2004 Kia Optima Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 12%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Kia Optima, 12% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The air bag light illuminates on the cluster panel, the code shows that there is high resistance in the driver seat air bag. This issue was fixed while vehicle was under warranty but continues to show up. I was told I can replace the seat and it would correct the issue but I picked one up at a junk yard that had the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10547472, filed 2013-10, 20,000 miles“My air bag light comes on there's no wires disconnected under the seat and my seat belts do not retract well also my door locks are getting stuck in lock mode and my engine comes on and then goes off.after awhile.when in park”
NHTSA complaint #10903189, filed 2016-09, 126,000 miles“Me 2004 Kia have the air bags light on and I have take the vehicle to a repair shop and they had not find what is wrong with it. I call the Kia dealer and I was told that there was nothing they could do. I am afraid the air bags will pop while I am driving. Can you please tell me if this is a safety issue. The air bags light stay on at all time. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10294558, filed 2009-12, 100,169 miles“The airbag light stayed on solid. I took it to my mechanic and he put the computer on it. He said it read the driver side air bag was not functioning. This light is intermittent as it goes out every once in a while, every few days. I do not have the $1000 plus to repair it.”
NHTSA complaint #10531990, filed 2013-07, 78,000 miles“The air bag went off while my wife was reaching for her seat belt and scrapped and burned her arm. It sounded like a gun going off. I rushed her home and took care of her wounds”
NHTSA complaint #10945179, filed 2017-01, 91,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022959Sep 1, 2007Supplement restraint system (srs) warning lamp illumination for b1378 and b1382.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 62 | 4% |
| 2012 | 48 | 5% |
| 2011 | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 | 17 | 23% |
| 2009 | 28 | 24% |
| 2008 | 57 | 40% |
| 2007 | 65 | 39% |
| 2006 | 46 | 30% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 26 | 12% |
| 2003 | 17 | 12% |
| 2002 | 19 | 18% |
| 2001 | 27 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Optima
81 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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