2003 Kia Optima electrical system problems
The 2003 Kia Optima has 27 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
27
Electrical System complaints
14%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
What owners report
“POWER LOCKS INSTANTLY LOCK AFTER UNLOCKING,(OVER AND OVER) PROHIBITING ME AND MY PASSENGERS TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. IT SOMETIMES TAKES 5-10 MINUTES OF TRYING TO UNLOCK THAT THEY WILL FINALLY STAY UNLOCKED ALLOWING ACCESS. I HAVE A TODDLER AND A BABY ON THE WAY. IF THERE WERE TO BE AN ACCIDENT…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the 2003 Kia Optima electrical system — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.