2003 Kia Optima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Kia Optima, 6% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles.
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.
“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 driving my 2003 Kia Optima on i85 at 65 MPH when the vehicle suddenly lost power and slowed quickly to less than 10 MPH. The vehicle continued to sputter and backfire until I was forced to pull over and wait approximately. 15 minutes before proceeding normally. My wife has also experienced the same problems and is afraid of being involved in an accident. The vehicle has been in the shop for this issue 4 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107846, filed 2005-01, 33,000 miles“After stopping at a stop sign I tried to accelerate and turn left. My car would not go . So I pressed the accelerator harder and it finally and slowly moved forward. I have an automatic transmission, but it was like I was driving a manual and had tried to start in 3rd gear instead of 1st. It's almost like my car had to catch up for a minute before it would go. It has happened several times since that to different degrees. It is a 2003 with only 41,000 miles and no longer under warranty since I bought it used. …”
NHTSA complaint #10272705, filed 2009-06, 39,500 miles“While turning in either direction there was heavy vibration in the steering wheel. The consumer also heard a loud clicking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Dealership/mechanic informed the consumer that the problem was due to constant velocity joint failure. Dealership mechanic did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10050360, filed 2003-12, 20,030 miles“Purchased a 2003 Kia Optima and after 3 months of driving vehicle, the clutch went out. I am an experienced driver and have been driving manual transmission vehicles for several years.”
NHTSA complaint #10167792, filed 2006-09, 19,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 27 | 18% |
| 2019 | 17 | 8% |
| 2018 | 19 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 8% |
| 2016 | 74 | 10% |
| 2015 | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 64 | 5% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 | 18 | 13% |
| 2007 | 13 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 6% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
53 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
9 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