Does the 2004 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on May 27, 2009 (Suspension: front). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Optima?

Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is latches/locks/linkages (81 complaints), followed by electrical system (45).

How many 2004 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?

8 of 225 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Kia Optima recalls and problems

1 recall and 225 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Kia Optima.

recalls

225

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Kia Optima recalls

Suspension: front

NHTSA campaign 09V183000 · reported May 27, 2009 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 36,538 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.
The risk: Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Latches/locks/linkages81
Electrical system45
Structure42
Air bags26
Suspension19
Unknown or other12
Engine and engine cooling11
Fuel system, gasoline9
Power train8
Steering7

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 11, 2025 · Suspension
Had some noise coming from the front of the car, had my mechanic look at it, he said we needed a control arm. When he took off the cover to replace the control arm, he found the sub frame had rotten and was cracking. As I looked online, I saw that KIA had a recall for this issue. When I contacted KIA, their response…

Aug 23, 2022 · Structure
Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if they are unable to crawl out a window or exit from another door. There are many reports of this on Kia forums and…

Feb 16, 2022 · Fuel system, gasoline · 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V180000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer…

Mar 31, 2021 · Air bags
I WAS REPAIRING BRAKELINES, WHILE OBSERVING UNDER CARRIAGE I NOTICED SUSPENSION RUST, FRAME. LOOKED UP RECALLS AND THIS IS ONE. I INCLUDED SCREENSHOT OF PROOG

Jan 30, 2019 · Vehicle speed control · 102,500 miles
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVE, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS. THE CANCEL AND SET BUTTONS HAD NO EFFECT WHEN PRESSED. THE CAR REMAINED TRAVELING AT THE SET SPEED. TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL DID CANCEL THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Optima model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	3	143	15	0
2002	3	107	15	4
2003	2	141	8	2
2004	1	225	8	3
2005	0	144	7	1
2006	2	155	3	1
2007	2	167	11	5

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Kia Optima have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on May 27, 2009 (Suspension: front). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Optima?: Owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is latches/locks/linkages (81 complaints), followed by electrical system (45).
How many 2004 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?: 8 of 225 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 11, 2025.