2013 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,383 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 48 involved a crash and 114 involved a fire. 36 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsAug 1, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
Campaign 22V560000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 17, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
Campaign 22V093000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 21, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
Campaign 20V100000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
650 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 19, 2019
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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 17, 2019
2013 KIA OPTIMA SPORT WITH APPROXIMATELY 47,000 MILES LOSS OF TURBO. PULLED OUT OF MY GARAGE AND MY CAR SEEMED SLUGGISH. I NOTICED THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. AS I ACCELERATED MY TURBO DID NOT SEEM TO KICK IN AND MY CAR WOULD REV UP AND NOT ACCELERATE VERY WELL. CALLED KIA THEY SAID I HAVE 5 YEAR OR 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM I ALSO HAVE 10 YEAR 100 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. JUST RAN A RECALL CHECK AND NHTSA STATES RECALL ON LONG BLOCK ENGINE AND TURBO RECALL ON MY SPORT MODEL.
Engine, Nov 17, 2019
I WAS DRIVING AWAY FROM MY HOUSE GOING TO MY MOMS HOUSE SHE LIVES APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES FROM ME 15 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE I STOP THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TRUNT RED THE CAR BEGAN TO START ACTING LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO CUT OFF SO I PULLED OVER TO THE NEAREST STORE TO CALL FOR HELP BECAUSE I JUST KNEW I WASNT GO MAKE IT TO MY MOMS LOW AND BEHOLD WHEN I WENT TO CRANK IT BACK UP TO ATTEMPT TY O GO TO MY MOMS BEFORE HELP CAME IT WON'T STAY CRANK SO I WAITED IN MY CAR UNTIL MY MOM AND THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED NOW THE CAR IS JUST SITTING IN MY YARD UNTIL I FIND OUT WHAT'S REALLY WRONG WITH IT
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 15, 2019
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK-FREEWAY 65 WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR DROPPED POWER AND I COULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS INJURIES TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. I CONTACTED KIA AND THEY HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER-DEALER AND KIA 800# GIVE YOU THE RUN AROUND-THEY SAID THERE ENGINEERS TOLD THEM WE NEED TO DO OIL COMSUMPTION TEST AND TOLD ME TO PICK UP THIS DANGEROUS CAR AND DRIVE IT. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS TO KIA AND THEY NEVER CALL BACK- I EVEN ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF HE HAS DRIVEN MY CAR AND HE SAID NO. THIS IS NOT TAKING CARE OF YOUR CONSUMERS/CUSTOMERS TO EVEN ASK ME TO PLACE MY LIFE IN DANGER TO KEEP DRIVING THIS CAR-THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF FIRES AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF DRIVING THIS CAR AND PUTTING OTHERS IN DANGER-MY CAR HAS SAT AT KIA -INDEPENDENCE, MO FOR 2 1/2 WEEKS AND I ALSO RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICE EVER. MY CAR HAD 5 RECALLS AT THE TIME IT WAS TOWED THE MOST SERIOUS RECALL IS SC147 NHTSA 17V224 MY CAR HAD 65,000 MILES . THERE IS NO WAY I WILL DRIVE THAT CAR UNTIL KIA RESOLVES THE ISSUES, I ALSO HAD LARGE AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE- COMING FROM TAIL PIPE-DEALER SAID CAR BURNING OIL DON,T KNOW WHERE,WELL THAT ISN.T SO TRUE. DEALER AID MOTOR NEEDS REPLACED BUT IT IS OUT OF THERE HANDS BECAUSE ENGINEERS SAID OIL TEST NEEDS DONE.DRIVE IT COME IN EVERY WEEK SO THEY CAN SEE HOW MUCH OIL IT BURNS-I AM GLAD THEY THINK OUR TIME ISN.T IMPORTANT OR OUR SAFETY-THIS IS THERE MISTAKES AND THEY NEED TO RESOLVE IT.
