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2003 Kia Optima Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
04/16/18 NHTSA ID: 10133170
TSB ID: PS539

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.
10/29/10 NHTSA ID: 10034246
TSB ID: TSB-068

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 c
01/15/08 NHTSA ID: 10023626
TSB ID: 038

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). *nj
11/29/05 NHTSA ID: 10017768
TSB ID: 023

Hesitation for a short period of time after an initial cold start. ecm reprogramming/upgrade.
10/12/05 NHTSA ID: 10016851
TSB ID: 006

Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
07/13/05 NHTSA ID: 10015272
TSB ID: 82

Improved timing belts for the kia rio and optima.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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10/15/04 NHTSA ID: 10009700
TSB ID: 016

O2 sensor engine control module upgrade.
08/22/03 NHTSA ID: 10002355
TSB ID: 012

Optima charging system - v6 engine.
06/19/03 NHTSA ID: 10001679
TSB ID: 011

Charging system changes to improve alternator output in high ambient temperature severe operating conditions.
02/13/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10091489
TSB ID: TSBTRA046

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
08/18/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10033464
TSB ID: TSB-044

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
12/09/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10026726
TSB ID: KT-2008082201

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.
10/09/07 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10022959
TSB ID: 035

Supplement restraint system (srs) warning lamp illumination for b1378 and b1382. *nj
09/21/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10009310
TSB ID: 56

Air quality system. kia tech times.
12/30/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004657
TSB ID: 033

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.
12/30/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004658
TSB ID: SC033

Service letters to dealers and owners and questionnaire regarding air conditioning receiver-drier replacement.
08/02/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10109812
TSB ID: TSB-GEN085R1

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 example
08/02/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10109777
TSB ID: TSB-GEN085

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 sta
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12/30/09 Other NHTSA ID: 10031006
TSB ID: TSB-026

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.
02/20/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10000260
TSB ID: 01055

Srs indicator on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 9-3 or driver's seat belt buckle replacement.

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Kia Optima TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.