2005 Kia Optima problems

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The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.

First generation (MS; 2000)

From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.

In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.

2005 Kia Optima

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Common 2005 Kia Optima problems

The 2005 Kia Optima is known to have issues with the automatic transmission, which can cause a variety of problems while driving. These issues include shuddering or jerking from the transmission when shifting into reverse, a blank gear selector/indicator (PRND) on the cluster, an automatic transmission that feels like it's slipping or stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear with no ability to shift via tiptronic/manumatic, an odometer and trip meter that do not increase, and reverse lights that do not turn on when in reverse. These symptoms can be caused by sensor issues or other transmission problems.

The Kia Optima, including the 2005 model, has also been known to have engine problems, particularly with the Theta II engine used in models from 2011 to 2014. The Theta II engine is known for having oil flow issues that can eventually cause catastrophic failures, leading to engine failure and the need for costly repairs.

Additionally, the Kia Optima has had issues with the window regulator, particularly in newer models. When the regulator goes out, the window stops going up and down, leaving owners exposed to the elements while driving or unable to roll the window down for fresh air. This is a common problem that has left many Optima owners frustrated.

The Kia Optima has also had issues with the steering column, particularly in the 2013 model. The car may begin to pull in one direction, and the issue seems to be in the steering column. Many owners were told that the problem was alignment or tires, but these issues were corrected and the vehicle would still pull. Owners who have had it successfully repaired state that the steering column had to be replaced.

Overall, while the Kia Optima is a reliable car for many owners, there are certain common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues include automatic transmission problems in the 2005 model, engine failure in the 2011-2014 models, window regulator failure in newer models, and steering problems in the 2013 model. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them when deciding whether to purchase a Kia Optima.

2005 Kia Optima engine

Is the 2005 Kia Optima a good car?

The Optima provides a lot of features for a competitive price. We liked its comfortable ride as well as its quiet and refined cabin. The Kia also has very good fit and finish. The engine is smooth, though it isn't very fuel efficient, despite being fairly small.

What is the common issue with Kia Optima?

Kia Optima Engine Problems

Over the years, the Kia Optima has been reported to have severe engine manufacturing and failure issues that may be causing its bearings to wear prematurely. In some cases, premature bearing wear and tear can trigger uncontrollable engine seizing, increasing the risk of causing an accident.

Is The Kia Optima a reliable car?

The Kia Optima Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $471 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Optima.

What year Kia Optimas have engine problems?

The Worst Years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 are undoubtedly the worst Kia Optima years you should avoid at any cost. The 2011 Kia Optima year was notably afflicted with engine, transmission, and exterior lighting issues.

2005 Kia Optima car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Structure problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Kia Optima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2005 Kia Optima

The NHTSA has received 144 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Kia Optima. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2005 Kia Optima vehicles.

2022-06-22

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-06-04
  • VIN: KNAGD126455
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. The contact was unable to use the key to manually unlock the door to the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle failed to open consistently from inside the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
2022-04-18

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-08-12
  • VIN: knagd128055
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: driver side door lock does not open using the arm rest switch. wife was in the car could reach the switch but not the unlatch lever . Car was overheating with Ac on with keys in the ignition . Had to have her roll down the passenger door window to manually open the rear passenger side door . From the rear seat I could reach the lever and unlock the door. If I could not it would have been a fire hazard.
2018-11-16

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-10-31
  • VIN: KNAGD126255
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE DRIVER DOOR BECOME JAMMED AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT OPEN. YOU HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY/EXCESSIVELY JERK ON IT. DUE TO NOT OPENING, I HAVE TO CRAWL THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO GAIN ENTRANCE INTO THE VEHICLE. NOT ONLY THAT, AFTER FINALLY GETTING THE DRIVER DOOR TO OPEN, I HAVE TO LEAVE IT CRACK TO AVOID THIS STRUGGLE.
2018-01-02

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-11-15
  • VIN: KNAGD128855
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR'S FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THROUGH THE SUN ROOF. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR WAS INOPERABLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
2017-09-16

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-06-02
  • VIN: KNAGD128X55
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM MALFUNCTION. MECHANISM WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO UNLOCK, THEREFORE THE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED. DRIVER MUST CLIMB OUT OF PASSENGER SIDE.
2017-08-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-06-26
  • VIN: KNAGD128755
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: AFTER REPAIRING THE MASS AIR FLOW HOSE,PURGE VALVE,AND THE VALVE COVER GASKET. IT DIDN'T PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT A LITTLE LONGER TO PUT MILES ON THE CAR. SO I DID.. AFTER SEVEN WEEK GOING BACK TO HAVE IT CHECK IT WAS STILL SHOWING NOT READY. THE MERCHANIC THERE COULDN'T TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM AND THEIR SUBJESTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AFTER PUTTING 1175 MILES ON MY CAR
2017-06-22

