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.
Structure, Jan 20, 2022
Paint on car is chipping away little by little . Has been ongoing for a while now & rust spots are starting to pop up around the car . I’ve had the car detailed waxed and sealed and still continues to get worse. Was told by a body shop that the paint was not done right from the beginning
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2022
PEARL WHITE PAINT FLAKING AND PEELING OFF EXPOSING BARE METAL TO ELEMENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF RUST AND CORROSION TO BODY. NUMEROUS AREA OF VEHICLE ARE AFFECTED.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
Hello. Last week while driving on a motorway 80 mph engine in my 2013 optima SX 2.0 TGDI just stopped working. Due to fact this engines had problems and Kia recalled owners to replace seized engine, I would like to ask you here, how could I get help in this case. Thing is my car was imported to Europe (Poland) in 2014. Had 3 owners since new (first in US and two previous ones in Poland). Car ran smooth and without any problems till last Monday. Unfortunately engine just stopped on my way work, thanks God without any accident, just passed off motorway and waited for assistance. My mechanic said is impossible to turn an engine even manually, so it must be seized. Could you advise how I could get help from Kia to replace my engine? I’ve called Kia customer helpline, they redirected me to closest Kia dealer, and no one heard about these recalls on US market. Could you advise where I should report my case, to get any information how this recall could be done here with cooperation with Kia USA. Expecting yours [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2022
The paint has started to peel above the doors in all 4 corners and is now peeling on the passenger side of the hood.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2022
All my paint on my WHITE Kia is coming off. So many white Kia’s are having This problem.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2021
A year ago, the paint started falling off of the roof rails on my 2013 Kia Optima. It is continuing to peel away. The color I have is Snow White Pearl. I have contacted my dealership and have been told that there is only a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty on the paint and since I am outside of those parameters, there is nothing they can do for me. I have also taken it to a body shop to find out about repainting the areas and get an estimate for having the work done.
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
Steering has a notchy feel. Binds releases and binds
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2021
Engine recall completed. Two weeks after..Engine light on due to a Crack in the emissions system..
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2021
Engine stopped while driving. Would not start afterwards after researching I see it happens to those years and certain models were recalled wondering if mine possibly got missed in that recall, based off the recall seems exactly what happened to mine has plenty oil keep maintained well and only drive back and forth to work.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2021
My paint stated chipping ang peeling about 3 years ago, I did not think much of it until I saw several people who also have pearl snow white paint having the same issues. I ordered touch up paint and a clear coat to try and stop it in the areas that it is peeling. I have had someone rear end me but this is not where the issues with the paint are. It is on my hood, doors, sides etc. I have always parked in a garage or covered parking and have no hail damage etc
Exterior lighting, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the low-beam headlight was not providing proper illumination while driving, making it difficult to see the roadway. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Structure, Dec 14, 2021
Out of no where the paint began peeling in large flakes while going down the road. At first it was small pieces then progressively began to be larger pieces. When I washed it, even more came off on multiple locations on the vehicle. Noticed blistering all over after further review.
Engine, Dec 12, 2021
Vehicle started to make knocking noises from engine when stopped at an intersection and when I attempted to make a left turn, engines acceleration failed midway and incoming traffic almost collied with my vehicle. After a few second vehicle slowly regained acceleration but knocking noise persisted.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
When driving without any warning regardless of speed a hybrid system failure message appears and then check brakes. It causes me to then lose all brake control in the ability to give it gas and I have to Coast to a stop it's almost caused a collision three times now. And the car no matter if it's off or on sitting in my driveway it always makes a crackling noise and it makes a crackling noise when I hit the brake as well
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2021
About 2 weeks ago my Kia Optima I started noticing a burning smell coming from under the hood. I took it into an auto shop and they could not find anything wrong. Just recently, the burning smell accompanied smoke from under the hood.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2021
Paint peeling
Air bags, Nov 23, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 10mph when the contact was struck by another vehicle which resulted in none of the airbags deploying. The contact sustained bruise sternum, bruised heart, and neck injury and sought medical treatment. There was a police report taken and the vehicle was towed to an insurance lot where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. Consumer stated air bags did not deploy and seat belt was torn.
