IllustrationTL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 KIA OPTIMA LX/EX. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH OR WITHOUT THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES AND IT WOULD COST $400 TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
2005 Kia Optima
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Kia Optima do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Optima years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
50–25K
1525–50K
3450–75K
3075–100K
20100–150K
8150K+
112 reports with mileage · 32 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
66 reportsDRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN WITH A KEY OR WITH THE UNLOCK SWITCH. WHEN I TRY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WITH THE KEY. IT WILL NOT UNLOCK BUT THE REST OF THE DOORS WILL. NORMALLY I HAVE TO JUGGLE AND PLAY WITH THE KEY AND THE DOOR WILL UNLATCH . LAST NIGHT I STOOD OUTSIDE FOR 15 MINUTES AND THE DOOR WO…
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DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN WITH A KEY OR WITH THE UNLOCK SWITCH. WHEN I TRY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WITH THE KEY. IT WILL NOT UNLOCK BUT THE REST OF THE DOORS WILL. NORMALLY I HAVE TO JUGGLE AND PLAY WITH THE KEY AND THE DOOR WILL UNLATCH . LAST NIGHT I STOOD OUTSIDE FOR 15 MINUTES AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN SO I HAD TO CLIMB THRU THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS PROBLEM IS A HAZARD. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY I WOULD BE SCREWED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN EARLY 2010. ONCE I UNLOCKED IT THE FIRST TIME I DECIDED TO JUST LEAVE THE DOOR UNLOCKED FOR EASY ENTRY BUT THAT LEAVES MY CAR VULNERABLE FOR THEFT OR ITEMS I MAY LEAVE IN IT. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INSTANCES WHERE A PASSENGER HAS UNKNOWINGLY LOCKED THE DOOR AND I WOULD HAVE TO CLIMB THRU THE OTHER SIDE AND JIGGLE THE KEY ALL OVER AGAIN. LAST NIGHT WAS THE LONGEST THAT I HAVE EVER HAD TO PLAY WITH THE DOOR AND NOW I BELIEVE IT WILL NOT OPEN AND I HAVE NO SOLUTION ON HOW TO OPEN IT SINCE THE COMPANY CLAIMS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
2006 KIA OPTIMA DRIVERSIDE DOOR LOCKS NOT ALLOWING DRIVERS DOOR TO UNLOCK, WE CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THEY ARE WILLING LOOK AT THE PROBLEM FOR A SERVICE FEE AND LABOR, WE SEARCH ON-LINE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVING. *TR
2005 KIA OPTIMA DRIVERS DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONS. DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THERE ARE MANY INTERNET REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. KIA WILL NOT RECALL OR TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. NHTSA DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! *TR
WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IT JUST KEPT RELOCKING, THE LOCK DOESN'T OPEN ALL THE WAY IT MAKES A NOISE AND LOCKS AGAIN. I HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE MIDDLE CONSOLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I WENT AROUND TO THE DRIVERS SIDE TO SEE IF I COULD OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE KEY DOESN'T TURN ALL THE…
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WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IT JUST KEPT RELOCKING, THE LOCK DOESN'T OPEN ALL THE WAY IT MAKES A NOISE AND LOCKS AGAIN. I HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE MIDDLE CONSOLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I WENT AROUND TO THE DRIVERS SIDE TO SEE IF I COULD OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE KEY DOESN'T TURN ALL THE WAY, IF THE OTHER DOORS ARE UNLOCKED AND YOU TRY TO OPEN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE IT JUST CLICKS INTO THE LOCKED POSITION. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BE IN A POSITION TO HAVE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN A HURRY AND CAN'T. *TR
MY 2005 KIA OPTIMA DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK IT EITHER WITH A KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE, OR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IF I NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY, IF WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DO SO SINCE I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE CONSOLE AND ENTER AND EXIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS THE SEC…
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MY 2005 KIA OPTIMA DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK IT EITHER WITH A KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE, OR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IF I NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY, IF WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DO SO SINCE I HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE CONSOLE AND ENTER AND EXIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME SINCE OWNING THE CAR THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I AM TIRED OF HAVING TO PAY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM REPAIRED. IT HAPPENS ALL OF A SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
STARTING APPROX. JULY 28, THE FRONT PASSENGER LOCK BEGAN ACTING UP, GIVING A LOT OF RESISTANCE WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE KEY TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOOR. THEN YESTERDAY, ABOUT EIGHT DAYS LATER, THE PROBLEM MOVED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHERE NOW I CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE AT ALL. WHEN I OPEN FROM THE O…
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STARTING APPROX. JULY 28, THE FRONT PASSENGER LOCK BEGAN ACTING UP, GIVING A LOT OF RESISTANCE WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE KEY TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOOR. THEN YESTERDAY, ABOUT EIGHT DAYS LATER, THE PROBLEM MOVED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHERE NOW I CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE AT ALL. WHEN I OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, IT JUST RE-LOCKS THE DOOR WITHOUT OPENING THE DOOR. ON THE INSIDE, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE. I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS TO BE A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM FOR KIA CARS. THIS CAN BE A REAL SAFETY HAZARD IN THAT IF FOR SOME REASON I NEEDED TO EXIT THE CAR QUICKLY, I WOULD BE STUCK INSIDE. RIGHT NOW MY ONLY WAY OF ENTERING OR EXITING THE VEHICLE IS CLIMBING IN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OR THROUGH THE WINDOW. I HAVE AM WAITING FOR AN OPENING AT THE KIA DEALER, BUT THEY ARE BUSY (LIKELY WITH OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM) AND I HAVE READ THE REPAIR COSTS FOR THIS ARE EXTREMELY HIGH. WITH THIS BEING SUCH A WIDE-SPREAD ISSUE AND WITH THE POTENTIAL SAFETY AND HAZARD RAMIFICATIONS, IT SEEMS THAT KIA SHOULD BE DOING A RE-CALL TO REPAIR ALL THESE PARTS THAT ARE WEARING OUT AFTER ONLY 50,000-70,000 MILES--WHILE OTHER CARS SEEM TO HAVE NO ISSUES AT ALL. THIS IS AN UNFAIR SITUATION TO PUT EVERYONE IN WHO HAS TO GET THIS FIXED, AT GREAT COST, AND SEEMS TO ALMOST BE A PLANNED FAILURE (AS WIDE-SPREAD AS IT IS AMONG MANY MODELS) TO KEEP THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENTS BUSY. *TR
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. AFTER BEING LOCKED I CANNOT OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR FROM THE OUTSIDE. *TR
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. AFTER BEING LOCKED I CANNOT OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, AND IN ORDER TO OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE LOCK AND PULL THE HANDLE AT THE SAME TIME. THIS WORKS ABOUT 30% OF THE TIME. OTHERWISE, IF I JUST TURN THE KEY AND THEN PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE I HEAR…
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DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. AFTER BEING LOCKED I CANNOT OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, AND IN ORDER TO OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE LOCK AND PULL THE HANDLE AT THE SAME TIME. THIS WORKS ABOUT 30% OF THE TIME. OTHERWISE, IF I JUST TURN THE KEY AND THEN PULL ON THE DOOR HANDLE I HEAR THE CAR DOOR RELOCK BEFORE I CAN OPEN IT. *TR
DRIVER SIDE DOOR INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT UNLOCK, EVENTUALLY AFTER CONTINUING TO TRY AND UNLOCK IT THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK (HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS), NOW THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE CAR. CAN NOT GET THE DOOR OPEN AT ALL. *TR
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.