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, Aug 8, 2020
II HAVE PAINT PEELING AND FALLING OFF AT A RAPID RATE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 77000 MILES IT IS GARAGE KEPT AND DETAILED TWICE A YEAR I FEEL IT NEED ATTENTION FROM KIA AS THIS IS NOT NORMAL THEY WILL NOT COVER IT AND IT APPEARS THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THIS YEAR KIA
Structure, Aug 3, 2020
I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA WITH PEARL WHITE PAINT. CONSISTENT WITH WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF RAPID PAINT PEELING AND DELAMINATION OF THIS PARTICULAR PAINT COLOR, I TOO AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME. ALSO CONSISTENT WITH WIDESPREAD REPORTING, THE PRIMARY AREAS ARE ALONG THE PILLARS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD (LONG VERTICAL STRIPS PEELED DOWN TO THE PRIMER), AND BUBBLING AND PEELING ON THE ENGINE HOOD, THE FRONT GRILL AND THE FRONT BUMPER. THIS HAS HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY, AND IS RAPIDLY WORSENING. I FIRST NOTICED THE PEELING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD ON 5/28/20, AND THE ENGINE HOOD AND BUMPER ON 8/2/20. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 62,900 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT IS TYPICALLY GARAGED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN, AND THAT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WILL NEED TO BE REPAINTED. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT, AS REPORTED BY OTHERS, WE ARE ALL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES IN THE SAME MANNER AND LOCATIONS ON THE VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED BY KIA AT NO COST TO ME. THANK YOU.
Steering, Aug 1, 2020
STEERING WHEEL CLICKS CONSTANTLY WHEN TURNING ANY DIRECTION.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2020
HAD OIL CHANGED AND DROVE ABOUT 500 FEET FROM DEALERSHIP WHEN CAR SHUT DOWN IN MIDDLE OF STREET. TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND ABOUT TO RUN OVER ME. CARS SLIDING ON BRAKES TO AVOID MY STALLED CAR IN THE STREET. TRIED TO TURN INTO PARKING LOT TO GET OFF STREET BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TOP STEER. HAD TO SIT THERE IN 100 DEGREE HEAT. FINALLY HAD TO GET OUT OF CAR WHEN IT WAS SAFE AND RUN ACROSS STREET .CALLED STAFF MEMBER FROM DEALERSHIP TO COME AND HELP ME. HE ASSISTED ME IN GETTING CAR BACK INTO PARKING LOT AND SAID ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. QUOTED ME $2341.84 TO REPAIR. I AGREED AND THEY FIXED IT ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM AFTER ALL. NOW I AM TOLD I NEED HORNESS WIRING IS BURNED OUT! ANOTHER $2000.00 FOR WIRING. THIS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED ASAP. IT'S NO WAY WITH ONLY 54000 MILES, THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING. I NEED SOMEONE TO CONTACT ME OR KIA IN BATON ROUGE, LA LOCATED ON SEIGEN LANE. I HAVE THE PRINT OUT BUT I CANNOT UPLOAD IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE KIA DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW. I DON'T THINK THEY CAN FIX IT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THIS HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT IS WRONG THAT KIA HAS NOT DISCOVERED YET. THIS CAR SHOULD BE GOOD FOR MORE THAN 54000 MILES. PLEASE HELP ASAP . THANK YOU.
Engine, Jul 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONCORD KIA (2199 MERIDIAN PARK BLVD, CONCORD, CA 94520) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE UNKNOWN RECALL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A YEAR LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, Jul 22, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT AN AVERAGE SPEED, THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED TO JERK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THEN NEXT THING I KNOW I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE.
