2003 Kia Optima Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,818miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Kia Optima, 6% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,818 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 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.
“Kia has issued a recall (09v183000) however it does not include the state in which I reside, but all bordering states to the east, west, and north. I'm in ky and states like oh, in, il, wv, are included. I'm having the exact issue listed in the recall however as they have selected to cover only specific states I'm left with a vehicle that is now inoperable. The sub-frame on the passenger side has rusted through and caused the tire and suspension to break free.”
NHTSA complaint #10855180, filed 2016-04, 149,000 miles“My wife noticed the car pulling to the right and called her brother. He looked at the vehicle that evening 12/30/2013. He drove the car pulling onto a highway, the car would not move -- neither forward nor reverse. He pushed the vehicle off the road and the front axle dropped out of the transmission. It was towed and the garage notified us that the front sub-frame had corroded. Online research reveals NHTSA recalled Kia Optima (2001-2004 model years) on may 27, 2009. I called the dealership on 12/31/13 where the car was purchased. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559087, filed 2014-01, 114,993 miles“I was leaving my driveway and drove approximately 2 car lengths, my car stopped and started shaking, it wouldn't go forward or backwards. Turned the emergency flashers on as I placed the car in park. I got out and went around to the passenger side of my car; the wheel was against the firewall. I found a recall 2-15-13, called Kia customer service, they sent a towing company; in which, towed my car to mike smith Kia in paducah, ky. They found that my lower control arm had separated from the sub-frame due massive corrosion. Replaced the sub-frame & drive axle,2 new tires. …”
NHTSA complaint #10522638, filed 2013-07, 169,700 miles“While driving on the roadway, I was almost to a four way intersection, as i was going to get into the left turn lane, I turned the steering wheel slightly to the left as the steering wheel turned but the car almost did little adjusting to turn into the left turn lane. As this occurred you could here a noise underneath the vehicle . As I wasn't sure exactly what had happened, I attempted to limp the vehicle down the road to a friend's. …”
NHTSA complaint #11640256, filed 2025-02“The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle began to swerve and drove into a ditch. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10807445, filed 2015-11, 100,000 milesRelated recalls
- 09V183000May 27, 2009Kia motors corporation (kmc) is recalling 36,538 model year 2001-2004 optima vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut…Covers: Kia Optima 2001–2004
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 6 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 26 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 2% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 19 | 8% |
| 2003 | 9 | 6% |
| 2002 | 21 | 20% |
| 2001 | 28 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
53 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsFuel system
12 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 28, 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