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 and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The low oil pressure warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact called Roadside Assistance and was informed that the oil level was low. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under warranty because the knock sensor detection system software was not previously updated under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Engine, Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that during the second failure, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the person who the contact purchased the vehicle from who was a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 17, 2025, fire
I own a Kia optima LX 4.0 engine when I called I was told that this car has an open recall for engine rod bearing defect my engine locked up on me 2 mts ago and has not ran since I just finalized my payments on this car and received the title...I took very good care of this car and it was well maintained...it only has 104,000 miles on it.i called and was told this open recall could be fixed with no problem however when I took it to Kia dealership here in gso NC they refused to repair it..I've spent almost 200.00 in towing fees for nothiing..I'm so unhappy with the response I've gotten with this company since I have had such a wonderful experience with my car I hope maybe I can get a response from your company for its the only car I have and my daily living activities have been altered by lack of transportation..thank you..I was told to call attorney general to see what could come about however Im hoping I can get a response from your office
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
In December 2024 I experienced a major engine issue where while we were driving the car went from 75mph to losing all power and not allowing us to drive more than 20mph we took it to a shop in mt Juliet Tennessee where they proceeded to tell us that an error code of P0325 and that our engine had seized. They suggested I get it towed to Kia which I did. We towed it to Kia of Murfreesboro tn and they took about a month to tell us that the engine had seized and that due to car fax and sludge we couldnt get the engine replaced under the extended warranty however, when speaking with customer service at Kia over the phone, they promised me that my car and its engine are still covered under that warranty due to the class action lawsuit, and that my engine would be replaced at no cost to me. It is now been six months and I still have no answers, and everybody keeps telling me that due to lack of maintenance even though we are the only owners of the car and have kept up on the maintenance they are not honoring the extended warranty. My car currently is 120,000 miles extended warranty goes to 150,000 miles. I would like my car engine replaced. I don’t know what to do this point anymore.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 25, 2025
My Kia has the part number that was recalled for the ABS module. But Kia said it’s not included in the recall because of my vin. Appeared 2 months ago. All lights on & potential risk of fire according to the brake fluid leaking. So I have to park outside. Kia inspected & said it was ABS module that needed replacement. For $2,600. Which I can’t afford. I Have already spent $500 for the other problems they said it was at first. But it didn’t fix the problem. Now I am having to borrow cars to get to work.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 23, 2025
My ABS module is failing with no open recall, even though Kia has issued multiple safety recalls (SC197, SC212, SC284) for this exact issue. My car is showing brake system errors (ABS, EPB, traction control, auto hold) and has stored codes like [insert your codes]. I’m concerned this is a serious safety hazard. If brake fluid has leaked into the module, there’s a known risk of electrical fire, even while parked. Kia has not included my VIN, but I believe it should be. Please investigate expanding the recall to include additional VINs. I’m requesting NHTSA to take this report seriously and hold Kia accountable for known safety defects in affected vehicles that are being ignored due to VIN limitations.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was replaced four years ago. The contact stated that the engine had not been running correctly since the engine was replaced. The contact stated that the engine was overheating, and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that most recently the head gasket failed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the same dealer several times. The contact stated that the dealer had the vehicle towed back to the residence and declined perform any further repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,997.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2025
Bought car 2020, engine failed and was consuming oil like it was fuel after 50-60K miles in 2022, Serra Kia Misdiagnosed and charged me $900 for ignition coil and combustion chamber cleaning that was not needed nor refunded when I was denied replacement due to me NOT letting engine lock up(Service manager basically told me to do so to be approved) or a P1326 code, charged +\-$8,000 for engine to be replaced. Horrible experience, engine was fine at first, then shortly after the SHORT mileage warranty they give, the engine started having minor non catastrophic issues here and there. Finally, around the same amount of time(last October 2024) and almost the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES on the engine, its doing EXACTLY what it was when i took it to KIA for the engine. One random day, on my way to work, i got to a red light and when i went to go at green the engine hesitated and i noticed a MASSIVE smoke cloud behind me and coming from my engine. It was consuming oil yet again the same way. Reached out to KCC(Kia Customer Care) and provided them a 4 page personally written letter by myself explaining the full story and my experience. However they merely closed my case without any explanation or reason for doing so. So as i stated to them i would do if i needed to, I've reached out to the BBB and now you. I'm hoping to get justice, whats right, and what should have happened in the first place. My money back and or my engine repaired and no more charges to me. 2022 first engine failure(Denied and paid for engine) Oct 2024 Engine failure AGAIN. (added copy of letter sent plus proof of service manager influencing me to lock the motor up to get covered the first time)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2025
