2005 Kia Optima: headlights failing or too dim

5 of the 144 complaints about the 2005 Kia Optima describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints: 5
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 Nov 26, 2014 · Electrical · PA

I believe this problem should be a recall. This is a safety issue and needs to be corrected by the manufacturer. We had the same problem where the driver door would not open no matter what you did,. It wouldn't open from the inside or the outside. All the other doors would open, but the driver door. If you opened it with the key it clicked, but when you pulled the handle to open the door it would lock.. In order to get out of the car my husband, who has a bad back had to climb over the center console. You wouldn't be able to get out in an emergency and this issue needs to be addressed. Another issue that we are having is we are always replacing bulbs in the headlights and taillights; about once a month. We are forever getting pulled over by the police to tell us our headlight or taillight is out. There seems to be a lot of electrical problems with this car and they need to be addressed. The repair cost for the door was $400.00 and we should be refunded as well as everyone else who has paid to repair this defective issue.

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 80,000 miles · KY

Driver's side door would not open. You could click it and it would sound like it was going to open, but it didn't. Had to drive to a kia store and have the whole assembly replaced at the tune of $450. Interestingly enough, they did not seem to think this was a common problem, but I can see there are hundreds of complaints about this problem. I had my two year old grandson in the back seat and was very worried about getting stuck in the car. If this happens again, I will sell the car. There seem to be a lot of electrical problems on this car. I replace the headlights and taillights regularly (about once a month) and I am always having the engine light come on, when there is nothing wrong. How many of these complaints do you need before something is done? Or does someone have to get killed first?

Filed Aug 24, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 40,000 miles · AZ

Both low beam headlights blow out simultaneously. When this happened, high beams (separate bulbs and switch) would only work sporadically (switched 'on', nothing. Switched again, may come 'on', turned 'off' then 'on' may or may not come on). Dealer states 'it happens, they burn out', yet said the battery needed to be replaced.(?) non warranty, so you pay. Another complaint on the same car year/make/model, same issue, has already been filed with you. In addition, 'google' search shows many entries for this same problem on kia and hyundai vehicles (same manufacturer) over many models/years. Signs point to possible defective charging of battery by vehicle's electrical system (maybe why they replaced the battery at the same time). Battery was previously fine. I've had many electrical problems with the car, things stop working, then work on their own (power window won't work, sticks part open. Switch does nothing. Then suddenly later window lowers/raises without switch being touched. Trunk suddenly pops open). Definite electrical problem on these make of vehicles over many years which neither manufacturer is going to address themselves. Unless you do something, many will be paying for service caused by their negligence. . Also, seat belt does not retract all the time. My vehicle was purchased new.

Filed Jan 26, 2009 · Lights · 40,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia optima. Ever since the vehicle was purchased, the low beam bulbs constantly blow out. The dealer stated that the cluster connectors failed and they cleaned the connector and replaced the bulbs. This did not correct the failure and the dealer stated that they could not provide a remedy. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the vehicle was not purchased with an original warranty; therefore, they would not assist. They further stated that if the contact were to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic, they would consider assisting with the repair. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 65,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Lights · 43 miles · FL

This car is equipped with automatic headlights that come on when you start the car at night.the problem I had was we could not turn on the high beams when using this feature.my dealer showed me they all do this.I had to slow way down because of this unsafe feature. We have had other car with this same feature and we could always use the high beams.