2003 Kia Optima structure problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2003 Kia Optima — 18% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia optima. The contact noticed that the vehicle was out of alignment. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that an alignment could not be performed because the subframe was fractured. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign number…”
filed Nov 5, 2019
“The frame is rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced. The car was initially taken to a local auto repair shop for an alignment as it pulled to the right, the shop said the frame was rusted so badly…”
filed Jul 29, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Kia: during a service procedure that requires the subframe to be removed from a 2001-2005 optima (ms) (v-6 or I-4), an improved service procedure has been developed to enhance service efficiency. *pe
TSB-026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2009
Structure problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 Optima | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 Optima | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 Optima | 40 | 5% |
| 2015 Optima | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 Optima | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 Optima | 127 | 9% |
| 2012 Optima | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 Optima | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.