This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the passenger side door failed to unlock from either side of the vehicle. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact also mentioned that the same failure occurred on the driver side door prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 147,433.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. When utilizing the interior and exterior front passenger side door handles, they failed to operate properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,526.
I had parked at the grocery store one night and my car door wouldn't shut. It appeared as though the latch was stuck in a position that wouldn't catch. Finally, after lifting the door handle and pushing the door shut, it stayed closed. When I came out of the store, I found that the driver side door would not open. I tried using the key and the automatic lock features, but neither allowed for the door to open. I now have to exit and enter in the passenger side door. If I were to get into an accident, I would be trapped.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door would not open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the door actuator would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 01/07/14
Owner of 2003 Kia Optima - driver door won't open from inside our outside. Owner must use passenger door to gain access to vehicle. Exterior door handle seems loose. Unable to open door to remove door panel.
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the drivers side door would not open or close. The dealer informed the contact that since the vehicle was no longer under warranty that they would not be able to provide her with any assistance. The manufacturer advised the contact that if she repaired her vehicle and a recall was later issued that she would be entitled to a refund. The vehicle was awaiting repairs. The current mileage was 127,000. The failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 05/03/11 updated 05/11/11
2003 Kia Optima driver side door wont open from inside or out. No warranty on the car, was told by Kia dealership when I called that they have heard of the problem!! also the passenger door is doing the same thing. Lots of blogs about this problem. What happens when my daughter has to get out of her car and cant? sometimes she has to get in and out through the back seat doors!!
About a year ago the driver side door lock stuck and I could not open the door. Took the vehicle in to the repair shop and they fixed it. 2 months ago the same problem occurred with the front passenger side door lock and I was unable to open the door, of course now the manufacturer's warranty no longer applies.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Hanson, KY, USA