CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Kia Optima has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 3 fires, 8 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Latches/Locks/Linkages (81 reports).
2004 Kia Optima recalls
Most common 2004 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 225 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 81 |
| Electrical System | 45 |
| Structure | 42 |
| Air Bags | 26 |
| Suspension | 19 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 11 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 |
| Power Train | 8 |
| Steering | 7 |
What owners report
Had some noise coming from the front of the car, had my mechanic look at it, he said we needed a control arm. When he took off the cover to replace the control arm, he found the sub frame had rotten and was cracking. As I looked online, I saw that KIA had a recall for this issue. When I contacted KIA, their response was "as my car is not under warranty, they are not required to repair the car" The car in question has 70, 558 miles on it. We are the 2nd owner.
Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on Kia forums and general Google search. There was no warning that this part was wearing out until it became impossible to open the door.
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V180000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
I WAS REPAIRING BRAKELINES, WHILE OBSERVING UNDER CARRIAGE I NOTICED SUSPENSION RUST, FRAME. LOOKED UP RECALLS AND THIS IS ONE. I INCLUDED SCREENSHOT OF PROOG
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVE, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS. THE CANCEL AND SET BUTTONS HAD NO EFFECT WHEN PRESSED. THE CAR REMAINED TRAVELING AT THE SET SPEED. TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL DID CANCEL THE CRUISE CONTROL.
2004 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2004 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2004 Kia Optima: Suspension:Front. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Optima?
Based on 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Latches/Locks/Linkages (81), Electrical System (45), Structure (42).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Kia Optima has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.