2004 Kia Optima Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2004 Kia Optima, 5% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,500 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 drivers side door automatic locks lock and even after manually unlocking them I am unable to open the door. Have to enter and exit the vehicle through passenger door. Many other Kia Optima owners online have the same issue. This poses a serious safety risk if I can't exit the vehicle in an emergency. Please force Kia to make this right!”
NHTSA complaint #10824118, filed 2016-02, 65,000 miles“Out of nowhere my daughter's car door would not open, trapping her inside. It won't open with the key or remote. I called Kia and they said my warranty ran out and there is no recall despite this being a common issue-- a very dangerous safety issue I must say, since the driver and passengers could possibly be trapped and die in an emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #10807653, filed 2015-12, 64,200 miles“Cannot add fuel because the pump stops from filling up the tank. It took me about 7 times to get in $7 worth of gas. Even though this car only has 25,830 miles on it. It has hardly been used. We put gas in about every 3 or 4 weeks - not that often.”
NHTSA complaint #10968309, filed 2017-03, 25,800 miles“Driver door fails to open. When will something be done about this? There are complaints everywhere online about this exact issue on this exact model and other years too. I can't get in or out of my car through the driver door. This is a huge safety concern!”
NHTSA complaint #10734562, filed 2015-07, 100,000 miles“The driver's side door will not unlock from either the inside or outside. The key won't work. I had to crawl over the passenger seat risking potential injury . This is a safety issue. I notified the dealer who said basically that it wasn't his dealership's problem and to call Kia consumer number. I did call and he also said basically that it is not Kia's problem, it is not a safety issue, and too bad for you. There are many documented instances of this door latch failing. It is a safety issue despite what the consumer rep said at Kia. …”
NHTSA complaint #10468278, filed 2012-07, 77,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 | 12% |
| 2019 | 43 | 20% |
| 2018 | 39 | 17% |
| 2017 | 33 | 13% |
| 2016 | 123 | 16% |
| 2015 | 140 | 14% |
| 2014 | 90 | 15% |
| 2013 | 189 | 14% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 41 | 7% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Optima
81 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsSuspension
19 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 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