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.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2023
UNKNOWN There are recalls for the vehicle and the Kia dealership hasn’t sent any letters notifying I had to find out online.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Jan 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V560000 (Structure) and 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced before servicing the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 21, 2022
1. Vehicle refuse to start had to have it towed to a shop to have a new battery placed in 2. Replacement of battery caused a short in stereo system resulting in the replacement with a new stereo system 3. Engine began to knock 12/19/22 took car to Car-Mart was given a list of mechanics to call made an appointment with Dominion in Farmington Arkansas for the morning of December 21st 4. Car decelerated and check engine light came on just before Exit 70 on I-49 near Johnson Mill Boulevard pulled over to the side of the interstate was able to move the vehicle forward to Exit 70 at 20 miles per hour to get off the interstate and park at Casey's General Store on Don Tyson Parkway in Springdale 5. Car was towed to Dominion Auto in Farmington Arkansas 6. I was not informed of any recall on my vehicle or any dangers impose to me or my family including my two small children upon purchase of the vehicle or registration of the vehicle or within 90 days of registration 7. Came to this website to post a complaint and found out I not only have one recall but two that I was unaware of
Engine, Dec 19, 2022
I got onto a highway on ramp, I had to slightly accelerate due to it being busy & my car started knocking & the check engine started flashing. Engine oil level is good but it has a Rod knock.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2022
Recently my vehicle started smelling of raw fuel. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and was advised it was the fuel line issue that KIA had recalled the vehicle for. I contacted my KIA dealer and was advised my particular VIN was not on recall for the fuel line. KIA recalled the 2013 KIA Optima GDI Turbo for the fuel line issues but only certain VIN's. This vehicle was affected by the engine recalls. It initially had a short block engine replacement prior to the engine recall and subsequently that engine failed and the vehicle was replaced with a long block engine in 2018. The new engine has 30,000 miles on it. The VIN number does not have the original engine or potentially the original fuel line. How is KIA determining the current fuel line issue is not on my VIN? This is a 2013 KIA Optima GDI turbo. The vehicle does not have the original engine or likely the original fuel line. The vehicle has been serviced by KIA several times and the engine and fuel lines have been replaced. The vehicle at the time of manufacturing had 1 specific line but no one knows which fuel line is currently in my vehicle. I am requesting KIA contact me and advise they will honor this fuel line repair under the recall and I am questioning why only certain VIN's were recalled. KIA cannot definitively determine which fuel line is in each vehicle because most of the engines were replaced in the 2013 model based on the widespread engine recall/replacement of the engines. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. If the initial recall was done on the manufacturers VIN info, the engine and fuel line data is flawed since these vehicle engines were replaced. There is too much of a coincidence in the fuel line issue on my vehicle and the recall despite what KIA is stating.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Interior lighting, Dec 15, 2022
I have been having electrical/lighting issues for about a year. It initially started with the inside lights intermittently flashing when opening the door or attempting to use the interior lights; however sometimes the automatic interior lights did not come on at all when set to automatically turn on when a door opened, but now the lights don’t come on at all when opening the door. I have also had some headlight and dashboard lights going on and off while driving. I have experienced this on at least 3 occasions since last June or July. I have done some of my own testing by switching the lights to different functions, on and off, etc. Because it has only happened 3 times I’m not sure exactly what the issue is and scared that at some point, they won’t work at all. This is very concerning and obviously a safety issue. In addition, just recently my interior speaker system began having issues when using the hands free call option. With every call I make or take while using the hands free option, the call goes in and out constantly and consistently. It doesn’t happen to those on the other end of the line. It does this every time for about the past month. The speakers work fine when listening to the radio. My phone works perfectly through the regular calling option or on the speaker option but that is not ideal while driving. As new issues continue to pop up, increase, progressively get worse, I’m concerned there could be other current or future electrical problems in the engine or in regular safe functioning of the car leading to melting, fire, or a malfunction while driving, causing catastrophic results.
Hybrid propulsion system, Dec 12, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, a bystander alerted him that his vehicle was on fire. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the front driver-side tire well had caught fire. Another motorist who witnessed the fire stopped and extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was called to the scene and inspected the vehicle to ensure that the fire was extinguished. The police department also arrived at the scene. Neither police nor fire report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and then to a dealer where an inspection discovered that the hybrid battery may have been the source of the fire. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for further investigation. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was deemed a complete loss. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who performed the recall repair for NHTSA Recall Campaign: 22V09300 (Fuel System, Gasoline). After retrieving the vehicle, the odor was still present inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Firerelated, Dec 3, 2022, fire
On 1/7/2022 I was driving my 2013 Kia Optima on the freeway heading home and was passing an eighteen wheeler when my car started slowing down even when trying to accelerate, luckily I was far enough ahead and was able to get off the freeway. Had the car towed to the Dealership and was told the engine failed but would be replaced free of charge due to class action suit settlement in 2020. Engine was replaced at 79,319 miles and picked up on 1/22/2022. On 11/08/2022 my son-in-law was driving the car home from work and was on the freeway with heavy traffic at 5:00pm when he first smelled gasoline and then saw smoke from engine compartment. He was in the left hand lane and pulled into the median area and stopped the vehicle and got out when the car caught fire. He called 911 immediately. By the time the police and fire department got there the car was totaled. Luckily no body was injured or killed. I have contacted KIA Consumer Affairs and was given a case number and was assured they would get me a replacement vehicle. I had the car moved from the holding lot and towed to the Dealership where I purchased it and have had it serviced regularly. As of 12/03/2022 we are still without a car and $857 towing fee and waiting on a KIA INSPECTION and decision.
