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, Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the knock sensor and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had a Salvage Title and no coverage under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Engine, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was driving into the driveway at the residence. In addition, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the engine had seized. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the contact was informed that due to missing maintenance documents, the repair was not eligible to be performed under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that an oil change was recently performed; however, two weeks later, the oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the turbo charger and the engine were replaced two years ago by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
I haven't had any accidents yet but the problem is that there is noise in the engine of my car and my car runs like a diesel vehicle making noise like a diesel engine, that's all just that, I would simply like to have your help on this. All my best regards, thank you
Power train, Engine, Jun 17, 2024
Car stopped accelerating on the highway. Check engine lights and other lights went on. Dealership is refusing to inspect the car without the CEL staying on. My family's life is at risk as long as Kia deems this car safe to drive. The dealer and corporate refuse to inspect it without a check engine light staying on when starting up again.
Engine, Jun 8, 2024
I have maintained my car well since i first bought it. I was randomly cruising [XXX] 2024 at [XXX] and my car stopped and nothing worked. No ignition, my wheel locked, my brakes locked and all i could see was black smoke coming out of engine. I had recently changed the oil on 11th May 2024 so I know that wasnt the oil that messed my car up and on internet it shows the recalls for fire in engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 7, 2024
We took the car in for the recalls. ASC245 Headliner plates - they state they still don’t have the part. BSC2484QF HECU fuse. After they replaced the fuse, the car started losing power when driving, as well as the traction control lights were on, and the brake lights were on. I have read on the KIA forum this is happening to multiple people following the fuse replacement. We took the car back to KIA the same day and they told us it was nothing to do with what they did. We have now taken it to another non KIA mechanic. This is extremely dangerous and clearly related.
Engine, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Engine, May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle was decelerating unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that the engine oil was topped off several times; however, there was no warning light notifying the contact that the oil level was low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Service brakes, Air, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving or parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the battery, and the warning lights were deactivated. The contact stated the strong fuel odor persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Engine, May 2, 2024
I've had a recall for months that there is no fix for. This is way too long to wait for a fix while there are so many issues with Kia's and Hyundai and getting insured right now. I do not feel safe with this car at this point. 5XXGN4A78DG155676 Sep 25,2023 I've had a recall for months that there is no fix for. This is way too long to wait for a fix while there are so many issues with Kia's and Hyundai and getting insured right now. I do not feel safe with this car at this point. [XXX] Sep 25,2023 Manufacturer Recall NumberSC284QF NHTSA Recall Number23V652 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary KIA AMERICA, INC. HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES. THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2024
The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the car and all of a sudden my car stopped and has not been working since that day. The dealership where I purchased the car refuses to look at it stating it isn’t there problem well there was safety recall and from what I have seen online they were not allowed to sell me a car that a big safety recall on it that has not yet been addressed. My problems first started April 24th, 2024. Recall #23V652000
Engine, Apr 19, 2024
I was driving on the highway and the car stopped moving forward. I was able to get off the highway to a safe place but the car putt putted in a jerking motion. I have a personal car diagnostic reader and the code came back as a manufacturer code reading.
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
I was pulling out to ongoing traffic when about to get on the highway and my car just went dead. I called AAA and they towed it to Toyota because I purchased the car from them. After determining it was not the starter or battery. They removed front wheel in an attempt to turn engine at crankshaft. Engine wouldn’t turn. Their determination was engine seized. We then had it towed to Kia dealer. They put it through procedures for seized engine and determined the same. I can not locate my mobile mechanic due to his retirement. The station is closed and I do not have access to my oil changes. Kia will not address this problem without the oil changes. I still owe 3500 on this car plus am paying insurance. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] . Kia Motors 768 route 28 South Yarmouth Mass. 508-394-5500 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 16, 2024
Kia issued a recall on engine do too failure but Kia give multiple excuses why they won’t replace from it has to be running to it has to have update first or it can’t have more than150,000 miles! I need help with this KIA OWES me an engine. It shows 10 sales records at 2 different dealers and yet none of the recalls where repaired it show 1 recall on this website but if you call Kia they tell you it has 3,4 or 5 recalls and different excuses! I just won’t the engine I was promised!
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
Car completely shut off while driving on the highway
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact had received several notifications for recalls on the VIN; however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted and was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 9, 2024
The noted KIA 2013 KIA Optima has had this recall in effect since November 2023. KIA either refuses to say when the recall part is going to be at ANY DEALER, or puts an 'elevator music' soundtrack on the line. I have called numerous dealer's in both Maine, where the KIA is currently registered, and in Ohio / Pennsylvania to find if they know anything. None of the dealer's have any idea when the parts are coming, much less when they can call Owner's to set up a recall appointment. At what point does this end.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 3, 2024
There is a dangerous recall on my vehicle put out by the maker of the vehicle and I called to schedule service for the vehicle . However no one is servicing my vehicle and they have no timeline on when they can remedy the issue . But I find it a serious matter that a symptom of this recall is a fire while driving or a fire while parked randomly . I need this remedied or car replaced asap to avoid damages or injuries !
Engine, Apr 2, 2024
Something’s wrong with a fuse that can catch fire and kia is taking forever to resolve the issue. my check engine light pops on and off now
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shudder. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a restaurant. The vehicle was then driven to the residence, where the failure reoccurred and there was a burning smell inside the cabin. The MIL warning light had illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,389.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2024
Manufacturer hasn't provided a remedy to recall notice issued in September 2023. For something that has a chance of catching on fire driving or Parked this should've been taken care of along time ago instead of risking peoples lives dragging this out.
Engine, Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was a recall for the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed to start after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle has remained with the dealer since August 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 4, 2024, fire
Electrical issue then engine leading to car going up in flames
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 166,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.