2003 Kia Optima TSBs

22 manufacturer communications for the 2003 Kia Optima sit in NHTSA's public file. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free. The 2003 Optima problem report covers complaints, recalls, and investigations.

22Communications

What the bulletins cover

Engine9 bulletins
Electrical4 bulletins
Body & structure2 bulletins
Latches & locks1 bulletin
Transmission & drivetrain1 bulletin
Brakes & stability1 bulletin

Most recent service bulletins

The 20 most recent of 22 communications on file. The complete set is searchable on NHTSA's page for this vehicle.

Electrical · Body & structure TSB_BOD055_R1 September 13, 2021

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating…

Engine PS539 March 2, 2018

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

Service bulletin TSB-GEN085R1 January 18, 2017

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake…

Latches & locks TSB-GEN085 November 4, 2016

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with…

Electrical PS443 April 4, 2016

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of…

Transmission & drivetrain TSBTRA046 December 6, 2013

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC…

Engine TSB-068 May 1, 2010

KIA: INTERMITTENT MIL ON WITH NO FAULT CODE STORED; INFORMATION ABOUT DTC P1330. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES. IN AFFECTED VEHICLES AN INTERMITTENT SHORT TO GROUND IN A CIRCUIT ONLY INTENDED FOR TESTING PURPOSES MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE AND A DTC…

Electrical · Engine TSB-044 November 1, 2009

KIA: ECM UPGRADE WITH TP SENSOR REPLACEMENT-MIL ON WITH DTC P2135/P0638. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC)…

Body & structure TSB-026 June 1, 2009

KIA: DURING A SERVICE PROCEDURE THAT REQUIRES THE SUBFRAME TO BE REMOVED FROM A 2001-2005 OPTIMA (MS) (V-6 OR I-4), AN IMPROVED SERVICE PROCEDURE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ENHANCE SERVICE EFFICIENCY.

Electrical · Brakes & stability KT-2008082201 August 28, 2008

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS.

Engine 038 November 1, 2007

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO AN ENGINE HESITATION OR THE ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) FOR P0123 (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR / SWITCH (A) CIRCUIT HIGH INPUT).

Airbags 035 September 1, 2007

SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION FOR B1378 AND B1382.

Engine 023 October 1, 2005

HESITATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER AN INITIAL COLD START. ECM REPROGRAMMING/UPGRADE.

Engine 82 January 1, 2005

IMPROVED TIMING BELTS FOR THE KIA RIO AND OPTIMA.

Service bulletin 006 December 1, 2004

ENHANCED DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR FOR P0446/P2422.

Engine 016 July 1, 2004

O2 SENSOR ENGINE CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE.

Service bulletin SC033 September 26, 2003

SERVICE LETTERS TO DEALERS AND OWNERS AND QUESTIONNAIRE REGARDING AIR CONDITIONING RECEIVER-DRIER REPLACEMENT.

Service bulletin 033 September 1, 2003

THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RECEIVER-DRIVER ON 2003MY OPTIMA MODELS PRODUCED FROM 11/14/02 THROUGH 4/16/03.

Engine 011 May 1, 2003

CHARGING SYSTEM CHANGES TO IMPROVE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Engine 012 May 1, 2003

OPTIMA CHARGING SYSTEM - V6 ENGINE.

← 2003 Optima problems All Optima TSB years
Data updated 2026-08-20 from NHTSA's public records

Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.