIN

2004 Kia Optima engine problems

14 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 51,000.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
51,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    1
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    1
  • Engine
    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 engine problems in other years

20012005201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Kia Optima engine

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

Check engine light 8Stalling 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2004 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 17, 2017 · Engine · 163,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power and several indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle shut down and was pushed to the side of the road with the help of the state highway patrol. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt fractured and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 89,400 miles · TX

My car completely turns off while im driving it, most of the time when I used it the first time of the day and try to used it again it turns of and loose power, I can't turn it on again in that moment I need to wait and then it works again but if happens really frequently and its really dangerous because im on the freeway and cars are behind me and I can cause an accident or anything worse. I went to the dealership so they could inspect my car but they couldn't find anything at that moment.

Filed Aug 10, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 51,000 miles · CA

The car was running fine until after a few hours of driving it just stopped running. This is the second time this has occurred. The engine RPM dropped to zero and the car coasted. After sitting for less than an hour the car started up again. I took it to the kia dealer and they said, even though the car had less than 60,000 miles, they would have to diagnose the problem and charge us $200 to do so, and the electronic parts were not covered.

Filed Dec 5, 2011 · Engine · 80,034 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing after receiving a jump start to the battery. The dealer confirmed that the crank shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages was 80,034.

Filed Feb 16, 2011 · Engine · 68,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. He was able to restart the vehicle but the failure recurred shortly after. The vehicle was not taken for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 68,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 80 miles · CA

I was commuting. I gave my car regular oil changes and tune ups. Then the engine coils went out. The car would not go over forty. Replaced that. Heard funny noises coming from the engine. The car was at 70k at this point. The manufacturers warranty said to replace the timing belt at 110k. So I decided to hold off as that probably wasn't the problem and a manufacturer wouldn't lie to me as they are regulated by the government. Then I am driving and the car dies in the middle of a busy intersection. I get the car towed. The timing belt is changed and there are half the teeth left on the timing belt. How is the car still running you may ask? It is a magical car and is like the little train that could. Then I am driving on a busy scary mountainous highway and the car dies again at a blind corner. No check engine light but there are plenty of cars that want to hit me. The car turns back on. The fear for my life and those around me has subsided for a moment. The car is able to turn back on... Somehow. The check engine light stays on. The crank sensor is the problem. The crank sensor was then fixed. This car is a hazard to have on the road. The air bag light has also been on for a year and won't go off. I have had to replace engine coils, door locks, trunk alignments and probably some other things that made me fear for my life. The speedometer also broke and said I was going 0 MPH when it was really 80 MPH. As of right now the car is running okay. I expect by next october that something will go wrong as that is the month that everything does with this car.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 19,195 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. In june of 2004, the exterior lighting failed while driving at an unknown speed. In addition, the driver's side door would not lock and the check engine light consistently illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the exterior lighting was repaired; however, the door was not because it was not under warranty. After the repair was made, the exterior lighting continued to fail as well as the other issues. She took the vehicle back to the dealer approximately four times to repair the same failures, but the issues kept persisting. The vehicle has not been repaired since. The current mileage was 93,000 and failure mileage was 19,195. Updated 10/05/08 *cn the headlights and brake lights were replaced several times. The dimmre switch also failed. Updated 11/06/08.

Filed May 15, 2008 · Engine · 66,600 miles · MI

I was on my way to work and my car just stopped running while I was driving on the highway. I got it towed, it is the crankshaft position sensor, the cost to repair $460. I have done some research on the internet and many people have had this problem with this year. Also earlier models have been recalled.

Filed May 16, 2007 · Engine · 96,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle runs well, but the engine light illuminates intermittently. The failure began on may 12, 2007 and has been occurring ever since. She replaced the windshield wiper fluid and the light, but the check engine light continues to illuminate. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 96,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2006 · Engine · 15,600 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted and the dealership was not contacted. Updated 08/29/06.

Questions about the 2004 Kia Optima engine

Does the 2004 Kia Optima have engine problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Kia Optima, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Kia Optima engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 51,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2004 Kia Optima engine?

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

Other 2004 Kia Optima problems

Locks 81Electrical 45Body 42Airbags 26Suspension 19Fuel system 10Transmission 8Brakes 7Steering 7Seat belts 6Acceleration 5Lights 5Wheels 4Driver assistance 3Tires 2Seats 1Visibility 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2004 Kia Optima?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history