Engine, Nov 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND FILLED THE VEHICLE WITH OIL, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE ROD AND IGNITION COIL WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 11, 2019
THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND, WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, QUICKLY TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP & WAS TOLD THAT THE PART THAT HAD TO GET FIXED HAS TO DO WITH THE CODE PO1326
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2019
KIA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE ENGINE BURNING CYLINDERS CAUSING FOREIGN OBJECTS TO GET INTO THE OIL CYCLE, AND CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT. SO MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALONG THE HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH AND THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED OUT AND COULD'VE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS WRECK, AND IF IT WOULD'VE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN SUED. SO MY CAR WON'T RUN NOW, AND I GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER I SEE THIS RECALL ABOUT THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP TEST THE ENGINE AND TELL ME THE ENGINE IS FINE, BUT MY TURBO IS ACTUALLY BURNING METAL AND CAUSING FOREIGN OBJECTS TO GET INTO MY OIL CYCLE. SINCE IT'S NOT THE ENGINE THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX IT. THE SAME EXACT THING THE RECALL IS CALLING FOR IS WHAT IS GOING ON IN MY CAR BUT IN A DIFFERENT PART. THEY ARE REFUSING TO GO IT AND WANT ME TO PAY OVER $2,500 TO HAVE IT FIXED WHEN IT'S A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION ON THEIR PART. IF MY WIFE WOULD'VE WRECKED I'M SURE THEY WOULD BE BEGGING TO FIX IT SO THEY DIDN'T GET SUED! THIS IS NOT RIGHT WHAT IS GOING ON, AND I'M VERY UNHAPPY. IF IT WAS A CONSUMER PROBLEM IT WOULD BE NO BIG DEAL BUT THERE IS A RECALL GOING ON THAT IS HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE THAT THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX BECAUSE THEY SAY THE ENGINE TEST OUT FINE! WELL THE FOREIGN OBJECT IS STILL GETTING INTO MY OIL CYCLE AND COULD'VE LEAD TO A SERIOUS WRECK!
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 25, 2019, fire
RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE IT WILL CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING THE AND I AM UNABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES, JUST LAST NIGHT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT STALLED OUT AND STARTED GOING SLOWLY I COULD NOT APPLY BRAKES TO THE CAR AND IT STARTED SMOKING FROM THE DASH AND THE ENGINE WITH NO OTHER CURRENT CONDITIONS I HAD TO THROW THE CAR IN PARK WITH OUT BEING ABLE TO USE THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE I NOTICED FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH NO CURRENT SOLUTION OR PROBLEM THIS IS VERY WEIRD
Engine, Oct 23, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD AND THE CAR QUIT WORKING, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH POPPED UP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START ANYMORE AFTERWARDS
Engine, Oct 21, 2019
DURING A NORMAL DRIVE HOME THE ENTIRE CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN IT CUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO STOP BEFORE THINGS GOT ANY WORSE. IT APPEARED THAT THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP. I HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 10, 2019
ON INTERSTATE 675 NORTH-GA CAR STALLED, LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE, EPS LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, OIL LIGHT CAME ON ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, NO POWER STEERING. I HAD TO CROSS TWO LANES OF INTERSTATE TRAFFIC TO TRY TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER. MY CAR WOULDN'T TURN OVER OR START. I LET THE CAR SIT FOR AN HOUR AND TRIED AGAIN TO START IT. I RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF ANY RECALLS FROM THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN ON THE INTERSTATE OR ANYWHERE FOR THAT MATTER.
Engine, Oct 6, 2019
MY CAR PUTS OUT EXHAUST AND LOSES POWER WHILE STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDDLE. OIL DISAPPEARS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. HAVE TO PUT OIL IN MY CAR ABOUT EVERY 2 WEEKS. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR WON'T GO. BEEN IN SHOP 4 TIMES BUT KIA WILL NOT FIX IT CORRECTLY BECAUSE THE ENGINE CODE THAT THEY NEED TO FIX THE ENGINE DOESN'T COME ON SO I NOW DON'T HAVE A CAR TO DRIVE BECAUSE THEY SAY THE ONLY FIX IS A NEW ENGINE BUT THEY WON'T FIX IT. ON GOING ISSUE FOR PAST 5 MONTHS. SAME THING EVERYTIME. THEY PUT A BANDAGE ON IT AND THEN IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 2 TO 5 WEEKS AND THEN DIES AGAIN. SAME ISSUE EVERY SINGLE TIME. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND THEN WHEN IT LOSES POWER MY CAR JUST SLOWS DOWN VERY QUICKLY AND WON'T GO. DANGEROUS/SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR ALSO DOES THIS BUCKING WHERE IT FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO GO BUT WON'T.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Oct 6, 2019