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
  • VIN: KNAGD126555
  • Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE LIGHT FOR MY AIR BAG HAS BEEN STAYING ON AND MY HORN QUIT WORKING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO THE SHOP FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CLOCK SWITCH (I BELIEVE I SAID THAT RIGHT) WHICH IS SOMETHING IN THE STEERING CONNECTED TO THE AIRBAG AND HORN. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG MIGHT ACTIVATE WHILE I AM DRIVING WHICH WOULD NOT BE GOOD. MAYBE EVEN NOT WORK IF I GET IN A WRECK.
2017-06-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-03-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: KNAGD126855
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I AM A DISABLED WOMAN WHO BECAME TRAPPED IN HER OWN CAR BECAUSE THE LOCK MECHANISM ON THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN NOR COULD I ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I TRIED TO CLIMB OVER THE GEARSHIFT TO TRY THE PASSENGER DOOR AND HURT MY BACK IN THE PROCESS. I CALLED 911 FOR HELP
2016-07-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-07-22
  • VIN: KNAGD128455
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CLOSED DRIVER'S DOOR AND DOOR WOULD NOT REOPEN. I TOOK CAR TO AUTO SHOP AND MECHANIC FINALLY GOT DOOR TO OPEN AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF. HE THOUGHT HE HAD REPAIRED THE DOOR AND CLOSED IT, BUT WHEN HE TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR FINAL INSPECTION, AGAIN IT WOULD NOT OPEN NORMALLY AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE FOUND THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY FROM THE WAY THEY HAD BEEN MANUFACTURED. AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE KIA DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS INCLUDING MY CAR'S YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. I AM CONCERNED THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD, ESPECIALLY SINCE I TRANSPORT SMALL CHILDREN, SOME IN CAR SEATS. MY CAR IS AN OLDER CAR AND I WOULD LIKE ALL FOUR LOCKS REPLACED WITH 'UP TO STANDARD' LOCKS.
2016-05-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-04-22
  • VIN: KNAGD126655
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: MY AIRBAG CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THE CAR WAS JUST STARTED AND STATIONARY WHEN THE LIGHT WENT ON.
2016-04-11

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
  • VIN: KNAGD128255
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: ONE MORNING I TURNED THE CAR ON AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS NOT GONE OFF! ; (
2016-01-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-01-04
  • VIN: KNAGD126155
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. THE DRIVER SEAT AND SUNROOF HAVE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WHERE THEY WORK THEN DON'T, FOUND THAT THE SWITCHES ARE BAD AND WORK SOMETIMES.
2015-12-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-12-31
  • VIN: KNAGD126355
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: LOCKED CAR AFTER BUYING IT USED DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING TO DRIVE THIS THING. KIA DEALER DID NOT EVEN MENTION THIS TO ME, BUT DID SAY IT WAS 200 MINIMUM. I HOPE THIS GETS INVESTIGATED. IN AN ACCIDENT THE DOOR WILL NEVER OPEN. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND AFTER 2 HOURS IT WILL NOT UNLOCK.
2015-10-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-09-17
  • VIN: KNAGD126655
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE IN PARK, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE REMOTE FOR ENTRY AND HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
2015-09-09

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-09-08
  • VIN: KNAGD128055
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I STARTED THE VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AFTER TWO DAYS.
2015-07-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-01
  • VIN: KNAGD126955
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CODES WERE CLEARED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
2015-07-14

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-06-20
  • VIN: KNAGD128355
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: NEITHER THE DRIVER DOOR OR PASSENGER DOOR WILL UNLOCK. THIS OCCURS FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. VERY UNSAFE CONDITION.
2015-07-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-07-10
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LOCKS ON THE DOOR FAILED TO WORK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
2015-06-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-03-09
  • VIN: KNAGD126X53
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN YOU PULL ON THE OUTSIDE HANDLE IT WILL MAKE ALL THE DOORS LOCK SOMETIMES. I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED CASE, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLIANTS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR WAS IN A CRASH.
2015-05-12