Engine, Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a Goodyear Service Center to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown code for engine failure. The contact then stated that the following day the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but not assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 22, 2022
2013 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-093. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
Steering, Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that while accelerating the steering wheel started to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Steering, Structure, Engine, Nov 3, 2022
1. The vehicle has been smoking and constantly burning all the oil. 2. Paint has been pealing all over the car. 3. Electronic parking brakes not working at all now and vehicle will not pass inspection. 4. Electronic steering assist not working tripping the warning light on the dash.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2022
Air bag light malfunction
Engine, Oct 30, 2022
Leak and/or cracked oil pan around the drain plug. Due to past issues regarding the crankshaft bearings I fear the oil consumption could assist in the issue. Also fear the oil leaking neak the exhaust and catalytic converter could ignite a fire beneath the vehicle. Vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership yet. And there have been no dash lights to indicate the problem. It was found while trying to investigate oil spots on ground beneath vehicle
Structure, Oct 30, 2022
My 2013 KIA Optima in Snow White Pearl "SWP" has delaminating and pealing paint issues all over the body of the car. Mainly in the front bumper, hood and A pillars of the car. It extends to every single panel of the car even obscure out of the way areas. Only the paint is affected. The body underneath shows no sing of denting from a hard hit of any type. The paint simply delaminates on its own.
Structure, Oct 25, 2022
The paint is chipping off and looks horrible.
Seats, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the seat cushions on both the front driver’s and passenger’s seats had separated from the frame of the vehicle. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were informed of the failure; and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under a warranty. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact stated that failure had made it difficult to fasten the seat belts in the vehicle. The contact was referred to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The contact stated that they are still awaiting a response from the manufacturer and the dealer about repairs.
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,500.
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2022
Snow white paint on optima is chipping bubbling and coming off. now certain areas are starting to rust. this has gotten worse in the last year i have noticed multiple cars in that color peeling in the same areas. hood and roof area. some are worse then mine. i called kia and there is no known issue. if you goggle snow white kia paint issue there are multiple forums. estimates to repaint are more than what the car is worth. if i were to trade my car in there would be issues with the paint cause a decrease in value. car is good condition no machinal issues or body issues other than the paint
Engine, Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stalling despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was a fuel smell and that she repeatedly needed to refill the engine oil. Additionally, the contact stated that on three different occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart, and had to be towed to her residence. The check engine and the engine oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart and the contact stated that there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer where it remained awaiting diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
The engine was just about to explode when me and family riding the car Kia Dealer does not want to fix the car despite that it has an engine recall The car was not inspected yet, but I am ready to get it inspected there were not any sign warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2022, fire
I was driving on the interstate in rush hour traffic to pick up my kids from school. The engine light came on, and immediately after that, the gas pedal would no longer accelerate the speed of the car. I pulled over on the side of the interstate to call my fiancé, and within minutes the front end started smoking. I grabbed my work belongings and stepped out of the car and the entire car went up in flames on the interstate. The car has been deemed a total loss with Insurance. We filed a claim with Kia and waiting for someone to inspect the vehicle. This car had engine failure back in 2017, and had an entire engine rebuilt inside of it. Part of the Theta ll engine recall. Police would not create report due to not injuring anyone or any other vehicles.
Structure, Oct 10, 2022
The pearl white paint pealing in 4 different areas in the body of the car to include the front and top of the car above the windshield; both sides of the outer body framing of the windshield and now the hood of the car.
Engine, Oct 10, 2022
The system that failed was my engine. I sent my car to One Stop Collision Auto Repair in Chicago Ridge Illinois. Once the mechanic did his diagnostic, I was told i had “no oil” in my car which caused my engine to fail. However I had gotten an oil change July 12th , 2022. There is a sticker on my windshield in the top left corner by the drivers side stating when my oil was changed. My oil notification became to come on July 9th which let me know i needed an oil change.For this specific problem with my vehicle, the mechanic told me “you won’t get an oil notification because it has nothing to do with your oil. It is a known problem with these types of cars.” I then began to question if there was a recall. I then look onto the My Car max app which lets me know if there was any recalls. There were 2 recalls with MY SAME VIN NUMBER. I don’t know if it is available for inspection.My safety was at risk because I was not aware of any issues on my dashboard or any recalls as i was buying the car. My car began jerking with my inside of it driving which almost caused an accident. My car was sent to a auto repair shop to find out the problem. Once he let me know what the problem was, My car was then sent to International Kia for their own diagnostic and a repair when they find out the problem. The car should be going under inspection now that it is at the manufacture (International Kia). There were NO warning lamps,messages,or any symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I’ve had this car only since March 17, 2022 (6 months).