MY CAR KEEPS HAVING SOME KIND OF AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH WHERE IT SEEMS MY BATTERY IS DEAD COMPLETELY WIPES THE MEMORY FROM THE CAR THEN IT'LL START 1 MINUTE LATER, TIRES KEEP GETTING EATING FROM THE INSIDE JUST ABOVE THE RIM, MOTOR HAS BEEN MAKING A TICKING NOISE SINCE I GOT THE CAR IT WAS LOOKED AT AS ONE OF THE RECALLS AND SAID IT WAS FINE, I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, THE HAS EVEN SHUT OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ACTED LIKE IT WAS THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND IT STARTED A COUPLE MINUTES LATER
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2019
INTERMITTENT STALLING OF VEHICLE UPON SLOWING/STOPPING AT REDLIGHTS/STOP SIGNS IN WHICH ENGINE BEGINS LOSING POWER/GAS EITHER STALLS AS IF IT'S TRYING TO QUIT OR CAR STALLS & QUITS. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS & INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. I HAVE NOTICED MY MOTOR KNOCKING LOUDER & UPON VISUAL EXAM, THE ENTIRE MOTOR IS SHAKING WHICH CAN BE FELT WHILE DRIVING BUT MOST NOTICEABLE CAUSING CAR TO SHAKE WHEN AT AN IDOL. MOST RECENT, I'VE BEGAN TO SMELL A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE UPON STARTING THE CAR BUT WORSENS UPON ACCELERATING. THE CAR IS RUNNING RICH, AND SMELL OF GASOLINE IS SO STRONG, WE HAVE TO ROLL DOWN WINDOWS. THE FUMES ARE MORE PROMINENT TOWARDS REAR OF CAR CLOSE TO EXHAUST. I CANNOT SEE ANY LEAKAGE OF FUEL WHEN LOOKING HOWEVER I AM LOSING FUEL SOMEWHERE BECAUSE MY GAS MILEAGE HAS GREATLY GOTTEN WORSE & BURNING THROUGH IT AT A FAST PACE. I TOOK IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN SALISBURY NC TODAY IN WHICH THEY UPGRADED COMPUTER SOFTWARE RELATED TO RECALL ON 2.4L GDI ENGINE AS I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. MECHANIC STATES THE ENGINE TEST DID PASS BUT FEELS IT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT SOME POINT?? MECHANIC SAID HE DIDN'T SMELL ANY GASOLINE BUT HE DID NOT TEST DRIVE THE CAR OR RUN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AS HE SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE $129 FEE......I DECLINED PAYING THE FEE AND REQUESTED IT BE DONE AS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BUT THAT WAS DENIED. I NEED THIS ADDRESSED AND REPAIRED. IT IS DANGEROUS, COSTING ME MORE MONEY FOR GAS & AFFECTING MY JOB. PLEASE ADVISE.......THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD NOT PLACE FINANCIAL OR SAFETY BURDENS ON OWNERS AS WE ALREADY PAY ENOUGH FINANCING AS WELL AS REGULAR/NORMAL WEAR & TEAR EXPENSES!! I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON MINE BUT BECOMING TOO DIFFICULT & DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ESP GETTING TO WORK SO I CAN SUPPORT MY FAMILY!!
Engine, Oct 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, ALL POWER WAS LOST TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT QUICKLY EVACUATED THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH HER DISABLED DAUGHTER. THERE WERE NO FLAMES PRESENT. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND NOTICED THE BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (335 MACCORKLE AVE SW, CHARLESTON, WV 25303, (855) 739-5369). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER LAST NIGHT. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONTACT AND PROVIDED THEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S REPAIR HISTORY. THE ENGINE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST REGARDING AN UNKNOWN RECALL. IN MAY OF 2019, THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A KNOCKING NOISE THAT WAS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTED THE DEALER TO INSTALL A DEVICE TO ELIMINATE THE KNOCKING NOISE. THE DEVICE WOULD ENABLE THE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN 35 MPH SHOULD THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION FOR AN UNKNOWN DISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Engine, Oct 1, 2019
MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA EX WITH A 2.4L...I WAS DRIVIN DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WENT INTO A LEMP MODE. HAD CAR SCANED CODE IS P1326 SAME AS OTHER KIAS SAME YR LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF I HAD RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THERE IS NOT
Engine, Sep 13, 2019
'GLOW RELAY RECALL' VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND REQUIRED ME TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS SCANNED FOR THE CODE AND CAME UP AS P1326 'GLOW RELAY STUCK ON'. I LOOKED IT UP AND SAW THAT IT CAN BE COMMON IN THE HYUNDAI SONATA WHICH IS HYUNDAI'S VERSION OF A KIA OPTIMA WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND HYUNDAI DOES HAVE A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE.
