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, Mar 20, 2022
Just purchase this vehicle about a couple a months ago and the engine is knocking,engine needs to be replace , fuel low pressure tool recall on 2013 Kia Optima and recall on the Engine Long Block recall NHTSA recall #17V224, This car was NOT IN A ACCIDENT, ITS WAS TOOK TO KIA DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE IT AND TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO PAY HIM $11,000 TO FIX THIS VECHILE ON 7050 OGDEN AVE BERWYN, IL 60402 KIA DEALERSHIP
Structure, Mar 17, 2022
Paint chipping off on various spots of the vehicle
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2022
I was driving to work and smelled fuel. The loud Oder of fuel was coming from under the hood. Called kia and they had the car towed to the Kia place in mobile alabama. Was told that my vin number is not covered under the 3 recalls that they have for this same make and model. Kia place said it has a fuel leak from high pressure fuel pump.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2022
Moved my vehicle from California to New York and when the temperature reached around 30 degree's i noticed that that paint would begin to bubble and flake off. Since i have owned the vehicle the vehicle has not been in a location where temperatures reach below 55 degree's. since I relocated to NY for the past 2 years I have had consistent issues with paint flaking and chipping off my vehicle once temperatures go below 30 degree's.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that no issues were found with his vehicle. The contact insisted that a knocking noise could be heard from the vehicle but the dealer stated otherwise. The contact was informed that if the knocking noise he heard persisted, to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle started to consume an excessive amount of oil and the knocking noise persisted. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer where he was informed that sludge and metal fragments were found in the engine. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer would be notified about the failure; however, the contact had not yet heard from the dealer or the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Feb 27, 2022
Driving on highway and car engine shut off without any notice or warning. Brakes still worked but car shut completely off. Was in car with younger child. Not a pleasant experience. Have to pay over $400 to get it towed to my house. Absolutely, not a car that I want to drive or ever buy Kia brand again!
Steering, Visibility/wiper, Feb 24, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph during rain, the windshield wiper where violently wiping and there was a burning odor coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Steering, Feb 24, 2022
Steering the vehicle is a struggle. Jerky, not smooth at all. I've had it repaired once over 2 years ago. Same issue has returned... It's like a hard workout for my upper arms. I have done my research, and other owners have complained about the same issue. LONG trips are a nightmare. Any/all help would be greatly appreciated. This has been going for at least the LAST 6 months!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2022
I was in the fast lane doing about 70 MPH an all of a sudden my car turned off no power at all no warning lights nothing thank God there was no cars on side of me I went over 3 lanes of traffic an got to side of road the engine light was blinking . I had to tow to dealership an they told me that it might be minimum 2 weeks till they can look at my car . So now I have no car an have to be at work in morning . But still making car payments with broken car . I bought car from kia thinking I would not have problem with car specially for the dealership to have for 2 weeks or more so I guess I have to rent a car on top of car payment.
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
The engine is burning thru 2 quarts of motor oil per week. No leaks just burning oil
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2022
The fuel gauge in the dashboard indicates the car still has gas (approx. 1/4 tank) when in reality the tank is empty. This cause to be stranded on the street, freeway, going up the hill in the freeway. This can cost an accident while random stoppage of the car. It happend 4 times already
Structure, Feb 22, 2022
The car's paint is comiming off
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2022, fire
Smell like gas everyday I don’t want my car get in fire
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2022
Basically my paint just started peeling off in spots I have pictures and video showing the paint just come off as we blow on it
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2022
Kia has replaced the Hybrid battery, which said that would fix the warning light "Hybrid System Failure - Do Not Drive" and the light came on again. This is the second battery that I have replaced. The safety issue caused the car to lose power in the middle of an intersection on the way and barely had enough power to park the car safely.
Steering, Feb 14, 2022
In 2013 we were driving to NC it was raining the steering just left the car completely un steerable thank God it had came back to be able to control the car ...told dealership about it they acted like I was crazy ....needless to say we don't drive it when it's raining ...if we get caught in rain we use extra caution and very slow speeds ..at this point it was a new car hadn't even had 150 miles on it
Structure, Feb 13, 2022
The paint on my white 2013 Kia Optima is starting to flake off on the hood and the passenger side rear door.
Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2022
My Kia has been chipping it’s paint off for years now. I have paint chip marks all around car. Car looks like it’s 15 yrs old due to bad paint. It’s down to the primer bare of the car.
Service brakes, Feb 11, 2022
I put gas in my car and my hand and mileage did not move and my brakes feel stuck after I release my foot and press the gas aldeco put a protective cap Over something when they change my oil and I keep having to have my brake fluid flushed and refilled
Power train, Engine, Feb 5, 2022
Our engine has been replaced twice. Engine stalled while driving 65mph. Transmission pulled hard almost causing accident. Twice. First engine was @ 60,000. Second @ 90,000. Now they want us to pay our $250 deductible again, to add transmission fluid because it’s completely almost empty. We told them that it has been pulling hard from the first replacement of engine. They did nothing. Engine has been heating up all other components like radiator causing it to over heat. We paid to replace it before it cause a fire. Fuel line. We payed to get it fixed before it cause a fire. Now they want us to pay again, to add fluid to transmission before it causes a pull and we crash. Please help us. They have had the car for 2 months at Garden Grove Kia in California.
Structure, Feb 3, 2022
My paint is peeling all over my car. I’ve stored it in a garage and kept very good care of it, but it keeps getting worse.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, an abnormal knocking sound began to emit from the engine as the vehicle began to sputter and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The oil warning light illuminated the instrument panel as the engine stalled. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer for repair. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure but later informed him that an investigation was launched by the manufacturer and the result found that there was not enough evidence that the bearing wear had caused the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Jan 25, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle accelerated to a speed which caused the vehicle to go over a medium and crash into a tree. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights illuminated on the vehicle. The contact was the only person in the vehicle, and sustain injuries to their chest and lower back. There was medical treatment at the scene however the contact did not go to the hospital for further evaluation. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Structure, Jan 22, 2022
The body paint is delaminating and coming off so fast. Every auto body shop I go to says its a manufacturer error. This isn’t okay. I know many other kia optima cars doing that same for the same year. I have many pictures to provide. I shouldn’t have to pay for a new paint job when it was a manufacturing error.
Engine, Jan 20, 2022
I took my vehicle in to get serviced due to a recall. Upon driving home, there was a loud knocking noise that had never been there before. Got home and called the dealership and they sent a tech out. There was no knocking noise because the vehicle wasn't in motion for him to hear. Due to my medical issue I wasn't able to take my car back to them. About a week later my car wouldn't start. Bought a brand new battery and it lasted for a few days. I didn't have any problems until after the dealership serviced the recall.