2003 Kia Optima Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Kia Optima, 4% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 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.
“Vehicle is experiencing problems with the defroster. When the vehicle is in the elements the windows on the left side fog up badly, consumer must roll the window down to see what is on left side. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the vehicle was operating fine. ...”
NHTSA complaint #10106925, filed 2005-01, 9,000 miles“The design of the large over view mirror, only allowed the consumer to see half of the front windshield. The front windshield visibility to the right was blocked by the front rearview mirror due to large size of the mirror and inability to lower the drivers seat enough and almost hit the other vehicle. The rear view mirror blocked the visibility of the right half of the windshield and did not see the vehicle traveling from right to left until it was in front of the consumer. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10020412, filed 2003-06, 31 miles“The location of the driver side mirror and sun visor is obstructing the view through the windshield. This results in poor visibility, almost causing an accident. Seat cannot be lowered to correct this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10021932, filed 2003-05Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 21 | 2% |
| 2012 | 28 | 3% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 14 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 20% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Optima
53 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 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