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, Jun 30, 2021, fire
Car was parked in the driveway we had been home for over 2 hours. Everyone was just about falling asleep, someone knocked on the door and ringing our door bell that our car was on fire. she had called the police and fire department was dispatched. we moved our other vehicle and tried to prevent the house from being damaged by the fire. Fire fighters arrived and it took them about 15 20 min to out out the fire. They blew smoke out of the house and the garage and checked the temperature reading on the car to make sure all the fire was put out. Front end was engulfed in fire. The fire had to be cause by an electrical issue. The safety or the safety was effected by the threat of fire to the people in the home in the unit and the neighbors and the animals in the garage at the time of the fire. Kids were asleep in the home if no one would have told us it would have been too late. It has not caused emotional anxiety for kids and pets in the home. minor damage to home and driveway. Kia has a recall causing the exact issue but this car has not been added to the list. The car has only been inspected by insurance agent and fire department the night of. There was no warning light or any messages given before the fire.
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
While driving as normal on the way home the engine stalled and would not pick up as I was getting on the highway with traffic behind me. I was able to get on and begin doing 50-55mph getting good onto the highway and pick up speed trying to get to 60mph never got to go past 55 as the car slowed down instead of picking up speed. EVERY warning light popped up onto the dash as I panicked to get off the highway unable to pick up speed and move out of the way of flying cars it slowed down to a complete stop I had just made it off the highway onto the side of the highway with cars flying by the grace of God my kids were not with me. I was not able to start the car up and had no idea as to why it happened I had no issues with my car and just brought it from Crown dealership not even a full 2 years of having the car. It was confirmed by a licensed mechanic that the engine is gone and no known reason as to why. The manufacture states it is beyond warranty as the car was purchased from crown they keep telling me to call and speak to Kia. Kia states it has no recall because of my VIN. I am not the first and not last to have this unexpectedly happen. I keep the up oil changes, tune ups, new tires and more done. now to know the engine is gone an it is not my fault no help and additional 5,000 for repair I am still making payments on the car and can not even drive it. I could have died on the road or highway due to the car just stopping on it own while driving the warning lights didn't come on until after the car was done going. I had no choice but to get over quick still risking to get hit and unable to do or know anything. This is crazy how you can take car of the car and not be able to do anything other than pay more on the car that was not even close to the total being added on now. The lawsuit filed I should have called for help because now I am stuck and blessed not to be hurt or killed due to this issue.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia OPTIMA. The contact stated that their vehicle was included in a recall for the engine. The contact had received a recall notice regarding a fuel tube in the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer in June who reportedly completed the recall. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph when they began to smell a strong fuel odor. After, parking they noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the same tube mentioned in the recall was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and offered a one-time courtesy repair however, the parts were on backorder. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that when driving at 73 mph the engine stalled. The contact stated all lights illuminated on the instrument panel while the failure occurred. The contact was able to coast the vehicle onto the road shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact stated that the dealer did not perform a diagnostic yet. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2021
I have a 2013 Kia Optima sxl, in the paint color Snow White pearl. The paint is defective. It’s delaminating and peeling all over the car. The hood, rear doors, the pillars along the windshield. The trunk is completely covered in bubbles and is peeling too.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2021
The factory paint job is delaminating and chipping. Its chipping in different parts. This is a problem because Kia didn’t let the primer sit well or because they didn’t even put primer. You can tell by the way the paint is delaminating.
Engine, Jun 11, 2021
While driving the car on 5/14/2021, the warning light came on and in 30 seconds, the engine quit. The car was taken to Steve's Tech Senter, Foley, AL. The starter was replaced and still would not run. Steve told me the engine was seized up. I contacted Team Gunther Kia, Daphne, AL, and was told by Cassandra that the car was not under warranty because it had 130000 miles and I had missed the deadline on the recall notice. I have never been notified of a recall notice on the car at all. I did receive a Northern California District document telling me of a class action suit settlement (approximately one year ago). I had no problems with the car at that time and did nothing. There was a timeframe for reporting of 4/12/2021 to the their document which also stated that the engine warranty would be extended. I had no hint of a problem with the car until the engine seized on 5/14/2021.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine rod bearing had failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the local dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was covered under the NHTSA recall campaign number 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2021
Peeling paint and rapid delamination occurring on my vehicle around the windshield area and columns. What started as small chips in 2014 has continued and accelerated and is now peeling in larger sheets down to the metal. Kia dealership will not fix it. Three quotes obtained for repair.
Engine, May 30, 2021
ON 5/27/2021 I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN SAFE TO PROCEED, I TURNED RIGHT. WITHIN TEN YARDS, THE CAR SLOWED, A "HYBRID SYSTEM MALUFUNTION" WARNING WAS DISPLAYED, AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. CAR TOWED TO KIA OF IRVINE, WHERE SAFETY PLUG ASSEMBLY, HYBRID BATTERY, AND COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE WERE PERFORMED, TOTAL COST TO ME $1,647.31. KIA TECHNICAL OPERATIONS DOCUMENT PS515 APPEARS TO STATE FUSE INSTALLED BY KIA ORIGINALLY IMPROPERLY RATED AT 125 AMP, AS IT IS REPLACED WITH 150 AMP FUSE. WHY IS THIS NOT A TSB, AND THUS A REPAIR COVERED BY WARRANTY?
