2004 Kia Optima: headlights failing or too dim

6 of the 225 complaints about the 2004 Kia Optima describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

2020
1
2019
4
2018
13
2017
14
2016
48
2015
17
2014
12
2013
33
2012
17
2011
71
2010
1
2009
2
2008
6
2007
26
2006
14
2005
5
2004
6
2003
4
2002
1
2001
5

What owners say

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 Jan 10, 2011 · Lights · MI

This is an on going problem from nearly day one. I talked to the dealership and they said there is no correction for the problem as this is the way the car is made, and they would not even try to correct the problem, other than to sell me other bulbs at a high price. The problem being that the headlights illuminate about 6" (yup, inches) in front of the car on the dim setting. It is very difficult to see anything in front of me at night unless there is additional illumination, in the form of other vehicles or street lights, which is not always available. I cannot drive with the bright lights on because of oncoming traffic. I have had the bulbs changed on several occasions, by other than the dealership, and the problem still exists.

Filed Jul 28, 2010 · Fuel system, Lights · TN

The fuel system is giving me problem after problem after problems I have changed the fuel pump 3 times in 12 months. And the head lights also keep going out. I've changed the left side head light twice and the right side once in 4-1/2 years.

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 Jun 16, 2008 · Airbags, Electrical · 50,000 miles · VA

Hello I have a few issues with my 2004 kia optima that I have been unable to get resolved. The 1st is my air bag light is constantly on. I took the car into the shop for this while it was under warranty and was told that it was fixed. The light came back on and now the car is no longer under warranty. I was told that in order to have it fixed I have to spend a couple hundred dollars to have my passenger seat removed and some wires would have to be spliced to correct the issue. I'm not comfortable paying to have a problem fixed that should have already been fixed and the response I get as to the solution involves splicing of wires for my air bag. I have been on several websites and heard multiple complaints about the same issue with this year/model. Issue #2 involves my headlights. I have owned my car since I purchased it in 2005. I have blown at least 5 sets of headlights in the vehicle. This is sets and not just bulbs. My most recent one has blown and has not even been installed for 3 months. In order to get this fixed I will have to take it to the shop and spend almost $100 just to have somebody test the system and tell me what's wrong and then pay to get it fixed. It has been bad enough that once they both blew at the same time and left me with no headlights at all except for my high beams. I have also seen multiple complaints about this issue also with this make/model. If somebody could please take a look at these issues and assist me with getting them addressed. My car currently will not pass an inspection due to the airbag light being on.

Filed May 17, 2007 · Lights · FL

I bought a 2004 kia optimia in march 5005 and already the headlight globe was starting to fade. Took it to the dealership, and was told there was nothing they could do about it. The car has 26800 miles on it. And was kept in a garage . The serviceman said it came from sun rays. The only time the car was in the sun was when I was at work. The car wasin good condition. Think this was an injustice, I didn't cause the problem.