2003 Kia Optima latches & locks problems
The 2003 Kia Optima has 53 latches & locks complaints filed with NHTSA — 28% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
53
Latches & Locks complaints
28%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Latches & Locks complaints by year
What owners report
“POWER DOOR LOCKS INSTANTLY LOCK AFTER UNLOCKING CONTINUOUSLY, PROHIBITING ENTRY OR EXIT TO THE VEHICLE. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD IF THERE WERE TO BE AN ACCIDENT LOCKING ME AND MY CHILDREN INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES IT TAKES 5-10 MINUTES TO GET IN OR OUT OF THE CAR TRYING TO CATCH THE DOOR…”
Common questions
How many latches & locks complaints does the 2003 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the 2003 Kia Optima latches & locks — 28% 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.