2004 Kia Optima Latches/locks/linkages Problems
NHTSA component category: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How latches/locks/linkages ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 225 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2004 Kia Optima overview page.
What owners report
“DRIVER SIDE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS AND WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY OR FROM THE INSIDE UNLOCK LEVER. DRIVER IS TRAPPED INSIDE CAR…”NHTSA complaint 10456534 — filed 04/26/2012
“THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ON MY CAR WILL NOT UNLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE BEEN PUTTING UP WITH THIS FOR 4 TO 6 MONTHS NOW. AND GETTING…”NHTSA complaint 10452145 — filed 03/18/2012
“DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. NEITHER THE KEY NOR THE DOOR LOCK KNOB ON THE INSIDE WORKS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE…”NHTSA complaint 10435350 — filed 11/12/2011
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Kia Optima have latches/locks/linkages problems?
Latches/locks/linkages is the most-reported problem area on the 2004 Kia Optima: 73 of 225 complaints on file (32.4%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2004 Kia Optima have in total?
225 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 8 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, 8 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's latches/locks/linkages category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
