Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2003 Kia Optima recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component2
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 |
Safety recalls2
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| May 27, 200909V183000 | Suspension: frontCORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 09V183000
|
| Apr 12, 200404V180000 | Fuel system, gasoline: storage tank assemblyFUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DetailsHide details for campaign 04V180000
|
Owner complaints by component144
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages | 53 | 37 |
| Structure | 25 | 17 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 17 |
| Air bags | 17 | 12 |
| Suspension | 9 | 6 |
| Fuel system | 9 | 6 |
| Power train | 8 | 6 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 6 |
| Unknown or other | 7 | 5 |
| Gasoline | 7 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 3 |
| Visibility | 5 | 3 |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 2 |
9 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Steering
“While driving on the roadway, I was almost to a four way intersection, as i was going to get into the left turn lane, I turned the steering wheel slightly to the left as the steering wheel turned but the car almost did…”
- Suspension
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment.”
- Structure
“The frame is rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced.”
Other Kia Optima model years
- 20072 recalls167 complaints
- 20062 recalls155 complaints
- 20050 recalls144 complaints
- 20041 recall225 complaints
- 20032 recalls141 complaints
- 20023 recalls107 complaints
- 20013 recalls143 complaints
All years: 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2003 · 2002 · 2001
Other Kia models
- 2003 Sorento1 recall305 complaints
- 2003 Sedona5 recalls197 complaints
- 2003 Rio3 recalls82 complaints
- 2003 Spectra0 recalls90 complaints
- 2010 Soul3 recalls135 complaints
- 2002 Sportage1 recall234 complaints
- 2010 Forte3 recalls232 complaints
- 2020 Telluride7 recalls773 complaints
- 2017 Niro5 recalls101 complaints
- 2021 K56 recalls169 complaints
- 2022 Carnival6 recalls136 complaints
- 2022 EV64 recalls278 complaints
2003 Kia Optima recall questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 Kia Optima. The most recent, 09V183000 (reported May 27, 2009), concerns suspension. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Kia Optima?
Latches/locks/linkages is the most-reported component, named in 53 complaints out of 144 filed with NHTSA (37%). Across all complaints, owners reported 8 crashs and 2 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 Kia Optima?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Kia dealer.
Check a specific Kia by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Kia build sheet & window sticker guide.