2003 Kia Optima Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 38%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Kia Optima, 38% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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“I parked my car for the day to go to work. At that point in time there were no issues with the car. Upon returning that night I found that the driver's side door would no longer unlock. I must now enter and exit my vehicle through the passenger door. The door will not unlock with a key, the unlock-all button, remote entry, interior unlock button, or by turning the car off.”
NHTSA complaint #10510692, filed 2013-05, 75,000 miles“Power door locks instantly lock after unlocking continuously, prohibiting entry or exit to the vehicle. This poses a safety hazard if there were to be an accident locking me and my children inside the vehicle. Sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes to get in or out of the car trying to catch the door handle at just the right time to be able to open it.”
NHTSA complaint #10410184, filed 2011-07, 90,000 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“The doors on my Kia Optima (2003) lock by themselves after I unlock the car. When I go to open my driver side door is when the car locks by itself. I am afraid of locking my kids in the car because of this problem. The other day I couldn't get the driver side door open at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10341383, filed 2010-07, 117,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited…
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 27 | 17% |
| 2005 | 66 | 46% |
| 2004 | 81 | 36% |
| 2003 | 53 | 38% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 15 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
25 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 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