Engine, May 27, 2021, fire
I was driving my car normal speed stop and go and suddenly my vehicle started to smoke and not soon after it was on fire I had my engine replace by keep the 1/21/21-1/31/21 so I’m wondering my why my car is nothing but a metal ashes
Air bags, May 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after he purchased the vehicle from the dealer, he noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer tried to repair the air bag failure however, they were unsuccessful and informed the contact that the vehicle did not need the air bags since it had seat belts and there were many vehicles on the road without air bags. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was previously involved in a collision. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Fort Collins Kia (2849 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525) and diagnosed that the air bag wirings were faulty and if the contact was involved in a crash, the air bags would not deploy. Fort Collins Kia (2849 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525) advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the original dealer since it was a safety failure, and to contact the NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 20, 2021
2013 KIA Optima Pearl White Paint peeling and chipping off all around the windshield. May now cause rust and future instability to vehicle frame which could make it dangerous.
Engine, May 20, 2021
I have had my vehicle for 3 years. I have never has any problems with this vehicle. Almost two months ago, my vehicles engine seized while I was driving on the highway with my four children in the vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, Tx. They went on to tell me that they have to fix the other recalls with the vehicle before they could summit anything about my engine which also has a recall on it. After 30 days of having my vehicle, they told me that they could not cover the recall on my engine because I have a salvage title. I was told by their own employee, that it should not matter if my vehicle has a rebuilt title or not. They are being very rude to me and refusing to get me over to higher people at the company as a result.
Engine, May 20, 2021
Knock sensor part failure placing vehicle into limp mode, causing loss of power while on interstate.
Engine, May 19, 2021
Car engine died while leaving stop sign. Towed to a mechanic, they said the motor was seized & it seemed to be a recall issue so had it towed to Kia dealership. Waited a few days & never heard anything so called the dealership & they said it was a recall issue but they were denying it. Called corporate, confirmed it was a recall, still denied replacing the engine
Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2021
There is a strong gas smell from the car when I am driving. There is an open recall for certain cars of this year, make, and model, but my Vin specifically does not qualify for the recall. The recall is for a possible fuel line leak, which sounds exactly like what I have right now.
Engine, May 18, 2021
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 Kia OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, SHE STARTED TO HEAR A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE WHEN SHE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS SERVICED UNDER AN UNKNOWN ENGINE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED 3 WEEKS AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 171,466.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 17, 2021
The low pressure fuel hose from the gas tank to the fuel pump located under the engine cover is leaking fuel. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia Dealership to determine the cause of the fuel leak. My safety and the safety of others were put in jeopardy due to the possibility of a fire or explosion from the leaking fuel line. The smell of gasoline was detected prior to the inspection from the Kia dealership
Engine, May 14, 2021
VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL VERY FAST AND REVING UP UNCONTROLLABLY. WAS INFORMED LAST SUMMER OF A RECALL ON ENGINE. TOON VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL WAY TOO FAST. VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL ALMOST COMPLETELY EMPTY IN ONLY 1,000 MILES. WHEN I FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE KIA UPHOLD THE RECALL I WAS TOLD THAT THEY UPDATED THE RECALL 2 DAYS BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT AND THEY WOULD NO LONGER FIX MY ENGINE DESPITE DISCOVERING THAT THERE WAS AN EXTREME OIL CONSUMPTION MALFUNCTION. HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE AND WAS TOLD BY KIA TO CONTACT THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IF I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THEIR DECISION. HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE SINCE LAST SUMMER AND KEEP BEING TOLD THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK TO US SOON. RECEIVED A CALL TODAY SAYING THAT I COULD PAY TO GET A NEW ENGINE AND THEN WHEN THEY FINALLY MAKE THE RECALL THEY WOULD PAY ME BACK IF THEY COULD PROVE THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE OF KIA
Engine, May 14, 2021
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS RELATING THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) FOR WHICH THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEAN MCCRARY KIA OF HATTIESBURG (603 BROADWAY DR, HATTIESBURG, MS 39401) HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE THE RECALL DUE TO THE ECU NOT BEING UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,744.
Engine, May 12, 2021
ENGINE OIL IS ALWAYS LOW EVEN AFTER ONE HOUR FROM TOPPING IT UP.
Structure, May 9, 2021
THE PAINT ON MY 2013 OPTIMA HAS BUBBLES IN IT THAT ARE CRACKING OPEN WITH PAINT PEELING AWAY. THERE IS ONE SECTION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR WITH ONE PATCH THAT IS AT LEAST 3" LONG AND 2" WIDE WHERE THE PAINT FLACKED OFF. THE PAINT AROUND THE WINDSHIELD HAS ALSO FLAKED OFF IN PLACES THAT ARE NOW CAUSING RUST SPOTS. THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING TO CAUSE THE ISSUE WITH THE PAINT. THE CAR HAS THE ORIGINAL PEARL WHITE PAINT. THIS STARTED WITH MINOR SPOTS AND HAS GRADUALLY INCREASED TO MORE PLACES ON THE CAR WITH PAINT MISSING. THIS HAS BEEN BEEN AN ON-GOING ISSUE THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE CAR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2021
THE HYBRID VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A 3-LANE STATE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO REST IN THE MIDDLE LANE BEHIND 4 VEHICLES WHEN THE DTC P1B25/P1B77 ' 125 AMP HV FUSE WAS BLOWN. THIS CAUSED A SAFETY HAZARD TO MANY ONCOMING VEHICLES AND THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. OTHER REPORTS FOUND ONLINE SEEM CONSISTENT WITH PS515 (REV 2, 02/28/2019) AND HAVE REPORTED TO STOP AND BECOME UNRESPONSIVE WHILE DRIVING.
Engine, Apr 30, 2021
BURNS OIL AND ENGINE REVS