Powertrain complaints and recalls from NHTSA
Summary
The 2003 Kia Optima has 5 NHTSA powertrain complaints and 0 powertrain-related recalls.
5
Complaints
0
Recalls
0
Injuries Reported
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 9, 2026
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 11, 2010 | POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES ON BOTH THE DRIVER A... |
| Apr 10, 2009 | POWER TRAIN | AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND TURN LEFT. MY CAR WOULD NOT "GO". SO I PRESS... |
| Sep 4, 2006 | POWER TRAIN | PURCHASED A 2003 KIA OPTIMA AND AFTER 3 MONTHS OF DRIVING VEHICLE, THE CLUTCH WENT OUT. I AM AN EXP... |
| Nov 25, 2003 | POWER TRAIN | WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION THERE WAS HEAVY VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER ALS... |
| Aug 15, 2003 | POWER TRAIN | I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AUGUST 14. THAT NIGHT IT WOULD NOT START. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS CAR OVER 4 HO... |