Engine, Nov 23, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while inside the vehicle with the engine idling smoke was suddenly present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene who extinguished the flames. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. No further information was available. The contact indicated that the failed engine was a replacement engine previously installed under a recall campaign. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. Consumer had the car inspected and was told there was oil leakage but inspection states engine presented with oil inside. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 40 - 45 mph, the "Safely Stop And Do Not Drive" warning message was displayed and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. This was the third recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
Was driving the car up a hill and alarm starting dinging and gave a notice something to the effect of Stop Safely. The car died and I was unable to move the car out of the traffic lane. People behind were blowing their horn and I did not feel safe to get out of the car. Eventually someone stopped to block traffic and we were able to roll the car back out of traffic.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2021
I have a 2013 Kia Optima EX, on the steering wheel, I hear a knocking sound while turning the wheel. I was informed that there was a recall for the rubber coupler replacement. I never received a recall letter from Kia Motors. I am very concerned about driving the vehicle because the sound is getting louder.
Engine, Nov 13, 2021
I purchased this vehicle 10/21/2016. The vehicle was driving fine and I regularly took it in for maintenance. Regular oil changes, filters, tires rotated. I am very good at getting maintenance done on the vehicle. There was a recall on the engine, but I never received any notice. It was recalled on Mar 31, 2017. I have no records of any recalls, so I am not sure who they were sending them to. I moved shortly after the recall on February 16, 2018. I still received no notices at my new location. I did have all my mail forwarded. Long story short, my engine blew in September of 2019. I still had not received any notices of a recall. I have been trying to get this resolved with Kia for the last two years basically. I have had an independent shop verify that the engine is blown. Kia of Janesville and Madison refused to give me any help trying to get the car diagnosed or repaired. I have spent $700 getting the car towed, storage, and two years so far trying to get the car repaired or looked at. They keep on telling me that they are not going to cover anything and that I need to pay for repairs. I finally got the car towed to an independent service shop and they are telling me that the engine is indeed blown and that I need to replace it. Costs are expected to be in the $3700 range. I cant wait any longer to get this vehicle repaired as I have already dealt with it for two years with no good faith effort from Kia. I would appreciate some help dealing with the situation.
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2021
Driving at night the engine sputtered and stalled in traffic. Lost power to steering and had to get off main road . Towed to a mechanic and was told there was no oil in the engine and the entire engine needs to be replaced . The oil has been changed as required but constantly low and needing to be topped up . He advised checking the VIN for a recall with this particular car model having a previous recall . I checked there were no open recalls . The engine is being replaced .
Engine, Nov 7, 2021, fire
My engine began smoking while I was driving I pulled over to see where the smoke was coming from and it burst into flames
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2021, fire
My 2013 Kia optima caught fire while I sitting idle in the vehicle in a parking lot outside of an establishment in May of 2021. I started my vehicle, and was finishing up a phone call when I noticed smoke coming from my hood. When I opened the hood to investigate flames shot up from my engine. I called 911 and fortunately the fire department was close and we're able to put out the fire quickly and no one was hurt. If it hadn't been for the phone conversation keeping my attention, I would have taken off normally and the outcome could of been seriously different. I'm not sure what happens when you are actively driving a car that engulfs in flames but I imagine it's not pretty. There was a open recall on my car for a low pressure fuel tube malfunction that was thought to cause fires. The Kia dealership denied I had an open recall asked me to remove car from facility or they would tow it . They were low on space. . They said that they wouldn't cover my car for any reason anyway because it doesn't have the original engine it came with. The engine was replaced by Kia because of engine defect and recall but the local dealership could not see this car history. Eventually I was able to get a case opened with the corporate office and an inspection was done. They still denied me and no one was on the same page as far as car history. Was given the run around. The inspection report and estimate I have contradict one another. They spent 6 to tell me my cars problem is not there fault. They are unable and willing to answer my questions about inconsistencies.