Model year guide

2004 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 46 on record.

2004 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints225
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$1,591

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

2004 Kia Optima recalls 1

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.

2004 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 225 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.
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.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2004 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 2004 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,591
High
$2,600

From 43 comparable 2004 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,190
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,450
Total$15,640
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,591) with the same model 3 model-years older ($630), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX
Engines
2.4L · 2.7L 6-cyl

2004 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126345319229 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD126845312440 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD126545345914 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126145360751 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD128745279528 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126745281309 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD128X45327328 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD126145306575 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128X45284710 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126845315130 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128545276160 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128145342171 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD126545334279 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD126345374893 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD128345298562 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD128645290696 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126345310319 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128945260995 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126545291255 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD128045287857 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD126X45358660 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126045344783 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima EXKNAGD128745263684 2004 Kia Optima 2004 Kia Optima LXKNAGD126245301966

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001

2004 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2004 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 2004 Kia Optima?

Based on 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Kia Optima at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2004 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2004 Kia Optima listings run roughly $700–$2,600, typically around $1,591 (from 43 vehicles).

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