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: other or unspecified
186 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2020
ON MAY 21, 2020, I'D TAKEN MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA EX FOR A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE AT HAWKINSON KIA, MATTESON, IL. THE SERVICE DEPT. TECH CONDUCTED ADD'L INSPECTIONS, AS THEY USUALLY PERFORM, MADE RECOMMENDATIONS, INCLUDING SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT. I'D AGREED TO BELT REPLACEMENT. MY CAMERA DISPLAY WAS WORKING PRIOR TO THIS VISIT. NO REPORT OF ANY CAMERA PROBLEM WAS INDICATED ON THE INSPECTION OR RECOMMENDATION REPORTS OR RECEIPT. AFTERWARDS, MY CAMERA DISPLAY CEASED OPERATION, ONLY DISPLAYING A BLACK BACKGROUND WITH GUIDELINES. SEVERAL TIMES AFTERWARDS, I'D CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPT. TO COMPLAIN OF THE ISSUE. THEY'D SUGGESTED BRINGING VEHICLE BACK FOR DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH I COMPLIED AND PAID ITS FEE ON JUNE 8, 2020. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. THEN SAID IT WASN'T AN ISSUE THEY'D CREATED/WASN'T CAUSED BY INSTALLATION OF BELT AND THAT IT RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF HEAD UNIT [RADIO SYSTEM] AND CAMERA AT A COST OF APPROX. $511. I'D COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO KIA'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION NOR RESOLUTION: ONLY TO BE TOLD MY VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. HAD SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO VISUALLY NOTICE ANY CAMERA DEFECT AS IT'S TECH(S) OPERATED MY VEHICLE BY DRIVING IN AND OUT OF ITS SERVICE GARAGE AS THE CAMERA DISPLAY IS ACTIVATED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE. SINCE ISSUE WITH THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA WAS A 'KNOWN ISSUE,' AT LEAST ACCORDING TO KIA'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN [GRP. ELE, NO. 077] ISSUED IN 2014, THE CAMERA, ETC., SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED AT KIA'S EXPENSE! I'D DISCOVERED THAT A HOST OF OTHER KIA OWNERS HAD EXPERIENCED AND COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR REAR-VIEW CAMERA ISSUES WHEN I'D CONDUCTED A WEB SEARCH ABOUT THIS DEFECT. THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA IS A SAFETY FEATURE! AND SHOULD ALWAYS WORK PROPERLY! *TR
Visibility, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY APPROX 1306HRS ON MAY19, 2020. I HEARD A POPPED NOISE LIKE A GUN SHOT OR A BLOW OUT TIRE. MY STEERING WHEEL WASN'T WOBBLING SO I LOOKED IN MY REAR MIRROR TO PULL OVER AND SAW BLACK GLASS SLIDING DOWN MY REAR WINDOW . I HEARD AIR COMING FROM MY SUNROOF. I WAS SCARED NERVOUS AND MY ANXIETY WAS ON LEVEL 10. I CALLED SHARONVILLE POLICE NOT KNOWING WHAT TO SAY OR DO . IT WAS RAINING AND I TRIED TO EXIT THE HWY AT THE NEXT EXIT BUT IT WAS CLOSED . I WAS ONLY 10MINS FRI MY HOUSE I DECIDED TO MAKE IT HOME WHERE I FELT SAFE . I WAS SCARED HEARING THE AIR BLOWING IN THE CAR HOPING THE GLASS WOULDN'T FLY IN THE CAR . I WAS A WRECK TRYING TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE . I MADE IT HOME . I WAS SCARED TO LOOK AT THE SUNROOF . WHEN I DID I WAS SHOCKED IT WAS A BIG ROUND HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUNROOF . THE GLASS WAS SO THICK AND I DIDN'T THINK A ROCK COULD BREAK IT . THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED AROUND THE BIG WHOLE . I TOOK PICS AND SENT THEM TO STRAIGHT TO GEICO . I NEVER OPENED THE SUNROOF TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS IN SIDE OF THE SHADE . I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY A 500 DEDUCTIBLE DURING THIS CRISIS THAT I DON'T HAVE . GEICO OR JEFF WYLER KIA CAN NOT TELL ME IF THEY FOUND ANY OBJECT IN MY SUNROOF THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSE THE GLASS TO BREAK. IT'S A THICK PIECE OF GLASS . I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR . IF I DIDN'T CLOSE THE SHADE BEFORE I LEFT HOME TO GET PREPARED FOR MY SURGERY THE NEXT DAY IT WOULD HAVE SHATTERED IN THE VEHICLE . I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR . I'M A WRECK . *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 25, 2020
THE ENGINE BLEW UP ON CAR WAS DRIVING NORMALLY WHEN CAR STOPPED AND DIDNT WANT TO POWER ON. ENGINE STARTED MAKING NOISES. WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE ENGINE REPLACED BUT WONT MAKE IT VALID SINCE THEY MENTION ENGINE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND WAS REPLACED.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2020
