2003 Kia Optima latches & locks problems
Owners reported latches & locks problems in 53 complaints for the 2003 Kia Optima, 28% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 53 28% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 90,000 miles 41 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When latches & locks problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 8 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 12 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 8 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 41 latches & locks complaints that report mileage, the median is about 90,000 miles, and 15% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the latches & locks complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
When pulling the door lock up to get out or pull the door handle, the locking mechanism fails to disengage. The consumer was trapped inside the vehicle. A tow company was called to assist the consumer in getting out of the vehicle. Please provide any additional information.
***safety issue*** 1) under normal operating conditions without abuse or consumer modification. 2) door locks frequently fail to unlock or will automatically re-lock when attempting to unlock either manually or electronically. This could cause an inability to escape the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time or may result in being unable to access children trapped inside. Thus, leading to heat stroke, death, or other physical harm.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Kia Optima
- Body & structure 26 complaints
- Electrical system 25 complaints
- Air bags 19 complaints