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-05-11
  • VIN: KNAGD126955
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY. IT WILL LOCK WITHOUT PROBLEM BUT THEN WILL NOT UNLOCK. IT CANNOT BE UNLOCKED FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. TO UNLOCK IT FROM OUTSIDE REQUIRES THAT THE DOOR BE UNLOCKED AT THE SAME TIME THE DOOR HANDLES IS PULLED OPEN. IT REQUIRES MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET IT RIGHT - USUALLY IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES OF PLAYING WITH THE DOOR HANDLE AND KEY TO GET IT TO WORK PROPERLY.
2015-05-12

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
  • VIN: KNAGD126955
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE FRAME IS EXTENSIVE RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE VEHICLE'S STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY HAS LIKELY BEEN COMPROMISED. NOTHING UNUSUAL HAS HAPPENED THAT WOULD CAUSE SUCH RUST, SUCH AS BACKING INTO SALT WATER, ETC. IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON SALTED NY ROADS BUT STILL, THE RUST IS EXTREME ON THIS VEHICLE EVEN WITH THAT TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. THE BODY HAS RUSTED EXTENSIVELY AS WELL, TO THE POINT WHERE THE REAR QUARTER PANELS BY THE REAR WHEEL ARCHES HAVE RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH.
2015-04-30

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-04-30
  • VIN: KNAGD126355
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS LOCKED AND FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND CLIMB OVER THE SEAT TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
2015-03-17

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-03-10
  • VIN: KNAGD128855
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: KEY WILL NOT UNLOCK DRIVER'S DOOR AND DRIVER CANNOT UNLOCK DOOR FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. KIA MOTORS WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. CLIMBING OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE IS REQUIRED TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A FREQUENT ISSUE WITH KIA OPTIMA CARS, WELL KNOWN AND OFTEN WRITTEN UP ONLINE, THE PART REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IS SOLD ON EBAY BY MULTIPLE SELLERS ALWAYS. *TR
2014-11-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-11-22
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. WE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WHERE THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN NO MATTER WHAT YOU DID,. IT WOULDN'T OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. ALL THE OTHER DOORS WOULD OPEN, BUT THE DRIVER DOOR. IF YOU OPENED IT WITH THE KEY IT CLICKED, BUT WHEN YOU PULLED THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR IT WOULD LOCK.. IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR MY HUSBAND, WHO HAS A BAD BACK HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE. YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET OUT IN AN EMERGENCY AND THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT WE ARE HAVING IS WE ARE ALWAYS REPLACING BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS; ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. WE ARE FOREVER GETTING PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE TO TELL US OUR HEADLIGHT OR TAILLIGHT IS OUT. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. THE REPAIR COST FOR THE DOOR WAS $400.00 AND WE SHOULD BE REFUNDED AS WELL AS EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS PAID TO REPAIR THIS DEFECTIVE ISSUE. *TR
2014-11-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-11-07
  • VIN: KNAGD126655
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. YOU COULD CLICK IT AND IT WOULD SOUND LIKE IT WAS GOING TO OPEN, BUT IT DIDN'T. HAD TO DRIVE TO A KIA STORE AND HAVE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED AT THE TUNE OF $450. INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, THEY DID NOT SEEM TO THINK THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT I CAN SEE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I HAD MY TWO YEAR OLD GRANDSON IN THE BACK SEAT AND WAS VERY WORRIED ABOUT GETTING STUCK IN THE CAR. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN, I WILL SELL THE CAR. THERE SEEM TO BE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ON THIS CAR. I REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS REGULARLY (ABOUT ONCE A MONTH) AND I AM ALWAYS HAVING THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON, WHEN THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. HOW MANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS DO YOU NEED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE? OR DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET KILLED FIRST? *TR

Negative 2005 Kia Optima car reviews

  1. Winfield Jacobi 2024-10-07

    For the first three years and nearly 60,000 miles, the car performed flawlessly. However, at 59,700 miles, the check engine light came on and the car needed new spark plugs, wires, and a sensor. Fortunately, these repairs were covered by warranty. Unfortunately, the headlights began to blow out every other month and the check engine light came on with several major codes that were not covered by warranty. Despite these issues, the car's exterior held up well, although the wheel covers did peel and the wiper arms started to rust. Additionally, the driver's door speaker began to make a horrible noise and the belts would squeak in cold or damp weather at start-up.

