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
1,383 reports, newest first.
Engine, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at approximately 30–40 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke. There was an abnormal clunking sound heard. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the local dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and to tow the vehicle to the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 20, 2023
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the check engine, low coolant level, and oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted, and the contact was informed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Services Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormally loud rattling sound while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that a fuel system cleaning and a decarb procedure might need to be performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at the gas station and attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed half a tank of fuel. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, gasoline failed to enter the tank and was instead bubbling up and leaking out onto the ground from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
This car uses a quart of oil approximately every 200-300 miles without fail. It burns out spark plugs, coils and has burnt out the catalytic converter. This started at around 125,000 miles, it now has 154,000. That is a lot of oil I’ve had to put in it.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a burning odor on interior of the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. Upon coming to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway, the vehicle was able to restart. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The VIN was included, but the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 1, 2023
in the middle of october around the 15th 2023 (HECU) hYDRAULIC electrical control unit light, the ABS light, the ENGIN light, and a couple of other unknown lights up and than my car tell me to pull over and shut down. you will have to tow it for inspection upon request due to all the warning light. my car had 117,000 document miles on it when i bought it, it now has 128,000. I paid cash for this car and it was my only means for my daughter and i to get to school work and with her dad in the hospital slowly still not out of the woods recovering throat cancer surgery patient. (ALL DOCUMENTED) on legal true facts statements dated sealed and signed documents for every statement stating true facts of this information that i am representing to you on December 1st 2023 My Neighbors, animals, property and family are at safety risk with the cars capability's to just combust SITTING OR DRIVING. Kia Corp. and Kia of Tucson both via verbal telephonic told me there is not a part to fix the recall just yet.. I do have a open case with NHTS. There were no prior warnings.
Engine, Nov 29, 2023
Nov 5, 2023 my wife , son and my self traveled to Las Vegas for a family party. 2 days prior to our trip I got a tune up. On the day in question after traveling 1 hour and about 20 minutes to Las Vegas the car made a noise as if something fell off the engine next came on the oil light followed with smoke from the car. Thankfully I was able to get over where the car completely shut off and has not started since. After 5 hours of waiting in basically in the middle of nowhere we were towed to our destination which was 190 miles away from where the car shut down
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V560000 (Structure) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2023
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 26, 2023
I have been the owner of my 2013 white kia optima since 2020 and have had my paint peeling from the front, both sides and rear of my car.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2023
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 unavailable. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2023
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2023
Over a year ago I was sent to Kia to fix a recall for a possible fuel leakage problem over my engine that got fixed with mesh tape and one zip chord. Now my engine has gushing fuel leaking on it on daily basis. I called kia a few months back asking for them to remedy this due to another recall and how I needed a rental so I could continue working while they fixed the problem they screwed up and they told me it would be over a month before they could fit me in their schedule. I have been smelling gasoline in my vehicle making me feel nauseous as I drive and the fumes are intense and my I smell it burning. My coworkers tell me daily what is that gasoline smell?. Now I get in the mail another recall notice about sparks going off for gaskets or thingsmajigs on my engine just from being idle in a parking spot or driving and how I should park away from others??!?!? Just in case!!! What about my safety??! I still have gasoline leaking all over my car engine!. My house could blow up! This is outrageous that none of this is taken care of.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2023
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway of the residence, she depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to respond. The MIL warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she shifted into park (P), and the vehicle stopped. The contact then turned off the vehicle. 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 not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed a gasoline odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,100. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Seats, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side seat heater was overheating. The contact stated that he attempted to set the heater to the lowest setting; however, the seat continued to overheat to the point that the contact pulled off the roadway and exited the vehicle. The contact turned off the seat heater. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was no electrical issue found with the seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2023
NINE RECALLS FROM KIA AND VERY DANGEROUS. RIGHT WHEN I THINK KIA CANT GET ANY MORE DANGEROUS WITH 2013 KIA OPTIMA AND BEING UNLUCKY ENOUGH TO OWN THE WHITE PEARL MODEL WITH PAINT THAT IS DOWN TO THE METAL, LAST RECALL AIRBAGS, SEATBELTS ECT. THIS LETTER TAKES THE CAKE. OUR RECORDS SHOW YOUR VECHICLE IS AFFECTED WITH PART WE DO NOT HAVE YET BUT “ PARK YOUR VECHICLE OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURS AND OTHER VECHICLES CAR ENGINE CAN CATCH FIRE DRIVING OR PARKED. SHOOT FORGET ABOUT US IT GOES ON TO SAY IF YOU BURNING MELTING SMELL WHILE DRIVING PULL OVER AND REMOVE KEY EXIT CAR TO SAFE LOCATION..WELL KIA THANKS FOR THE HEADS-UP HOPE WE MAKE IT OUT OF CAR AND WOW YOU WILL SEND LETTER WHEN PART COMES IN..TERRIFYING LETTER BUT, LOVE THAT YOU CARE MORE ABOUT PARKING AWAY FROM STRUTURES, OTHER VECHICLES OUTDOORS UNTIL YOU CAN GET THE PART. BAD ENOUGH PAINT IS ALL OVER THE ROAD CHIPPING OFF. Guessing don't have to worry about that right now knowing I can catch on fire even when it is parked. NOTHING TELLING US NOT TO DRIVE JUST MAKE SURE IF WE CATCH FIRE TO GET OUT! YOU WERE CLEAR ABOUT PROTECTING STRUCTURES AND OTHER VEHICLES. WORST COMPANY AND DANGEROUS COMPANY. TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS COWORKERS FRIENDS DO NOT BUY A KIA. UNTIL NEW CEO AND ACCOUTABILITY THIS COMPANY CARES LITTLE ABOUT LIFE OR LOSS. MANY OF US ARE JOINING CLASS ACTION SUIT. NHTSA GOV DO YOUR JOB HOW ARE YOU LETTING THIS COMPANY BE SO CARELESS ARE YOU NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE 1000 of complaints and fear on this model and company? EVENTUALLY, THIS WILL ALL BLOW UP AND LIFE WILL BE LOST MORE THAN SHOULD BE ALREADY.
