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.
Power train, Engine, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. Several attempts to restart the vehicle failed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel vibrated briefly before returning to normal functionality, which had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to TSB: CHA-060, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Aug 6, 2023
Every since I purchased this car in 2013 I have had nothing but trouble out of it I have called the Kia company numberous times and they never respond all I asked them to do is replace the car I trusted in Kia I love my car but it is severely dangerous please help me before it gets me and my family hurt
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle from the dealer and driving 40 MPH to the residence, she heard abnormal gurgitation sounds coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle at the residence, she noticed that a significant amount of gasoline was leaking out of the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Aug 3, 2023
MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING has failed. We hear a clunking sound whenever we turn the steering wheel. The wheel heavily vibrates while driving when hitting a slight bump, pothole, or when turning. Worried that this will affect the steering and won't be able to control the vehicle now that the coupling has failed. Dealership and a separate car repair place has confirmed and reproduced the issue. No warning messages or lights. Kia is refusing the replace this since it has been more than 10 years since the vehicle was first serviced. Was never notified about this issue when they first reported the TSB in mid-2016. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10109834-9999.pdf
Steering, Wheels, Aug 1, 2023
Unknown
Power train, Service brakes, Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted the vehicle into drive and then shifted back to park and the contact was able to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while pulling out the driveway the brakes applied unintendedly with the brake light remaining illuminated. The traction control warning light, the ABS warning light, the auto lock warning light illuminated and the code “EPB auto hold” was displayed. The contact shut off the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Power train, Jul 24, 2023
Hello, I had my vehicle's engine replaced by a dealership (Reason - recall on engine and failure on freeway that has me traumatized!!!) and due to the labor done at Kia Tullahoma, TN my transmission has failed causing a near mishap crash on the freeway due to transmission slip. Noticed transmission fluid leaking. After taking it to another dealership (Kia Anderson, SC) they inspected and said that the labor performed by previous dealership had caused the malfunction. Today (7-24-23) Kia Tullahoma, TN refuses to cover the new transmission that now I have to replace due to their negligence. Due to separation of the transmission to engine the output seals started leaking and causing the incident. May I add that the engine might be at risk due to this also. Please post or let Kia corporate. I will also make claim. Thank you!!
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, it spontaneously caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There were no reported injuries. No police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 15, 2023
The car shut off on me while driving
Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2023
The hid headlights. Specifically low beams go dim.They are so dim you can not drive safely at night. Change the bulbs and still the same issue.My understanding the reflector housing on the projector gets worn out and does reduce the light output of low beams. This is a driving hazard at night.this issue affecting the sx and sxl models with hid projector headlights.
Engine, Jul 10, 2023
I was driving to work and started hearing a very loud knocking noise. I got to a stop light and my car just shut off. When I restarted the car it was making the noise and shut off again. Sounds louder as you push on gas paddle.
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
The front of the car rattles the engine, rattles and makes noise, my engine already blew up and it had to be replaced, I don’t think the dealer put the engine back in the right way with all the mounts, I’ve also brought the car in for service several times, and I’ve mentioned the rattling and they’ve done nothing about it, I believe it’s gonna cause a car fire because it’s not properly secure from when they replace the engine under recall
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 9, 2023
recall is extremely dangerous and I was informed very late. Was not given a rental for the time being. Difficult to find service immediately. Do not feel safe driving.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2023
I have problem for the color white pearl is pealing the car front car side an doors
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. Additionally, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that there were metal fragments inside the engine and that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 3, 2023
Car stopped at a light and didn’t want to turn back on. Tried to have it jumped with no luck. The car turns on but the engine won’t turn over at all.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2023
Snow white pearl paint on my 2013 Kia optima isn't sticking to the primer. Started to flake off in 2019 on the metal that goes around the top of the side windows, both sides. Also flaked off on truck. I've repainted spots several times but it continues to peel off in the above areas and on the passenger rear door. I've seen many Kia snow white pearls -different models with the same issue.
Structure, Jul 1, 2023
Paint peeling off
Steering, Jun 30, 2023
2013 Kia Optima, 45K miles, owned in family since new and regularly maintained -- steering clunks, feels loose and "broken" when moved left and right, so driving may be unsafe. We believe this is due to the CS1604 Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling issue previously identified. However, the extension has just now expired and we can't get Kia dealership nor Kia itself to extend coverage further. No warning lamps or messages show, and yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Kia case number is available upon request.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2023
For the last 2 years, my pearl white paint has been chipping away. Over the last 6 months there are actual chunks of paint missing. I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a nearby independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and needed to be repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and currently remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,753.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2023
I have a white 2013 Kia Optima the paint is chipping, coming off in chunks. After it falls off seeing the panel below is smooth and does not appear to have been roughed up prior to painting to allow the paint to properly adhere. I know of thousands of other Kia owners to have paint issues exactly like this.
Engine, Jun 23, 2023
Engine light on camshaft position chain sensor is reading on scanner an is not common for kia I believe kia had a recall for Engine I would like a whole new motor
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 22, 2023
The ESC kight keeps turning on . The brake lights wont turn off, it wont let me accelerate while im driving at different speeds or it will decelerate abruptly. Yes its available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my two young children were at risk multiple times. This is my daily driver. And i was driving them to school when the car would not let me accelerate and someone almost hit me from the back. Also it happened to us on the freeway a few times as we are driving 65 mph the car decelerates abruptly almost causing major accidents while my children are in the vehicle with me. Not yet , i called the nearest kia dealer and they didnt have appointment ls until july - august. There were no warning lights at all. At first we didnt know what was the problem. After the few times it happened then the ESC light turned on and it stays on. Also the brake light wont turn off even when the car is off.