  2. Skye Streich 2024-08-06

    The ride is comfortable, and the car has lots of bells and whistles for the money, which is great. I recommend the V6, even though it's smallish, the car accelerates and passes fine. The interior is nice, but it's nothing spectacular. The leather is nicer than the cloth, but again, it's not the softest I've seen in a middie. It seems like a good value for the money, though time will tell. A guy at the dealer was buying his second and said he loved them. However, there are a few cons to consider. There is an annoying rattle in the back right door, and you need to get the keyless reprogrammed. Entering and exiting can take some practice, especially in the back seat, as it sits a bit too low. I hit my head the first couple of times, and I'm 5'8. The sunroof is cool and kind of noisy with the shade open.

  3. Roscoe Lindgren 2024-06-03

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I read your feedback about the car and I completely understand your concerns. It can be tough to find a car that fits all of your needs, especially with growing children. It sounds like the trunk size is a bit of an issue for you, which can be frustrating when trying to fit all of your baby gear. Other than that, I'm glad to hear that you don't have any major problems with the car. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!

  4. Titus Stanton 2024-02-23

    I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your Kia! It sounds like you made a great choice. With only 6K miles on it and no problems, it seems like you have a reliable car on your hands. The bells and whistles are definitely a nice touch and it's great to hear that you found it to be the best value compared to other brands. Thank you for sharing your positive experience and we hope you continue to enjoy your Kia. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out!

Positive 2005 Kia Optima car reviews

  1. Maximilian Hartmann 2024-11-25

    This car is a great value for the money. It always sounds like a brand new car.

  2. Tod Marquardt 2024-11-16

    I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it used with 84,000 miles on it, and it's been a great car so far. Currently, we have to replace the blower resistor in the A/C, but thankfully the warranty is covering it. I'm really impressed with how much power this car has, and it handles very well too!

  3. Aron Ullrich 2024-09-28

    Well, let me start by saying that I bought this car for my daughter. However, two months ago, my wife got a new car, an Infinity G35. We test drove the Mercedes C230 and SLK 350, as well as the BMW M series, and we already owned two Hondas. In my opinion, the Optima is the best riding and most valuable car on the market. It surprises me how people can overlook this car. I encourage you to test drive any car, and you will find that the Optima provides a better ride.

  4. Clinton Kiehn 2024-09-24

    This is my first Kia, and it won't be my last! I'm so happy with my Optima, especially after driving it all the way to Georgia. The gas mileage was fantastic, and it handled beautifully. I'm already looking forward to my next trip!

  5. Jorge Rice 2024-09-08

    Our 2005 Kia Optmia is a pleasure to drive and a great car for the value. You'll find that the more you drive it, the more you'll like it. It's proving to be a perfect car for our young family. It gives us a nice highway ride on long trips, although the steering is a little vague.

Leave your review of 2005 Kia Optima

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2005 Kia Optima problems:

2005 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
2005 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2005-kia-optima/problems

Problem with your 2005 Kia Optima? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2005 Kia Optima.

Anyone have experience with a 2005 Kia Optima/Magentis? : r/kia
Anyone have experience with a 2005 Kia Optima/Magentis? : r/kia
https://www.reddit.com/r/kia/comments/rvekyo/anyone_have_experience_with_a_2005_kia/

Jan 3, 2022 ... ... Kia´s of that time period. It has the 2.0L with 136hp and a 6 Speed Manual. If you guys know any weakpoints, common problems with the car ...

Q&A: 2005 Kia Optima EX - High RPMs & Idle Issues
Q&A: 2005 Kia Optima EX - High RPMs & Idle Issues
https://www.justanswer.com/kia/417dv-2005-kia-optima-ex-cyl-idles-runs-high-rpms.html

Sep 25, 2010 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...

2005 Kia Optima | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
2005 Kia Optima | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/kia/optima/2005

How Reliable Is The 2005 Kia Optima? · It is an incredibly reliable vehicle, but it has had some issues with the sensors here in the last few months. It is 10 ...

2005 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
2005 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
https://www.cars.com/research/kia-optima-2005/consumer-reviews/

Comfort 4.1; Interior 3.9; Performance 3.9; Value 4.1; Exterior 3.8; Reliability 3.9.

Other years of Kia Optima

kia optima 2006 photo
Optima 2006
Kia

155

2

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia optima 2007 photo
Optima 2007
Kia

165

2

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia optima 2008 photo
Optima 2008
Kia

140

3

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia optima 2009 photo
Optima 2009
Kia

115

1

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia optima 2010 photo
Optima 2010
Kia

72

1

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia optima 2011 photo
Optima 2011
Kia

572

5

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2005 Kia Optima photo