Engine, Jul 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,191. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Jul 17, 2020
THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT, IT BEEN OVER 6 WEEKS SINCE MY KIA BROKE DOWN BECAUSE OF A RECALL. KIA IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS IN CONTACT WITH A LADY BY THE NAME OF [XXX] BUT SHE HAS STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY EMAILS. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO I CAN'T GET MY CAR FIXED BY ANYONE EXCEPT KIA AND THEY WON'T DO IT. THE CLOSEST KIA DEALER IS OVER 100 MILE AWAY FROM MY HOME AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY THE TOW EXPENSES.[XXX] DID SAY SHE COULD ATHORIZE A TOW BUT HAS SINCE STOPPED RESPONDING TO ME. I NEED TO GET MY CAR FIXED AND KIA IS NOT DOING SO IN A TIMELY MANNER. I NEED HELP TO GET KIA TO FIX MY CAR AND DONT KNOW WHO TO CONTACT. EVEN CONTACTING DEALERS THEY TELL ME I HAVE TO GO THROUGH KIA INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jul 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,194.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2020
CAR TURN OFF IN THE FREEWAY WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2020
ON MAY 21, 2020, I'D TAKEN MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA EX FOR A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE AT HAWKINSON KIA, MATTESON, IL. THE SERVICE DEPT. TECH CONDUCTED ADD'L INSPECTIONS, AS THEY USUALLY PERFORM, MADE RECOMMENDATIONS, INCLUDING SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT. I'D AGREED TO BELT REPLACEMENT. MY CAMERA DISPLAY WAS WORKING PRIOR TO THIS VISIT. NO REPORT OF ANY CAMERA PROBLEM WAS INDICATED ON THE INSPECTION OR RECOMMENDATION REPORTS OR RECEIPT. AFTERWARDS, MY CAMERA DISPLAY CEASED OPERATION, ONLY DISPLAYING A BLACK BACKGROUND WITH GUIDELINES. SEVERAL TIMES AFTERWARDS, I'D CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPT. TO COMPLAIN OF THE ISSUE. THEY'D SUGGESTED BRINGING VEHICLE BACK FOR DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH I COMPLIED AND PAID ITS FEE ON JUNE 8, 2020. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. THEN SAID IT WASN'T AN ISSUE THEY'D CREATED/WASN'T CAUSED BY INSTALLATION OF BELT AND THAT IT RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF HEAD UNIT [RADIO SYSTEM] AND CAMERA AT A COST OF APPROX. $511. I'D COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO KIA'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION NOR RESOLUTION: ONLY TO BE TOLD MY VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. HAD SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO VISUALLY NOTICE ANY CAMERA DEFECT AS IT'S TECH(S) OPERATED MY VEHICLE BY DRIVING IN AND OUT OF ITS SERVICE GARAGE AS THE CAMERA DISPLAY IS ACTIVATED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE. SINCE ISSUE WITH THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA WAS A 'KNOWN ISSUE,' AT LEAST ACCORDING TO KIA'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN [GRP. ELE, NO. 077] ISSUED IN 2014, THE CAMERA, ETC., SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPLACED AT KIA'S EXPENSE! I'D DISCOVERED THAT A HOST OF OTHER KIA OWNERS HAD EXPERIENCED AND COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR REAR-VIEW CAMERA ISSUES WHEN I'D CONDUCTED A WEB SEARCH ABOUT THIS DEFECT. THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA IS A SAFETY FEATURE! AND SHOULD ALWAYS WORK PROPERLY! *TR
Steering, Jun 29, 2020
THE STEERING HAS PLAY IN IT. IT CLICKS. WHEN DRIVING, THE TINIEST BUMP CAUSES A CLANKING, RATTLE THROUGHOUT THE STEERING COLUMN, AND STEERING WHEEL. CAUSES LOSS OF CONTROL AT TIMES. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2020
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND SUDDENLY AS I WAS COASTING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE CAR STALLED I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED THEN ATTEMPTED TO START IT AND NOTHING HAPPENED WOULDN'T TURN OVER ALL LIGHT ON DASH WERE ON ,IT NEVER STARTED AFTER THAT THE MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE SEIZED THEN THE STARTER WENT BAD NOW NEED A NEW ENGINE AND STARTER .KIA IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE ENGINE RECALL BECAUSE OF A SALVAGE TITLE. *TR
Engine, Jun 26, 2020
ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA STARTED SMOKING REALLY BAD. CONTACTED KIA THROUGH THERE WEB SITE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR A RECALL ON THE LONG ENGINE BLOCK THAT CAUSES PISTON RINGS TO FAIL. I CONTACTED KIA TWICE THROUGH THERE WEB SITE. WITH NO RESPONSE. I THEN CALLED A DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE COST FOR TOWING MY VEHICLE TO THEM FOR REPAIR. I THEN CALLED KIA AND THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE COST. MY VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATIONAL BECAUSE OF MANUFACTURING MISTAKE. I AM UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT KIA IS TO COVER ALL COST TO FIX ANY RECALLS, BUT THEY ARE TELLING ME I HAVE TO COVER PART OF THE COST. THE CLOSETS KIA DEALER IS 140 MOLES AWAY THEY CLOSED THE ONE THAT I BOUGHT MY KIA FROM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 25, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE SUDDENLY SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE SCENE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE OWNER SUSTAINED AN INJURED RIGHT FINGER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE HOOD. NO MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY AS IT WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE LOCAL DEALER ALM KIA SOUTH (4310 JONESBORO RD. UNION CITY, GA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AS WELLS THE MANUFACTURER WERE A CASE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V100000 (FUEL SYSTEM. GASOLINE), HOWEVER, WHEN HE CONTACT THE DEALER HE WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF, THE BATTERY, OIL AND TRANSMISSION ICON APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO MERGE OVER INTO THE SIDE LANE SAFELY BECAUSE THE BREAKS ALONG WITH THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. AFTER PLACING THE CAR INTO PARK AND REMOVING THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART IT. IT STARTED, SO I CONTINUED HEADING HOME. APPROXIMATELY DRIVING ANOTHER 12 MILES, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE THIS TIME WAS UPON RESTARTING IT, A WEIRD KNOCKING NOISE CAME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, SO I SHUT THE CAR OFF. I WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES TO RESTART IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP, SO I CONTINUED HEADING HOME. TODAY, ONCE AGAIN WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR SHUT OFF. SAME KNOCKING, AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I RESTARTED IT, ONLY TO CONTINUOUSLY HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND A VIBRATION COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHILE ACCELERATING, IT BARELY MOVED AND THE NOISES BECAME LOUDER ALONG WITH THE VIBRATION.THIS TIME THE CAR WAS INCAPABLE OF BEING DRIVEN. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED DIRECTLY TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. GOOD THING MY CAR WAS STILL COVERED WITH EASY CARE OR ELSE I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN TO GET IT TOWED. I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I AM GOING TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD WHATEVER NEEDS REPAIRED. I DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE AND WILL ATTACH IT BELOW. *TR
Steering, Jun 23, 2020
THE GEARBOX YOKE PLUG DETACHES WHENEVER YOU DRIVE AND HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A NOISE. THE NOISE WORSENS AS YOU DRIVE NO MATTER IF YOU'RE TURNING A CORNER BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY TYPE OF ROUGH OR BUMPY ROAD CONDITION. YOU CAN HEAR THE NOISE IN THE STEERING EVEN WHEN YOU'RE STATIONARY AND ARE TURNING THE WHEEL. THERE APPARENTLY IS A RECALL ON THIS SAME COMPONENT FOR EARLIER KIA OPTIMA'S YEARS AND BEYOND, BUT NOT ON THE 2013. *TR
Engine, Jun 22, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SPOUSE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE COOLANT AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR AND FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SMOKE EXTINGUISHED ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ALSO NOTICED OIL LEAKING IN THE REAR OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT CONTACTED GUNTHER KIA (1900 S STATE RD 7, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33317 (954) 800-2125) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Engine, Jun 12, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING VEHICLE AFTER RUNNING AN ERRAND, SHE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRONT HOOD FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY WHO TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE AFTER CONDUCTING AN EXAMINATION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER THREE WEEKS AFTER THE FIRE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER : 20V-100000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2020
I STARTED NOTICING A SOUND COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL SOUNDS LIKE A CLANK OR CLUNCK WHEN I MOVE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH MOVING OR NOT STILL MAKES SOUND WHEN I HIT BUMPS IN ROAD IT MAKES SOUND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF CAR IS ON OR OFF MOVING OR STILL IT STILL DOES IT , IT'S GOT WORSE THE NOISE IS LOUDER AND HAPPENS MORE TIMES NOW . *TR
Engine, Jun 5, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE OIL LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGAN TO SPUTTER BEFORE STALLING. A BURNING ODOR WAS ALSO PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HOT AIR WOULD BLOW FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CLASSIC KIA (3875 EASTEX WAY, BELMONT TX) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY AND STARTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE STARTER WAS NOT REPLACED. ALSO, OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Engine, Jun 5, 2020
THE OIL LIGHT HAS BEEN ON BUT THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THEN THE CAR STARTS STALLING AND KIND OF HESITATING WHEN DRIVING.THEN STARTS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING SO GOT IT DIAGNOSED AND IT READ THAT THE CRANK SENSOR SHAFT WAS THE ISSUE. BROUGHT IT TO CLASSIC KIA AND THEY SAID THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND I NEEDED A NEW STARTER. GOT IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND PUT A NEW BATTERY IN,SO IT RUNS BUT THE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND THE CAR WILL START TO SMELL LIKE ITS OVER HEATING BUT ON THE DASH STILL READS BETWEEN HOT AND COLD(RIGHT WHERE IT SHOULD) BUT I PULL OVER AND ITS SMOKING. WHEN I POP THE HOOD ITS SMOKING BUT THE FAN IS STILL GOING SO THE ENGINE ISN'T OVER HEATED. CANT CONTINUE TO DRIVE LIKE THIS WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND THE CAR STALLING AND/OR DYING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING!!!! *TR
Steering, Jun 5, 2020
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A WEAR NOISE, LIKE PARTS ARE GETTING LOOSE WHEN I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL THE LIGHTEST. IT SOUNDS DANGEROUS AND NOT SAFE AT ALL. IT ALSO SOUNDS WHEN DRIVING NO MATTER THE SURFACE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V100000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. KIA OF EAST SYRACUSE (6717 MANLIUS CENTER RD, EAST SYRACUSE, NY 13057, (315) 701-5898) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, May 30, 2020
WHEN I'M DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ON ANY SURFACE DRIVING OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLANKING SOUND ALSO THE CAR IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT MY FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING OUT ON THE UPPEROUTSIDE OF THE TIRE THE PART OF TIRE THAT TOUCHES THE ROAD. I HAVE LOOKED ON WEB TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD A ISSUE WITH THIS WHAT I FOUND WAS THAT IT MAY BE THE STEERING COUPLER. IT'S GETTING WORSE I'M AFRAID IT'S NOT GOING TO TURN ONE OF THESE DAYS BECAUSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON. *TR