2003 Kia Optima Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 18%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,769miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Kia Optima, 18% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,769 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Doors (all) will lock after unlocking when you're trying to get in. I unlock the door, either manually or with the key fob, when you pull the handle to open the door the doors lock. You can play with it and finally get in but I've heard alot of problems with the same thing on the same model.”
NHTSA complaint #10680712, filed 2015-02, 93,400 miles“Power locks instantly lock after unlocking,(over and over) prohibiting me and my passengers to enter or exit the vehicle. It sometimes takes 5-10 minutes of trying to unlock that they will finally stay unlocked allowing access. I have a toddler and a baby on the way. If there were to be an accident or a fire, I could only imagine being trapped inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10412608, filed 2011-07, 97,000 miles“Door lock for the drivers side does not work and also does not unlock. This presents a huge safety concern, driver cannot exit the drivers' door! We have been able to unlock the drivers' door but it will not open! I reviewed the issue online and found hundreds of the same complaint. Kia needs to address the drivers door issue asap as it is a huge liability since it is an extremely common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10505583, filed 2013-04, 109,000 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 door will not unlock with a key fob, key or manually. You are literally locked in the car and cannot open the door to get out. This is horribly dangerous and if you were in an accident you could not get out of the car. Please help get a recall on this part. This car is not safe.”
NHTSA complaint #10587450, filed 2014-05, 69,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile…
- 10033464Nov 1, 2009Kia: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7l engines which may…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14 | 9% |
| 2019 | 23 | 11% |
| 2018 | 33 | 14% |
| 2017 | 25 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 14% |
| 2015 | 135 | 13% |
| 2014 | 60 | 10% |
| 2013 | 146 | 11% |
| 2012 | 122 | 13% |
| 2011 | 63 | 11% |
| 2010 | 13 | 17% |
| 2009 | 16 | 14% |
| 2008 | 15 | 10% |
| 2007 | 14 | 8% |
| 2006 | 23 | 15% |
| 2005 | 29 | 20% |
| 2004 | 45 | 20% |
| 2003 | 25 | 18% |
| 2002 | 14 | 13% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
53 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsAir bags
17 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 27, 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