Structure, Nov 18, 2023
SAME STORY OVER AND OVER 2013 WHITE PEARL PAINT GARAGE KEPT, NO ACCIDENTS AND PAINT IS LITERALLY CHIPPING AWAY SIDE OF THE CAR DOOR ROOF ABSOLUTELY APPALLING. KIA THE FACT THAT KIA HAS THOUSANDS OF THIS COLOR ON THE ROAD IS EMBARRASSING FOR ALL THE LOYAL CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE TO DRIVE THEM. KIA KNOWS THAT ALL OF THEM WERE PAINTED WITH NO PRIMER. CHEAP PAINT SPRAYED ON BARE METAL AND HAS LEFT ALL OF US STRANDED. THIS CLEARLY IS A COMPANY WITH NO INTEGRITY OR CARE FOR CUSTOMERS LET ALONE OUR LIVES .THIS NEEDS CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT
Steering, Nov 13, 2023
The following information was stated in the repair report to the Kia Dealership Service Dept.: 09:49 10NOV23 12:18 10NOV23 LINE OPCODE TECH TYPE HOURS LIST NET TOTAL A CUSTOMER STATES CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING WHEEL, STEERING DOES NOT SEEM AS RESPONSIVE SINCE NOISE STARTED...CLIENT INFORMED OF 200.00 STARTING DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE...CLIENT OUT OF WARRANTY FOR WTY006 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR FLEX COUPLER.... IF IT IS POSSIBLE FLEX COUPLER CAUSING STEERING WHEEL ISSUE, CLIENT HAS PART ON PASSENGER FRONT SEAT KI REPLACED FLEX COUPLER 2046 CKI 400.00 400.00 PARTS: 0.00 LABOR: 400.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE A: 400.00
Structure, Nov 10, 2023
I have a snow pearl white kia that the paint started chipping off and is continuing to do such all over the vehicle. There is an area on the hood with rust starting where the paint starting chipping first. I have contacted kia and the rep looked for recalls but there were non for paint. The warranty was only for 3 years on the paint but the issue didn't start happening till after that. I have seen other SWP colored kia's with the same issue and there is a forum on FB with many other kia owners having the same problem. The prominant color seems to be the white one's but others are affected as well.
Service brakes, Nov 5, 2023
suddenly while driving, vehicle produced a hybrid system warning light to stop driving immediately and do not drive. Next warning said to check breaks. Following the warning I tried to park, the car then rolled backwards, while foot was on breaks. breaks did not work! I immediately put the car in park and turned the car off. Car was then towed to dealership. When vehicle arrived at dealership warning light was no longer displayed. Dealership flushed out Break fluid and replaced break fluid. Car was picked up and while driving home (luckily was exiting highway) while getting off the ramp warning light came on again, had to stop vehicle in middle of road and place car in park afraid there would be no breaks. I waited with my Hazzard lights on as cars passed. Once the road was clear, I proceeded to attempted to pull car closer to the side of road to get out of lane. As breaking to park vehicle on side edge of road, loud crunching noises were heard and had to place the car in park. Left vehicle running this time while having it towed back to the dealership instead of turning it off this way they could see the issue at hand. When tech witness the issue, I was told the car was unsafe and that it was the break module or also known as Hydraulic Electronic control Unit.. Furthermore I looked up information on this issue and my Make & Model and year of my vehicle is listed on Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-652, page 3. Also Report shows parts: Component Name 1 : HECU Component Description : Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit Component Part Number : 58920-***** and also part number 58910- Although my vehicle vin number does not currently show a recall for this part, report also states VIN numbers will be released to dealerships November 10th 2023 and to the vehicle owners November 14th 2023. Not sure that my vehicle will be included but this definitely is a safety issue. If this would have been on the highway it could have caused an accident. This is not safe for anyone.