There are no safety recalls for the 2005 Kia Optima, but owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA.
2005 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 66 | |
| Electrical System | 29 | |
| Air Bags | 22 | |
| Structure | 22 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 12
- Structure › Body › Door — 9
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 4
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,000 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 2005 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 82,000 miles · reported Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. The contact was unable to use the key to manually unlock the door to the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle failed to open consistently from inside the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Structure · reported Apr 18, 2022
driver side door lock does not open using the arm rest switch. wife was in the car could reach the switch but not the unlatch lever . Car was overheating with Ac on with keys in the ignition . Had to have her roll down the passenger door window to manually open the rear passenger side door . From the rear seat I could reach the lever and unlock the door. If I could not it would have been a fire hazard.
Structure · reported Nov 16, 2018
The driver door become jammed and sometimes will not open. You have to continuously/excessively jerk on it. Due to not opening, I have to crawl through the passenger side door in order to gain entrance into the vehicle. Not only that, after finally getting the driver door to open, I have to leave it crack to avoid this struggle.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 140,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2018
The contact owns a 2005 kia optima. While attempting to exit the vehicle, the door's failed to unlock. The contact had to exit through the sun roof. The contact also stated that he was able to unlock the front passenger side door from outside of the vehicle; however, the front driver's door was inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Structure · reported Sep 16, 2017
Drivers side door locking mechanism malfunction. Mechanism will not allow the door to unlock, therefore the door can not be opened. Driver must climb out of passenger side.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 Kia Optima have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2005 Kia Optima as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Kia Optima?
Owners report latches/locks/linkages problems most often (66 reports), followed by electrical system (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,000 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.