Model year guide

2003 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2003 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints144
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$1,337

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Kia Optima recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #04V180000 · 12/04/2004

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Suspension:front NHTSA Campaign #09V183000 · 27/05/2009

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…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2003 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,838

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,337
High
$2,100

From 15 comparable 2003 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,190
Fuel only$14,190
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · SE
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl

2003 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128235227299 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD128835220213 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126235181584 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128135221266 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD128335218417 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126435219171 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126635192670 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128835249422 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128835223872 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD126835244803 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128535224039 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD128135226810 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128635215477 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD126835213017 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD128735224253 2003 Kia Optima 2003 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128135236804 2003 Kia Optima SEKNAGD128735194302

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001

2003 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Optima?

Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Kia Optima at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2003 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2003 Kia Optima listings run roughly $600–$2,100, typically around $1,337 (from 15 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.