Kia · 2003

2003 Kia Optima

Official EPA fuel economy and NHTSA recall record, best combined figure 23 MPG.

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Fuel economy (EPA)

Engine	Transmission	Fuel	City	Highway	Combined	CO2 g/mi
2.4L 4-cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Regular	19	27	22	404
2.4L 4-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Regular	20	27	23	386
2.7L 6-cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Regular	18	25	21	423
2.7L 6-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Regular	18	26	21	423

Safety recalls (NHTSA)

2 campaigns on record for this model year. Recall repairs are free at dealers; check your exact vehicle by VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Campaign 04V180000

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.

Campaign 09V183000

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 SA

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

190 complaints filed by owners for this model year (10 involving a crash, 2 a fire). Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects - browse them in full on nhtsa.gov.

Latches/locks/linkages 53 Structure 26 Electrical System 25

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel economy of a 2003 Kia Optima?

EPA figures for the 2003 Kia Optima reach 23 MPG combined depending on configuration; the table on this page lists every tested engine and transmission combination.

Are there recalls on the 2003 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 Kia Optima. Check your specific vehicle by VIN on the official NHTSA site, recalls are fixed free of charge by dealers.

What are common problems with the 2003 Kia Optima?

Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA for the 2003 Kia Optima, most often about: Latches/locks/linkages, Structure, Electrical System. Complaint counts reflect what owners report, not confirmed defects.

Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, the NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings databases (all US public data), refreshed monthly. Recall texts are quoted from the official record. Details on About & Data Sources.