KIA Optima Latches/locks/linkages Problems
Owners have filed 271 complaints with NHTSA about latches/locks/linkages problems on the KIA Optima across 15 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (81). The words owners use most often: “side door” (47% of reports).
- 271latches/locks/linkages complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $460typical repair cost reported by owners
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Side door: mentioned in 128 of 271 complaints (47%)
- Inside outside: mentioned in 41 of 271 complaints (15%)
- Lock unlock: mentioned in 25 of 271 complaints (9%)
- Through passenger: mentioned in 21 of 271 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical latches/locks/linkages repair on the KIA Optima at $460, and half of them between $350 and $710.
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2008–2014), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do latches/locks/linkages problems happen?
Based on 225 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 271 complaints, 2 an injury.
KIA Optima latches/locks/linkages complaints by model year
| Model year | Latches/locks/linkages complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Optima | 2 | 1% | 70,000 |
| 2018 Optima | 1 | 0% | 121,000 |
| 2017 Optima | 1 | 0% | 126,000 |
| 2016 Optima | 3 | 0% | 72,500 |
| 2013 Optima | 2 | 0% | 88,282 |
| 2012 Optima | 2 | 0% | 56,144 |
| 2010 Optima | 3 | 4% | 65,000 |
| 2008 Optima | 1 | 1% | 10,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 2 | 1% | 57,000 |
| 2006 Optima | 27 | 17% | 74,000 |
| 2005 Optima | 66 | 46% | 74,000 |
| 2004 Optima | 81 | 36% | 92,000 |
| 2003 Optima | 53 | 38% | 90,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 12 | 11% | 80,048 |
| 2001 Optima | 15 | 10% | 18,481 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a standing start the vehicle had experience sever jerking and hesitation. Also, the vehicle has experience oil consumption problems and the contact constantly added engine oil. The cause of the failures…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to perform an oil change, the contact became aware that the hood latch was not operating as needed. The contact was unable to unlatch and raise the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front driverâs and passengerâs side windows and the rear driverâs side and passengerâs side windows were inoperable and would not open or close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V594000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the next available appointment would be in February…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, after driving over a bump in the roadway, the trunk door opened independently, obstructing the rear-view line of sight. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have latches/locks/linkages problems?
No. NHTSA has 271 owner complaints about latches/locks/linkages for the KIA Optima. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Optima latches/locks/linkages?
Yes: 1 safety recall list latches/locks/linkages. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix latches/locks/linkages problems on the KIA Optima?
Owners report a typical cost of $460 (half paid between $350 and $710), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about latches/locks/linkages problems on the KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “side door”, in 128 of 271 complaints, followed by “inside outside” (41).
Other KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (3,164)
- Electrical System problems (936)
- Steering problems (758)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Power Train problems (508)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
See all KIA Optima problems.