My engine locked ,
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil control valve, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a friend was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); as the probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,999.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2025
I am leasing the 2013 Kia Optima LX through a 3rd party dealership that apparently stated in their terms and conditions that they are not responsible for doing maintenance on the car before being sold. I was on the road after getting gas when all of the sudden, the car started to slow down and my emergency check oil, engine, battery lights all came on. I was able to safely pull into a parking lot but after that, the car wouldn’t turn on. After trying to jump start the battery with another car, the engine started to smoke. We thought the alternator died. The third party dealership has their own maintenance shop and said it was alternator one day, then said it was engine the next and it manually can’t be turned over. That’s when they said because I didn’t get a software update, I didn’t have a warranty and I need to pay for the engine myself. Kia won’t help and the dealership won’t lend a loaner car for this inconvenience. I was never made aware that there were recalls on the car or a software update that needed to happen.
Engine, Mar 27, 2025
I came in to Oil Changers in Fremont California on 4088 Thornton Avenue on 1/8/25 to come in and get an oil change prior to my road trip to Virginia with my dad on [XXX]. I talked to the worker about getting my oil changed and was even asked whether or not I wanted a regular or synthetic oil change in which I said synthetic because it was the best option for my car's long term health. During my service of the car I was also told my car needed a coolant refill soon and oil air filter and was asked if I would like to get that as well which i said yes. When my service was done I was given my receipt of the things done as well as given my oil service sticker that I put on my windshield. After my service I continued with my life as usual the next two days before taking my trip. While on my trip I got to approximately 150 miles from Fremont California before I started to feel an unusual feeling in the gas pedal which went away for a little before eventually turning into a clicking noise around 150 miles after which immediately turned to a complete stoppage on [XXX] about 10 miles Keene. We were in the middle of nowhere in pitch black darkness waiting for my AAA insurance tow truck to come pick us up. My car engine seized up and now it need a completely new engine. I was already paying a monthly car note of 247.69 every 10th and still have a remaining balance of $5,000 left. I now couldn't drive to Virginia with my car because of an error that was not of my doing i've always tried my best to mainta0in the car to the best of my ability. The car's error forced me and my dad to get last second plane tickets to Virginia the day after [XXX] for 611.94 so I could make it to my college on time. This has caused me so much hassle and now i cant even have a vehicle for school because of something out of my control. l still have the receipt from Oil Changers that states i paid for an Synthetic oil change as well all of this information can and will be sent over to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
I bought this car for 6000$ in the month of November. I checked everything while buying the car. I did checked the oil level the engine sound its condition and transmission. I did the oil change myself after buying and once in the middle. Suddenly on Feb 16th it got stopped on the middle of the highway. After lot research I see there are thousands of complaints for the kia optima’s and Hyundai Sonata’s for their failure GDI Engines. I towed to dealership whether they could help replacing engine. They haven’t. I see there are no recalls on this car. I would like to complain regarding this incident and justice should be provided to me
Engine, Mar 14, 2025, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH when they suddenly heard a loud boom noise and the front end of the vehicle caught on fire. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot and all passengers exited the vehicle. The vehicle was consumed by the fire which was put out by the fire department. The vehicle was towed and totaled. There were no injuries or need for medical assistance. The fire department filed a report. There were no injuries or need for medical assistance. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Mar 10, 2025
When I turned the ignition on the car wouldn't start. But the ABS light and all other lights flickering when trying to start the car. The alarm kept going off. Passenger side front and rear windows won't function. Smell like something was burning. This is the second incident ([XXX]). Fuses had to be removed to silence the alarms on the first incident on [XXX] because the lights were still flickering on and off when car wasn't on. I had my car serviced at the West Broad Kia Dealership in Richmond, Va. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering assist and brakes failed when the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had been advised by the dealer that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
driving down highway on March 1, 2025 a knocking sound started, the oil light came on, making weird loud tapping, knocking sounds. I just bought vehicle about 4 months ago, it was in mint condition and I NEED my car is my lively hood
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2025
I have notice an ongoing issues with motor oil consumption. Over the past six months, I have added oil every 2,000 miles The Technicians at Oil Changers recently inspected my vehicle and recommended having it evaluated as the issue seems to be occurring more frequently. There are no warning lights displayed on my dashboard, I have not noticed any oil leaks where I park. While my car has been running fine,I want to insure there are no underlying issues. But most important me and my family’s safety and everyone’s when operating the vehicle. Please let me know the next steps for further inspection.
