2003 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,002miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Kia Optima, 9% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,002 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car will not start after adding fuel. After reviewing this issue online, I found that hundreds of other owners have the same problem. We have not found a fix to the problem. In order to start the vehicle, it is necessary to pump the gas numerous times then slam into gear while holding down the gas. This could easily cause harm to those around the vehicle. Please help us find a fix or better yet have Kia recall the 2003 Optima. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10507003, filed 2013-04, 108,000 miles“As I fill the tank, gasoline forcefully spits back out onto the person filling the tank. This is getting worse. I have taken this to a Kia dealer and he does not know what is happening. The last time it got all over my arm, causing severe irritation.”
NHTSA complaint #10489573, filed 2012-12, 110,000 miles“For some time now we have had to very slowly pump gas in to tank, it keeps splashing back and shutting off the gas pump. It is at the repair shop now being repaired at quite an expense, which this should not happen to a car with this low mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #10502394, filed 2013-03, 63,200 miles“It took 3-4 attempts to get the consumer's 2003 Kia Optima to start and the consumer also had to pump the gas pedal. While driving 45 MPH the vehicle accelerated suddenly without warning. While attempting to accelerate from a stop the vehicle would not move. The consumer had to pump the gas pedal in order to get the vehicle to accelerate. These problems have been present since the date of purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #10165870, filed 2006-08, 75,504 miles“Have 2003 Kia Optima. Car stops while running.looks into google. Is common problem. Camshaft position sensor. Also locks on the driver side not working ,locks self inside the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10340257, filed 2010-06, 84,226 milesRelated recalls
- 04V180000Apr 12, 2004Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly…Covers: Kia Optima 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
53 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsAir bags
17 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 29, 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