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EquipmentPart report

2004 Kia Optima Equipment Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
2%of 225 total for the year
Median mileage
66,248miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 2004 Kia Optima, 2% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,248 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“Summer of 2007 A/C would not work sporadically. February 1,2008 I had my personal mechanic come to my house to look at my car to figure out why I am hearing noise coming from under my hood. Without any knowledge of my A/C problems he asked me if I have been having problems with my A/C because he sees the problem as being my A/C compressor. Calling around for prices to fix this problem I was informed the Kia factory is completely out of A/C compressors. I called my local dealership and they had informed me they have replaced a few A/C compressors recently. …”

NHTSA complaint #10216960, filed 2008-02, 69,000 miles

“Kia Optima 2004. Driver-door locked up. Wouldn't open. Can't open the door either from inside or outside. I had to get out of the car from passenger door. Windows can't be opened!”

NHTSA complaint #10351174, filed 2010-08, 63,497 miles

“Almost died in an accident tate Kia did not allow me to leave the through my door. I was hit one my passenger side not allowing my escape through that side of the vehicle and I needed to crawl through to the back of the vehicle to escape. My drivers side door lock malfunctioned because of wear on a commonly know part. This should not be considered normal wear and tear considering my 1967 camero still has functioning locks and 50 yrs older. …”

NHTSA complaint #10702345, filed 2015-03

“The fuel system is giving me problem after problem after problems I have changed the fuel pump 3 times in 12 months. And the head lights also keep going out. I've changed the left side head light twice and the right side once in 4-1/2 years.”

NHTSA complaint #10345869, filed 2010-07

“Drivers side locking and not releasing. Numerous incidents where the drivers side door locks and will not release. (using the key on the outside or the pad on the inside door) I have repeatedly had to climb out the back door because the plastic pieces that were used when making the car are worn out and not allowing the lock to unlock. If there was an accident I would not be able to get out on the drivers side. I believe this is a manufactures defect. I am hoping that a recall or a silent recall will be issued for this since I am not able to open the door to get the door panel off to fix it.”

NHTSA complaint #10691413, filed 2015-03

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201510%
201230%
201120%
201011%
200742%
200632%
200521%
200452%
200321%
200233%
200175%

Other parts of the 2004 Kia Optima

Latches, locks and linkages
81 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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