Engine, Sep 12, 2019
I WAS DRIVING HOME A FEW GUYS I WORK WITH AND HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE BEFORE, AND ON MY DRIVE HOME I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AS THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE LIGHT THEN TURNED GREEN AND I CASUALLY FOLLOWED THE SPEED OF THE TRAFFIC NO MORE THAN 150 FT BEFORE THE MOTOR STARTED SQUEALING AND KNOCKING, COME TO FIND OUT IT'S A RECALL THE REGULAR KIA OPTIMAS HAVE, IT'S SPUN A BEARING IN THE 3RD CYLINDER AND KIA REFUSES TO REPLACE IT SAYING THAT IT ISN'T COVERED BECAUSE IT'S THE HYBRID WITH THE SAME ISSUE. KIA NEEDS TO OWN UP TO IT. I USED THIS VEHICLE AS A WORK TRANSPORT AND HAS ALWAYS HAD ITS MAINTENANCE DONE. NOW I'M OUT A VEHICLE AND KIA IS IGNORING MY MESSAGES TO THEM. I'M VERY UNSATISFIED WITH THE WAY KIA HAS TREATED ME. NO ONE HAS REACHED OUT TO ME, JUST IGNORING ME AS A CUSTOMER. DISSATISFACTION, MAJOR DISSATISFACTION.
Engine, Sep 8, 2019
ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MATTER AND WAS NOT INFORMED TO ME.
Engine, Sep 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE RPMS DROPPED TO 0 AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED BRIEFLY AND THEN TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE UP TO 20 MPH BEFORE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY KIA (LOCATED AT 7849 MALL PKWY, LITHONIA, GA 30038, (678) 374-3820), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PEP BOYS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, Aug 30, 2019
I OWN A 2013 KIA OPTIMA MY CAR WOULDN'T START. THEN AFTER A FEW TRIES IT STARTED UP. THEN IT DID IT AGAIN. MY CAR WOULDN'T START. MY CAR WOULD STALL OUT. THEN IT STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. MY ODOMETER JUST HIT OVER 100,000 A FEW WEEKS BEFORE. I MADE AN APPT AT A KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT BUT IT'S NOT UNTIL NEXT WEEK. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. I JUST PURCHASED IT. NOW I'VE LEARNED ABOUT THE KIA RECALL SC147 & NHTSA RECALL 17V224000 ON BEARINGS THAT LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE & THAT CAN LEAD TO METAL IN THE OIL. AND IT CAUSES A KNOCKING NOISE. I AM POSITIVE THIS IS WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY CAR. I HOPE THE KIA DEALERSHIP WILL FIX MY CAR NEXT WEEK THAT'S THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT THEY HAVE. I HOPE I CAN GET A CAR LOANER.
Engine, Aug 26, 2019
THE VIN DID NOT GET THAT THIS IS AN OPTIMA HYBRID, WHICH ISN'T IN THE RECALL, SC145, BUT HAS SIMILAR SYMPTOMS, ONLY KIA OPTIMAS. DRIVING AT 75MPH, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO GET AROUND A CAR AND I FELT/STARTED HEARING ROD KNOCK. AT IDLE THE SOUND IS WORSENED ONLY BECAUSE I'M NOT GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I'M WORRIED THAT THE ENGINE COULD HAVE SEIZED AND CREATED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS ROD FAILURE AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAS 116,000 MILES AND IS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP OUT IN ANY WAY BECAUSE IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL PROGRAM.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 22, 2019
WHILE I WENT ON THE HIGHWAY THE ACCELERATION FELT VERY SLUGGISH AND HAD A HARD TIME SPEEDING UP TO THE SPEED LIMIT. THE CAR ONLY GOT WORSE AS I WENT ON A STREET AND IT FELT AS THOUGH IT DID NOT WANT TO GO, LIKE IT LOST MOST OF ITS POWER. TURNS OUT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE BUT I FEEL THAT MY CAR SHOULD BE UNDER A NEWER RECALL BUT ISN'T, AS SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T EVEN ON. SOMEHOW THE CAR WAS OUT OF OIL WITH NO LIGHT COMING ON TO INDICATE THAT AND RECENTLY ABOUT A WEEK AGO OIL WAS PUT IN, AND WEEKS PRIOR OIL WAS PUT IN.
Air bags, Engine, Aug 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CLASSIC KIA CARROLLTON (2920 N INTERSTATE 35E, CARROLLTON, TX 75007, (866) 559-8140) TO BE REPAIRED PER UNKNOWN RECALLS REGARDING THE ENGINE AND AIR BAGS. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 85 DAYS, BUT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SRS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $854. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE DEALER WAS DISHONEST AND DID NOT TELL HER ABOUT THE SRS MODULE AT THE TIME OF THE INITIAL REPAIR. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE SRS MODULE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG RECALL. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE DEALER AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE BRINGING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR RECALL REPAIRS AND EXPERIENCED OTHER ISSUES AFTERWARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,372.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLINKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHWEST KIA OF ROCKWALL (1790 INTERSTATE HWY 30, ROCKWALL, TX 75087, (469) 402-2900) WHERE AN ENGINE KNOCKING TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT IT FAILED TWICE. IN ADDITION, OIL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO WHAT WAS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,,856. *TT *TR