2003 Kia Optima EX review from North America

ABS light comes on all the time.. Dealer can't find problem..

4-speed Sportmatic Automatic Transmission gets hung in Reverse sometime... Backing out of parking lot and you are stuck... Have to have it towed to dealership... Has happened 3-times in one year. They have put new sensors and a new cable in it... They can't find the problem.. IT is in the shop getting a new transmission right now.. I have nothing to drive...

The back glass leaks water on the seat... Thay have "Fixed" it a few times..

The Check Engine light stays on when the car is real cold... Dealer can't seem to fix it.

Engine sometimes is hard to start. Takes a few trys.. Kia said this is normal.???I don't think so.

Rear outside left door will not open up sometimes. And it is not the lock. Opens fine from the inside.

Air Bags light came on a few times and flashed back out. Dealer can't find a problem.

Heater will change the fan speed on own. It will freeze you out and the A/C will not work good when the fan slows down on own. You have to reach down and switch it off then back on to make it work right again. Dealer replaced switches, but still din't fix it. It only does it once a week or less.

Oil leak on top of engine. They are going to fix it also. "They say"

Engine vibrates dash at stop light unelss I put it in "N". Engine Mounts fine.--They said.Makes me think it is in the transmission like my Dad says. I will see if it still does this when I get it back with a new out of the box Transmission.

I will never buy another Kia for as long as I live. They are not worth anything.

I gave almost $20,000 for this car and it is the only new car anyone in my family has had. I got it for myself after I got out of college and got a good job. I will never buy another one.

It was $20,000, not a cheap $8,800 car. A $20,000 car should last for 15-years of no real problems service.

What a Joke. Everyone that I work with that has a Kia has had them in the shop and had all kinds of problems just like me. I know it is car wide. We have about 8-Kia's at my work and I have got to know all of them at work as I was broke down in the parking lot or seen them at the Kia Dealer. What a shame.. they are real nice looking cars also... What a loss. I am sorry Kia.. One try and your out. IMPROVE QUALITY.. please read this KIA... I know you all don't even read my letters and the dealers don't care. Please read all these reviews and take action.