2003 Kia Optima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 12%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Kia Optima, 12% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was involved in an accident where the front and side airbags failed to deploy. My car was a 2003 Kia Optima. The site of impact was on the left front end but substained major damage to the entire front of the vehicle. I have several photo's of the car, which was totaled by my insurance adjuster. My concern is if there is a defect with this car regarding the airbags. A close male friend, who was a mechanical engineer for chysler, could not explain/understand why the airbags failed. Please help me get to the bottom is this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10128180, filed 2005-07, 21,569 miles“After 60,000 miles, while driving or with the engine running, the engine light came on and stayed on. This has been repaired three times by replacing a main fuse. Each time it has been repaired, the problem has reoccurred. In connection with this problem, the door will lock after the driver exits the car. Sometimes, the keys have been locked in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10789284, filed 2015-11, 60,000 miles“The engine light came on. The doors would lock without any prompts. The horn would honk while parked in the garage. The car was checked out on the computer and the driver's air bag needs replaced and there is an electrical problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10648128, filed 2014-10, 75,126 miles“Drivers side door lock locks unattended, traps driver inside car. Can not open with key or switch. Safety issue. Also; air bag sensor light activated for the second time, has to be a defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10453143, filed 2012-03, 175,000 miles“The consumer rear ended another vehicle. The consumer was wearing his seat belt, however the air bags did not deploy. The dealer claimed that the collision was under the truck's bumper. The consumer's vehicle was totaled. The consumer suffered shoulder and head injuries in the collision.”
NHTSA complaint #10082037, filed 2004-07, 5,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022959Sep 1, 2007Supplement restraint system (srs) warning lamp illumination for b1378 and b1382.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 62 | 4% |
| 2012 | 48 | 5% |
| 2011 | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 | 17 | 23% |
| 2009 | 28 | 24% |
| 2008 | 57 | 40% |
| 2007 | 65 | 39% |
| 2006 | 46 | 30% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 26 | 12% |
| 2003 | 17 | 12% |
| 2002 | 19 | 18% |
| 2001 | 27 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
53 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology