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.
Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2022
I own a 2013 Kia Optima. The low-beam headlight was not providing proper illumination while driving at night, making it difficult to see the roadway. Took the vehicle to the local dealer, the mechanic was able to see the failure, but stated that my car was made in the US. So the Recall that is out for dimming headlights from cars made in South Korea does not apply to my car. Stated it would cost $720 per headlight assembly plus labor. The car was not repaired. The manufacturer should cover cars made in the US also if the ones in South Korea have the same problem and are being fixed.
Engine, Jul 15, 2022, fire
I was driving down the road and my car started smoking. I pulled over and got out of my vehicle and within 5 minutes my engine was in flames
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Jul 13, 2022
Steering wheel started clicking when turned right or left. When I drive over bumps or holes, steering column clanks and clunks loudly. Steering wheel vibrates at times and feels loose. Possible issue with steering coupler or steering column and I've read that this should be a recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2022
Unknown, car was fine then stopped out of no where yesterday, I was scheduled with Kia dealership to have recalled fixed next month but they called and canceled my recall this is now the 2nd attempt and they still have yet to fix recall and now car isn’t working properly!
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
When we start the car Yellow colour Engine symbol pos up on the dashboard. It’s a engine related issue.
Engine, Jul 7, 2022
Engine failure
Structure, Jul 7, 2022
Paint failing and peeling off causing body to rust prematurely.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2022
My car has been having a check engine light on for over 9 months now and it cannot pass the smog test and when connected to the scanner it gives the code 0449 and B1347. I have tried to fix the EVap leak and the code still comes out and the airbag light is always on now.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2022
When the fuel smell occurred i contacted my dealer and was told about a recall i have been complaining about the smell before i received my second recall paper the car was smoking and stopped working eventually and i've been without a car and unable to use my vehicle while having to maintain payments on it im am not sure why i have to pay for a problem that was spotted early on but due to neglect and unclear solutions i have wasted money on rentals and been left with no answers my check engine light was flashing i was unable to get a inspection sticker and was told it was due to the gas smell
Engine, Jun 30, 2022
My car stopped working, i towed it to my Mechanic they said the engine quit working.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact has stated that the issue has been resolved.
Structure, Jun 23, 2022
PAINT IS CHIPPING ALL OVER THE CAR HOOD, TRUNK SIDE OF WINDOW, ETC. ESTIMATE HAVE BEE SENT AND PICTURES. HAD PROBLEM APRIL2021. AND HAD HOOD PAINTED NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 71 MPH, she heard abnormal loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist until the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Jun 20, 2022
On May 19, 2022, I was driving North on I-225... The engine stalled out on my 2013 Kia Optima EX, while I was driving. All dash indicator lights came on. There was no warning light came on to alert me of the problem. It smelled like something was burning. No dealership or anyone has confirmed the maintenance needed on the vehicle. I will have my car tolled to a nearby Kia dealership due to the 2013 recall...
Structure, Jun 17, 2022
I have a 2013 Kia Optima with pearl white paint. My paint has significantly chipped away on multiple parts of the body including the roof, side of drivers side windshield, and the drivers side body. This chipping is due to a paint defect during the manufacturing process and the entire car needs to be repainted.
Structure, Jun 16, 2022
Exterior Paint Pearl White Kia. Started with small specks all over the entire car around 2018/2019. Last week inches came off with out me noticing since I washed my car three weeks ago. Peeling very fast only has 56,000 miles on it. “Dealer included Paint protection” Have only just begun my research. I have all my purchasing paper work and Maintenace. Bubbling indicates Latent defect, online everyone is starting to post paint problems with the same year. I have paint tearing under my trunk hood. The whole thing needs to be replaced. For having only 56,000 miles on my car it should not have this damage nor should I feel embarrassed about my car. I was not told if and when anything expired before 10years. I have prof of interior and exterior paint protected added and have it in hand.
Structure, Jun 10, 2022
My paint is pealing in a number of locations on my car. Trunk, hood rails and hood. Car has been very we’ll maintained. I am aware of many others having this same issue.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2022
Paint has been chipping/peeling off with no reason at all.......continues to peel off without any cause
Engine, Jun 9, 2022
I was driving on the highway and all of my dash lights came on and my car just cutt off. My engine light had never been on before that. After letting my car sit for awhile it turned back on but kept losing power and my engine would make a knocking noise. Took it to a car shop they told me they contacted the kia dealership and they said i had a recall on my engine and it would be replaced when i got there they said they dont know who i talked to but that wasnt true. The car shop said that my engine was eating oil. I would run out of oil quickly but it wasnt an oil leak.
Engine, Jun 8, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his brother was attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's brother then saw flames underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact's brother immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire expanded significantly. The contact's brother was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 2, 2022
After accelerating from a stop and releasing my foot from the gas petal the car will start to accelerate on its own and speed up.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2022
I had a recall on my car a little over a year ago I believe and they had to put new engines in a bunch of Kia cars. They said I would get a rental, but I never did and I ended up having to get my own out-of-pocket cause I had no way of getting around. I was never offered any type of reimbursement for this. Now, they have a recall for something that is related to previous complications I have had with the car and expect me to just drive around with it even though it could catch on fire. This is the same issue I had before. I need a car, have no money for a rental, and they still do not have the part to address this recall. I really want them to handle it this time in a timely manner and provide me with a rental free of charge if they cannot.
Engine, May 27, 2022
When I was driving on the freeway, the car engine stopped functioning. All the lights on the dashboard turned on and I couldn't accelerate the car. I had to make several lane changes as I was in the farthest lane. I barely exited the freeway and towed my car to a local mechanic. I had to replace the engine. No warning lamps prior to the failure. My safety was at risk because I couldn't accelerate. The safety of others on the freeway also was at risk.