2004 Kia Optima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Kia Optima, 4% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I have been taking my car to Kia of orange park in jacksonville, florida for the past several months because of issues with stalling and hestitation at start and the car has stopped on my while in gear with my foot on the brake (three or four times). Each and every time I take it to the dealership they seem to say the vehicle will not duplicate the concerns I am having. I have been afraid to go a long distance with the car because of these issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458921, filed 2012-05, 71,000 miles“1) no events leading to failure, no indication of a pending failure. No lights came on and the car was running well until the day of incident, feb 3, 2008. 2) after driving a few miles, the car suddenly would not go forward while in gear. We were on an access road to an interstate. We had to coast into a parking lot and into a parking space while cars avoided us. 3) the car was towed to a mechanic, who determined that the flywheel had come loose, destroying the clutch. The car only had 40,000 miles and the mechanic stated this should not occur until almost 100,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10220283, filed 2008-03, 40,000 miles“Irregular occurrences of steering problem, leaking power steering rack. Since the initial repair of the power steering rack, the consumer has continued to experience problems with the steering, however the dealer was unable to duplicate the consumers concern. The consumer stated when the vehicle was started in the mornings, there was a second delay in the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10096741, filed 2004-10, 4,200 miles“Wheel misalignment and other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear. Rattling noise coming from left front end area, not cv axle or strut.”
NHTSA complaint #10286191, filed 2009-10, 89,250 miles“Purchased a brand new 2004 Kia Optima from the dealer on 12/09/2004. The cruise control has not been working since the first day it was driven out of the dealer's lot. What's more, three weeks into ownership of the vehicle, it began to exhibit intermittent, rough idling problems. The problem is not noticeable on cold starts, but after it has been driven for about 35 minutes or so and the engine has warmed up and reached a certain temperature, it will begin to make rocking-jerky-thrusting like movements. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114834, filed 2005-03, 276 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 27 | 18% |
| 2019 | 17 | 8% |
| 2018 | 19 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 8% |
| 2016 | 74 | 10% |
| 2015 | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 64 | 5% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 | 18 | 13% |
| 2007 | 13 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 6% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
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 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 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