AFTER HAVING WORK DONE ON THE LAST RECALL, I NOTICED THERE IS A RATTLING NEAR THE STEERING WHEEL ON EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD I HIT. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND THE RATTLING HAS SINCE THEN GOTTEN LOUDER AND WORSE. I FEAR THERE IS SOMETHING LOOSE EITHER WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL AND COMPONENTS OR THE BARS UNDERNEATH. I CANNOT SEEM TO FIND EXACTLY WHAT IT IS BUT ITS ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. IT IS ONLY HAPPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2020
THE STEREO SYSTEM MAKES BEEP SOUNDS WHEN YOU PUSH THE BUTTONS BUT THE MUSIC SOUNDS, RADIO, AND PHONE WON'T COME THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ALL. I DO KNOW THAT THE KIA SOUL HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WAS RECALLED FOR IT OUR CAR HAS 95,000 MILES ON IT SO I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS HAS HAPPENED
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.
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.
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
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2019
MY KIA OPTIMA SUDDENLY STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES WITH NO STARTING THE CAR RIGHT AWAY. I CHANGED THE BATTERY, AND THE ISSUE IS STILL PRESENT. I RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND NO CODE WAS DETECTED. I STARTED TO READY ONLINE AND IT SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE SINCE MANY KIA OPTIMA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO IS A MECHANIC SAID HE'S NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
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
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2019
I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR 3 YEARS. MY AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT HAS COME ON FIR I THE 2ND TIME. I SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE SHOWING NO DESIRE TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM WITHOUT THE BEING A SIZABLE EXPENSE TO MYSELF. ALSO MY BACK UP CAMERA IS SHOWING SIGNS OF CONNECTION ISSUES. BOTH I FEEL ARE A SSFETY CONCERN OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2019
THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT IT STILL COMES ON
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2019
MY KIA HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES AND THE LINE BESIDE THE TURBO IS LEAKING OIL LIKE CRAZY
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2019
WHILE ACCELERATING VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER EVEN THOUGH GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED. THERE WERE NO RPMS SHOWING AT ALL NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I WAS DRIVING. CAR WOULD ACCELERATE UNTIL ENGINE POWER LOST, I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS, CAR WOULD SHIFT HARD AND THEN I COULD ACCELERATE AGAIN UNTIL JUST PRIOR TO NEXT GEAR. SAME THING WOULD HAPPEN. ALSO, WHEN THIS OCCURRED, I LOST ALL AIR CONDITIONING COOLING. FAN WOULD BLOW BUT NO COLD AIR.. DROVE FINE PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING AND DROVE FINE AFTER CAR SAT OVER NIGHT. HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE ISSUE BUT HAVE VIDEO AND PICTURES SHOWING NO RPM, BUT TRAVELLING/ ACCELERATING
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 17, 2019
THE IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN, CAR SEEMS TO BE ON EVEN THOUGH LETS AREN'T IN IGNITIINNSWITCH, RADIO COMES ON BUT CAR LET STICK IN ON POSITION AND WON'T TURN..DOORS WON'T LOCK UNLESS KEY IS USED
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2019
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START MY VEHICLE EVERYTHING TURNED ON IN THE CAR EXCEPT THE CAR ITSELF. BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF AND NOTHING WOULD TURN THE ENGINE ON. IT TOOK OVER 10 MINUTES AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO FIRE. HAS HAPPENED TWICE TODAY 7/13/19. THE VEHICLE IS A PUSH BUTTON START WITH BATTERY CHARGE OF 95% AND NEW BATTERIES IN THE FOB.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 25, 2019
MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND LUCKILY I DIDNT GET INTO ACCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO PARK NEARBY TO WAIT FOR A TOWED TRUCK. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 11, 2019
ENGINE RECALL. DEALERSHIP FIRST RECEIVED VEHICLE REPAIR MARCH 4, 2019 FOR COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO RECALL AND CAR BECOME COMPLETELY IMMOBILE WHILE ON FREEWAYS. AND TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME FIRST ENGINE FAILED AND REORDERED A NEW ENGINE. RECEIVED VEHICLE BACK FROM 2ND ATTEMPT OF ENGINE REPAIR MAY 16, 2019. VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED MAY 31,2019. RETURNED VHEICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP. REPAIR TO HARNESS AND NOC SENSOR. RECEIVED VEHICLE BACK FOR REPAIR JUNE 8TH. ON JUNE 10TH VEHICLE BECAME IMMOBILE AGAIN WHILE DRIVING OUT OF PARKING LOT AND TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. WAITING ON DEALERSHIP FOR DETAILS OF CAR PROBLEMS.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT , IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 7 TIMES AND PER SOUTHWEST KIA THE ENTIRE KIT WOULD HAVE TO BE CHANGED. AND IT'S ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT HAS THE ISSUE. THE DATE REFLECTS THE MOST RECENT TIME IT'S HAPPENED
