2003 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Kia Optima: 2 recalls, 141 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V180000 · 2004 · 25,803 vehicles
What's wrong: Some passenger vehicles May contain a fuel tank assembly valve that May not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage May occur.
Why it matters: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began June 25, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Suspension Vehicle recall #09V183000 · 2009 · 36,538 vehicles
What's wrong: Road salt applied in these states during the winter months May result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.
Why it matters: Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Kmc will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 15, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Latches & locks (53): the most common themes are door / lock issues (53).
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are door / lock issues (19), electrical failure (7), warning light on (5).
- Body & structure (25): the most common themes are door / lock issues (20), rust / corrosion (3).
- Airbags (17): the most common themes are warning light on (6), fails to deploy (4).
The 2003 Kia Optima has 141 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (well below the 376 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 84,200 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (107 complaints, 3 recalls), 2004 (225 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Kia Optima.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 141 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are latches & locks (53), electrical (25), body & structure (25).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.