Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on Kia forums and general Google search. There was no warning that this part was wearing out until it became impossible to open the door.
2004 Kia Optima: doors won't lock, open or latch
83 of the 225 complaints about the 2004 Kia Optima describe doors won't lock, open or latch.
- owner complaints
- 83
- of this car's complaints
- 37%
- typical repair cost reported
- $300
- typical mileage
- 95,267
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below
Doors won't lock, open or latch by model year
What owners say
While stationary - driver's side door will not open from inside or outside with key, manual lock or electronic lock controls (stuck closed). Unable to evacuate car from driver's side. Safety concern - lack of egress
Unable to open passenger door due to door lock actuator stopped working. Unsafe to drive.
Driver's door locking system will not unlock, all others do. The door locks itself immediately as you try to unlock either with the key (outside) or pressing the central lock button (when inside). This would be a serious problem if the car was involved in an accident and/or fire was an issue. Right now it is inconvenient to climb over the center console. I see this is not the first complaint on this subject and the problem seems endemic to this car. The problem started intermittently from september 2016 and now is permanent as of november 30.
Passenger and driver door locks will not unlock 85% of the time, preventing normal entry to / exit from the vehicle. Multiple attempts using the key in the door latch are required to gain entry the other 15% of the time. This is a huge safety issue in case of crash, fire, or carjacking. Internet research shows this to be a common issue around 100k miles. This should be a recall event...
My air bag light comes on there's no wires disconnected under the seat and my seat belts do not retract well also my door locks are getting stuck in lock mode and my engine comes on and then goes off.after awhile.when in park
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.
Drivers door lock will not open from inside at all & only 10%of the time from outside with key. Pulled fuse on actuators & lock continues to malfunction. Can not efficiently get in or out of the car. Have to slide over center to reach passenger door to get out. I am 6'4" so this is a real safety hazard.
Driver door would not open from inside or out. Power door lock would automatically re-lock all doors when attempting to open or unlock with key or inside lock lever. Had to crawl over console to get in or out when finally able to get passenger front door to open. Finally able to get door open by holding key cylinder in unlock position and forcing handle to open. Unhooked door lock actuator. As long as locked or unlocked door with key only, door would open. If locked door with inside lock lever, door would not open again. Mechanic replacing the driver front door latch assembly repaired vehicle. Very dangerous situation if in accident or vehicle fire.
Both driver and passenger doors won't open, even though they are unlocked. The car could be on or off with this problem.
Out of nowhere my daughter's car door would not open, trapping her inside. It won't open with the key or remote. I called kia and they said my warranty ran out and there is no recall despite this being a common issue-- a very dangerous safety issue I must say, since the driver and passengers could possibly be trapped and die in an emergency.
The driver side door will not open from the inside or outside, with or without the key. I've tried everything and can't get it to open. I had to crawl to the passenger side after getting home to get out.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2004 Kia Optima door locks
Is doors won't lock, open or latch a common problem on the 2004 Kia Optima?
83 of 225 owner complaints about the 2004 Kia Optima (37%) mention doors won't lock, open or latch. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
How much does it cost to fix doors won't lock, open or latch on the 2004 Kia Optima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $300 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Kia Optima?
There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Kia Optima
Airbag light 18Check engine light 8Grinding brakes 7Ball joint 6Fuel pump 6Headlights 6Stalling 6
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