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2019
DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY ON A SUNDAY EVENING ON MAY 19, 2019 IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, MY SUNROOF (SPECIFICALLY, THE MIDDLE PANEL OF THE THREE GLASS ROOF PANELS ON THE KIA OPTIMA SX 2013) SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING CRACKED, LETTING OFF AN EAR-PIERCING POP. I DROVE TO A SAFE PLACE WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, HEARING PIECES OF GLASS FALL OFF OF MY CAR INTO THE LANE BEHIND ME. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, AND FORTUNATELY, THE FABRIC SUN SHADE UNDERNEATH WAS CLOSED, SO I WAS SPARED FROM THE SHOWER OF GLASS AND INJURY OTHER CAR OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS EXPLOSION OF GLASS. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND NO DEBRIS, AND I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A SMOOTHLY PAVED ROAD. WHEN I INSPECTED THE SUNROOF, THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE GLASS PANEL AND THE BROKEN GLASS AROUND THE HOLE WAS POINTING UPWARD INTO THE SKY. THE ENTIRE GLASS PANEL WAS SHATTERED BUT STILL IN PLACE. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS OR A ROCK INSIDE THE SUN SHADE UNDERNEATH THAT COULD EXPLAIN THE HOLE. IT WAS ALTOGETHER EERIE AND VERY FRIGHTENING AND TRAUMATIZING, AND I WAS GRATEFUL I WASN'T KILLED BY ANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS UNSAFE SUNROOF EXPLOSION. I AM IN PROCESS OF GETTING IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED, AND I HAVE MADE A CLAIM WITH BOTH MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY (GEICO, WHO HAS NOT BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN ACKNOWLEDGING THIS AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT), AND WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS. KIA ALSO HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A DEFECT, AND NONE OF THE KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES OR MANAGERS I'VE SPOKEN WITH (SIX OF THEM) HAVE HEARD OF THIS BEFORE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2019, fire
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I WAS ASLEEP AND BURNED TO THE GROUND
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2019
THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS. IF THE TIRES SLIP FOR ANY REASON, POWER TO THE ENGINE IS CUT. THIS CAN BE A SLIGHT SLIP FROM WATER ON THE ROAD, STEPPING ON THE GAS TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC, OR DRIVING IN ICY OR SNOW CONDITIONS. YOU HAVE TO GIVE THE CAR AT LEAST 10-20 SECONDS TO MOVE AGAIN. WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC THIS COULD BE DEADLY. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS ALMOST HIT WHILE WAITING FOR THE ENGINE TO RE-ENGAGE. SOMETIMES I AM THEN STEPPING ON THE GAS, CASUSING ANOTHER SLIP AND STALL IN THE SAME INSTANCE, THERE IS A SWITCH THAT CAN BE ENGAGED TO TURN THIS OFF, BUT YOU HAVE TO TURN IT OFF EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. I HAVE ASKED AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT KIA DEALERS ABOUT THIS RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE SEE IF IT COULD BE PERMANENTLY TURNED OFF, BUT WAS ALWAYS TOLD NO.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2019, fire
ON MARCH 7, 2019, MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT FIRE WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING. SHE PARKED THE CAR IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT AND REALIZED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THANK GOD SHE IS PHYSICALLY OKAY, AND NO ONE ELSE WAS INJURED. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS, ANOTHER CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS, AND A THIRD CAR WAS DAMAGED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NO FAULT OF THE MOTORIST, RATHER PRODUCT MALFUNCTION. ANY SUGGESTIONS WELCOME.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2019
EVAPORATIVE GAS FUMES INSIDE AND SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2019
THE RADIO IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING AND I HAVE SEEN OTHER VIDEOS WHERE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE.