no report yet
Suspension: front
Risk. CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
2004 Kia OptimaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 225 owner complaints about the 2004 Kia Optima, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 11, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Kia Optima has problems
225 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
81Latches/locks/linkages1 crash/fire/injury
45Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
42Structure1 crash/fire/injury
26Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
19Suspension2 crash/fire/injury
11Engine and engine cooling
9Fuel system, gasoline
8Power train
7Steering
4315 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages | 81 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 45 | 4 |
| Structure | 42 | 1 |
| Air bags | 26 | 5 |
| Suspension | 19 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 9 | 0 |
| Power train | 8 | 1 |
| Steering | 7 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 43 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2004 Kia Optima recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do latches/locks/linkages problems start?
92kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 75 latches/locks/linkages complaints. 60% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles45under 100k miles30100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Optima year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Kia Optima safety ratings
2004 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Optima owners report
Recent latches/locks/linkages complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN ACCESS AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY LOCK ONCE OPENED WITH THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN AND CLOSE. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…
Own a 2004 Optima?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.