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2004 Kia Optima EX V6 Auto

All Kia Optima MS trims (2001–2006) → All Kia Optima generations →
2004 Kia Optima – exterior Unverified
Photo: Optima Regal Black-First Picture by Thisplus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the first generation (MS, 2001–2006); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Optima Regal Black-First Picture by Thisplus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Optima Regal Black-Second Picture by Thisplus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2004 Kia Optima EX V6 Auto is a 170-hp V6 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $19,495 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The Optima measures 185.9 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,279 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,495 ($33,541 *)
MSRP with Destination$20,035 ($34,470 *)
Destination Charge$540
Engine
Engine TypeDelta G6BA 2.7L DOHC V6, MPI, naturally aspirated
Horsepower170 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 24-valve
Bore and Stroke86.7 x 75
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Tires Front205/55R16
Tires Rear205/55R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length185.9 in
Width71.5 in
Height55.5 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Ground Clearance6.1 in
Cargo Volume13.6 ft³
Curb Weight3,279 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39 in
Headroom Rear37.6 in
Legroom Front43.3 in
Legroom Rear36.2 in
Shoulder Room Front56.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.7 in
Hip Room Front55.8 in
Hip Room Rear55.8 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 2004 Kia Optima EX V6 Auto with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2004 Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Kia OPTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 27, 2009 · 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 SALT APPLIED IN THESE STATES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME. OVER TIME, SUCH SUBFRAME CORROSION NEAR THE CONNECTION TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN LEAD TO WHEEL MISALIGNMENT AND/OR OTHER NOTICEABLE STRESS IN STEERING, OR ACCELERATED ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR.

Consequence: CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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

225 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2004 Kia OPTIMA

Owner Complaints

225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Kia OPTIMA (8 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Latches/Locks/Linkages81
Electrical System45
Structure42
Air Bags26
Suspension19
Unknown Or Other12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 11, 2025 · Suspension
“Had some noise coming from the front of the car, had my mechanic look at it, he said we needed a control arm. When he took off the cover to replace the control arm, he found the sub frame had rotten…”
Aug 23, 2022 · Structure
“Door lock/unlock mechanism has failed. Unable to unlock and open door from outside or inside. This defect causes the door to stay locked and unable to open. This can trap people inside of the car if…”
Feb 16, 2022 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the…”
Mar 31, 2021 · Suspension, Air Bags, Lane Departure
“I WAS REPAIRING BRAKELINES, WHILE OBSERVING UNDER CARRIAGE I NOTICED SUSPENSION RUST, FRAME. LOOKED UP RECALLS AND THIS IS ONE. I INCLUDED SCREENSHOT OF PROOG”
Jan 30, 2019 · Vehicle Speed Control
“WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVE, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS. THE CANCEL AND SET BUTTONS HAD NO EFFECT WHEN PRESSED. THE…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2004 KIA OPTIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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