VIN Vehicle Report

2003 Kia Optima LX

KNAGD126635192670

Vehicle history report for the 2003 Kia Optima LX (VIN KNAGD126635192670). Gold, sedan/saloon, 2.4L 4-cyl, gasoline. 52,437 mi reported. Registered in Fl. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.

2 recall campaigns → Gasoline
🚗 Save to garage
Stock photo of a 2003 Kia Optima LX, Gold, Sedan/Saloon — not the actual vehicle with VIN KNAGD126635192670
2003 Kia Optima, as sold new. Not this exact car. · Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate

Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.

💵 A fair offer is around $1,337 (typical range $600–$2,100). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.

🖨️ Print inspection checklist Unlock the full report to weigh title, salvage & odometer →

Full vehicle history report

from $2.50 USD · one-time

Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KNAGD126635192670, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $13.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
    🔒
  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
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  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
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  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
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🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
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  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
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  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
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💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
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  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
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  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
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  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
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  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
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💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
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  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
    🔒
  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
    🔒
  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
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🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
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  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
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🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
    🔒
Buy full report — $13.95 → or get up to 10 reports a month for $39.95/mo → One-time purchase · permanent access · VIN KNAGD126635192670

At a glance

Reported mileage52,437 mi
LocationFl, USA
ColorGold
Last listed price$1,250
Recall campaigns2

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Kia
Model
Optima
Year
2003
Trim
LX
Body style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle type
PASSENGER CAR
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Displacement
2.4 L
Cylinders
4
Fuel type
Gasoline
Doors
4
Assembly plant
WHASUNG, SOUTH KOREA
Manufacturer
KIA CORPORATION

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2003 Kia Optima data →

📋 All factory specifications on file3 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

📐 Body, chassis & dimensions

Gvwr (upper range)Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

🛡️ Safety & driver assistance

Air bag location front1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Seat belts allManual

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

What's a 2003 Kia Optima worth?

What comparable 2003 Kia Optima vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,337
High
$2,100

Most 2003 Kia Optima listings fall between $600 and $2,100, from 15 comparable cars.

Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.

See this car's exact value →

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2003 Kia Optima with this engine.

Combined22–23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,975
FuelRegular
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume100 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,875 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Crash-test safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Kia Optima.

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2003 Kia Optima 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,875
Fuel only$14,875
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 22

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 22.

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 inf…

Bulletin TSB_BOD055_R1 · Structure, Exterior Lighting · Sep 2021

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.

Bulletin PS539 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2018

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 nu…

Bulletin TSB-GEN085R1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jan 2017

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 pi…

Bulletin TSB-GEN085 · Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Nov 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…

Bulletin PS443 · Electrical System, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Apr 2016

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…

Bulletin TSBTRA046 · Power Train · Dec 2013

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 ILLUMI…

Bulletin TSB-068 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2010

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 THROTT…

Bulletin TSB-044 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System · Nov 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. *PE

Bulletin TSB-026 · Structure · Jun 2009

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. *PE

Bulletin KT-2008082201 · Parking Brake, Exterior Lighting · Aug 2008

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the OPTIMA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Kia Optima

The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima, 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.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 2

SUSPENSION:FRONT

KIA MOTORS CORPORATION (KMC) IS RECALLING 36,538 MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 OPTIMA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SA…

Remedy: KMC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA Campaign #09V183000 · manufacturer #SC075 · 27/05/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA Campaign #04V180000 · manufacturer #SC038 · 12/04/2004

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Kia Optima, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 8 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 6 reported injuries

Latches/locks/linkages 53 reports

🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Electrical System 25 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Structure 25 reports

🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Air Bags 17 reports

🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Fuel System 9 reports

🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

Suspension 9 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Pre-purchase checklist

🖨️ Print this checklist for your mechanic

Owner complaints 144

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 Kia Optima.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE

While driving on the roadway, I was almost to a four way intersection, as i was going to get into the left turn lane, I turned the steering wheel slightly to the left as the steering wheel turned but the car almost did little adjusting to turn into the left turn lane. As this occurred you could here a noise underneath the vehicle . As I wasn't sure exactly w…

NHTSA ODI #11640256

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V183000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT CALLED BOB ROHRMAN KIA (801 SA…

NHTSA ODI #11278319

STRUCTURE

THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSAFE, THOUGH IT HAD A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM AND IT WAS ONLY INSPECTED AND NOT REPLACED. THE CAR WAS INITIALLY TAKEN TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR AN ALIGNMENT AS IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT, THE SHOP SAID THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE DONE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A …

NHTSA ODI #11240321

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY OR INSIDE DOOR LOOK SWITCH. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZZARD.

NHTSA ODI #11101795

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AT 24,000 MILES MY VEHICLE STARTED LOCKING DOORS WHEN TEMPERATURES REACH 32 DEGREES OR LOWER. VEHICLE OUTSIDE ON CITY STREET OR DRIVEWAY. WHEN TEMPERATURES GET TO 32 DEGREES, DOORS LOCK AND DO NOT UNLOCK TO ALLOW ACCESS. IF YOU ARE INSIDE OF CAR IT LOCKS YOU INSIDE OF CAR, AS WELL AS OUT OF CAR. LOCKS UNLOCK THEN LOCK INSTANTLY EVEN WHEN USING KEY, NOT KEY …

NHTSA ODI #11056734

STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DULLES MOTORCARS LOCATED AT 107 CATOCTIN CIR SE, LEESBURG, VA 20175, PHONE NUMBER: (703) 777-7077, FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND SAFETY INSPECTION, THERE IT WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIAN OF SEVERE CORROSION AND CRACKS IN THE SUB FRAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN.…

NHTSA ODI #11003026

STRUCTURE

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN IF LOCKED WHEN CLOSED. MECHANISM WORKS FINE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK WHEN OPEN, HOWEVER. A PART IN THE LOCK ASSEMBLY APPEARS TO BE ROTATING TOO FAR AND GETTING STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED IF LOCKED WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED OR THE DRIVER WILL HAVE TO CLIMB OUT OF THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR OR THROUGH THE WINDOW.

NHTSA ODI #10960160

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

MY MAIN ISSUE IS THE DOOR LOCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I CAN NOT OPEN MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ALL OVER THE INTERNET FOR YEARS. EVERYONE THAT I KNOW THAT HAS A 2003 AND 2004 KIA OPTIMA HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I BET EVERY VEHICLE KIA SOLD FOR THESE YEARS HAS THIS PROBLEM. MY OTHER IS…

NHTSA ODI #10917282

+ 136 more complaints on record.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Is the VIN KNAGD126635192670 valid?

KNAGD126635192670 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in South Korea. It decodes to the 2003 Kia Optima.

Are there safety recalls on the 2003 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2003 Kia Optima model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What is a fair price for a 2003 Kia Optima?

Comparable 2003 Kia Optima listings run roughly $600–$2,100, typically around $1,337 (from 15 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.

What is the 2003 Kia Optima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Kia Optima crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What fuel economy does the 2003 Kia Optima get?

The 2003 Kia Optima has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Recall data checked 14 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.