2004 Kia Optima recalls and problems

The 2004 Kia Optima has 1 safety recall and 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

225

Crashes / fires

8 / 3

Injuries / deaths

8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Kia Optima recalls

Recall 09V-183: Suspension

Reported May 27, 2009 · 36,538 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Problem: Kia motors corporation (Kmc) is recalling 36,538 model year 2001-2004 optima vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Road salt applied in these states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.

Risk: Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Kmc will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on june 15, 2009. Owners may contact kia's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

2004 Kia Optima problems reported by owners

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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Seat Belts	6

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 28
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 8
Structure › Body › Door — 8
Suspension › Front — 7
Structure › Frame and Members — 6
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 3
Air Bags › Frontal — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Kia Optima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Feb 11, 2025

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.

Structure · reported Aug 23, 2022

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 145,000 miles · reported Feb 16, 2022

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.

Air Bags · reported Mar 31, 2021

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

Vehicle Speed Control · at 102,500 miles · reported Jan 30, 2019

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.

Other Kia Optima years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 200520042003 2002 2001

Compare all Kia Optima years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Kia Optima: 09V-183 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Kia Optima?

Owners report latches/locks/linkages problems most often (81 reports), followed by electrical system (45). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,500 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.