Vehicle Data Hub

2003 Kia Optima electrical system problems

Owners reported electrical system problems in 25 complaints for the 2003 Kia Optima, 13% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
25 13% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
79,000 miles 20 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
0 and 0
Injuries and deaths
0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When electrical system problems show up

Electrical system complaints by mileage, 2003 Kia Optima Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 79,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 0 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 0 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 4 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 6 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 7 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 3 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 0 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 0 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 0 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 79,000 miles
Based on 20 complaints that include mileage. 20% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles0
20k to 40k miles0
40k to 60k miles4
60k to 80k miles6
80k to 100k miles7
100k to 120k miles3
120k to 140k miles0
140k to 160k miles0
160k to 180k miles0
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 20 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 79,000 miles, and 20% were reported before 60,000 miles.

None of the electrical system complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.

What owners wrote

Consumer turned on the ignition switch and heard a clicking noise, and then lights/radio, and air conditioner went off. A burning smell came from the air conditioner vents. Vehicle was towed to the dealer. Dealer stated nothing could be found wrong with the car.

September 2003

After 60,000 miles, while driving or with the engine running, the engine light came on and stayed on. This has been repaired three times by replacing a main fuse. Each time it has been repaired, the problem has reoccurred. In connection with this problem, the door will lock after the driver exits the car. Sometimes, the keys have been locked in the car.

Reported at 60,000 miles, April 2010

Other problems reported for the 2003 Kia Optima

Electrical system problems in other years

Electrical system problems across all Kia models