2004 Kia Optima: check engine light

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 Mar 3, 2015 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · CO

Accelerated to get out of snow embankment and engine light came on then car locks went out of whack and locked doors. Could not exit, continued to relock and time you touched locks or door to get out! Very unsafe!!! Locked in vehicle only exit rear doors, electrical not ok after reset battery. I ordered new part, not even sure it will fix it. Driver door will not open at all!!!!!!!!!

Filed Oct 17, 2011 · Fuel system · OH

Car was difficult to start after fuel fill-up. It got worse after each fill up. Tried putting fuel in while car was running, but it would just cut off. Must put foot on brake and rev gas after putting in fuel to get going. I was using kroger gas, I switched to shell gas but the problem persist. Also engine light has never come on. I think this is the same problem as the 2003 kia.

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 28, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 100,000 miles · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia optima. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was a gas fume leak and the accelerator sensor needed to be replaced because it caused the vehicle to accelerate and decelerate without warning. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The current mileage was 129,548.

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 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 Jul 14, 2004 · Engine · 114 miles · IL

While driving 35 MPH vehicle suddenly decelerated and would not go over 20 MPH. No impact reported. As a result, the check engine signal light stayed on.