2004 Kia Optima Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the seat belts of the 2004 Kia Optima, 3% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,500 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 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“We have had the airbag light come on for the past 3 years always just before the state inspection is due every time we get it fixed they said its a switch or a connector. But this year was the worst ,light came on in april, this time they said it's the airbag wire harness and would cost over 1500.00 . We got Kia to pay for the part,and we would cover the labor. I'm just worried will this happen again. It should be investigated further.”
NHTSA complaint #10457234, filed 2012-05, 12,000 miles“I own a 2004 Kia Optima. The driver's side seat belt buckle became detached from the seat under normal use. I was parked and leaned forward in the seat and the buckle came out of the seat housing with a bolt and 2 washers on it. There appears to be no damage to any of the components. I see this as a major safety issue and will have the car at the dealer tomorrow for a hopefully free repair since the seat belt buckle pretty much just fell apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10419467, filed 2011-08, 101,000 miles“A child was sitting in the rear center seat when a snapping sound occurred while at a stop sign. Upon investigation the seat belt mechanism broke, causing it to not retract or lock. Second seat belt to break on this vehicle, a year apart. Concerned this is a safety issue as seat belts are required by law.”
NHTSA complaint #10536955, filed 2013-08, 156,000 miles“A 5 year old child was sitting in the backseat behind the driver while driving 25 MPH and a loud pop occurred. The seat belt mechanism broke. It was taken apart and found that the inner workings of the seat belt are plastic and a small plastic clip that holds the spring broke, thus a non working seat belt. Search to see if a recall was present. No recall but tons of threads posted of the same thing occurring on other Kia optimas.”
NHTSA complaint #10536952, filed 2013-08, 96,000 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Optima
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 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 31, 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