Engine, Feb 17, 2025
Vehicle starts to shake above 2000 rpm and shuts down. Went to a mechanic and they said the engine was bad and that there were recalls by Kia for this particular engine. When we asked a Kia Dealer they said they would not warranty due to this being our first visit for a recall.
Engine, Jan 24, 2025
After engine replacement from previous recall, engine is making loud revving sound. Since recall repair/replacement the engine has an increasingly high rev with a loud engine noise while idling.
Engine, Jan 23, 2025
I have been experiencing my engine consuming oil with my dealerships knowledge Since back in 2023. In my records it is stated that my engine has been consuming oil. I was advised to continue to put oil in it myself until the engine goes out and then it will be covered. My engine light continues to go on and off. I went to the dealership today and was told that because my engine light is not on at the moment that I should come back so they can do a proper diagnosis. I was covered under the warranty to have the engine fixed but now that is over the 10 year warranty, I have no idea how to fix this issue after the diagnosis. I really need some help because I have been putting oil in it and I’m afraid that the engine will go out with it no longer being replaced. Especially when I had the warranty to use when it was initially discovered.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his son was driving 50-60 MPH, the engine started overheating. The driver pulled to the side of the road and added coolant to the vehicle. The driver then drove to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start the following day. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and drove to a nearby independent mechanic, where the engine started to overheat. The mechanic provided an unknown diagnosis and referred the contact to the dealer for an Extended Warranty repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and damaged water pump. The dealer informed the contact the vehicle could not be covered under the Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 18, 2025
I purchased a 2013 Kia Optima EX from an on-line auction [XXX] in Memphis, Tn. After the car was delivered I noticed the vehicle engine had a slight engine knock. When I attempted to test drive the vehicle the engine knock grew louder, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was fortunate enough to get the vehicle back to my residence where I was able inspect the engine, and noticed "Metal Dust" on the oil dipstick. Service records showed the vehicle had been serviced at the correct intervals, and the oil had been professionally been changed at correct intervals, and the vehicle appear to be in excellent condition. After doing some research I notice Kia had a recall for the "Theta Engine 2" for a rod bearing recall that was causing engine failure prematurely. I contacted Kia customer services on 11-20-24. I was told the vehicle was in fact under the "rod bearing" recall and it had a lifetime warranty on it. I was instructed to contact a Kia dealership to have the vehicle serviced for possible engine replacement due to rod bearing failure. I contacted Serra Kia of Jackson, TN, and inform them of my conversation with Kia's customer services, and I was told they were pretty sure the engine would have to be replaced, and to have the vehicle towed to their dealership to perform the services. I had the vehicle towed to Serra Kia on 12-2-24. I sent an email to the service department on 1-16-25 for an update on my vehicle. On 1-16-25 I received an email from the dealership's service department stating a case was opened with Kia Tech, and they declined approval of an engine because I bought it from an auction. The dealership did offer to replace the engine for $6003.71 for parts and labor. I contacted Kia customer services on 1-18-25 and they said they wouldn't approve replacing the engine even though it's under recall because I bought the vehicle at an auction. I'm filing this complaint because Kia is refusing to do an active safety recall for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)