Driver's side door will unlock but will not open

The handle could have come apart inside the door.

http://www.kia-forums.com/1g-2g-2001-2006-magentis-optima/47179-2004-optima-door-lock-fault.html

I have this same issue,I'm told other kia's also have this issue. Friend of mmine says little pin/rod that goes from lock 2 handle needs adjusting,don't know.have body shop check it out 4 u or call kia.I'm sure they have heard of this problem.That's what i'm gonna do if I can get mine running,been down 4 about 2 wks. good luck

Pull the door panel and find the cause, it can be a faulty lock motor or the linkage rod has come off due to a broken retainer clip.

just had a similar problem with my optima on the drivers side, power lock and manual lock would not open drivers door, after fighting with the door i did get it open and took the door panel off, lubed all internal parts of the door and it still was sticking, ended up to be the lock itself and had to get it fixed at a local garage, $173.00 later its fine, they had to replace the lock . Hope this might help you

I have a 4 cylinder 2003 Optima and I'm having all kinds of trouble with it. I got it last year and it had 76000 miles on it. When I bought it, the driver's side rear window didn't work, and the locks were iffy on unlocking with the button. NOW, it has 103000 miles and I need new axles, already had to get a new timing belt, the driver's door lock is broken (can't unlock from the inside OR outside), and the gas tank is screwed up. Don't think I'll ever buy a Kia again.

Have you put a new battery in your remote?
if not try that.

ok the switch on the drivers side not working is the problem,its not allowing the cicuit to be completed.you may want to check the passenger side lock actuator.

If you have tried the inside, and outside door handle, and it does not open you need a new door latch assembly.

Your door latching mechanism is loose or defective. or maybe Christines' deendent. Spookuy huh?