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.
Air bags, Engine, Aug 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CLASSIC KIA CARROLLTON (2920 N INTERSTATE 35E, CARROLLTON, TX 75007, (866) 559-8140) TO BE REPAIRED PER UNKNOWN RECALLS REGARDING THE ENGINE AND AIR BAGS. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 85 DAYS, BUT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SRS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $854. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE DEALER WAS DISHONEST AND DID NOT TELL HER ABOUT THE SRS MODULE AT THE TIME OF THE INITIAL REPAIR. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE SRS MODULE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG RECALL. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE DEALER AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE BRINGING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR RECALL REPAIRS AND EXPERIENCED OTHER ISSUES AFTERWARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,372.
Steering, Aug 13, 2019
BACK IN 2016 THE STEERING RECALL ISSUE WAS REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE. IN FED 2017 DURING THE 50K MILE WARRANTY INSPECTION KIA REPLACED THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY STEERING BEGAN TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, LOTS OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, VIBRATIONS FELT THROUGH THE PEDALS INTO THE STEERING. KIA IS NOW SAYING IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR TO A VEHICLE STEERING SHAFT OR ASSEMBLY. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING IS VIBRATING AND DOES NOT FEEL TOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE WHEELS.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLINKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHWEST KIA OF ROCKWALL (1790 INTERSTATE HWY 30, ROCKWALL, TX 75087, (469) 402-2900) WHERE AN ENGINE KNOCKING TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT IT FAILED TWICE. IN ADDITION, OIL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO WHAT WAS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,,856. *TT *TR
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2019
DROVE TO GET ICE CREAM AND CAR WAS RUNNING WELL, WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. SHIFT THE CAR OFF TO ORDER ICE CREAM, AND WHEN GETTING BACK IN THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. ALL THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND MY MUSIC WOULD PLAY AS WELL AS THE AC TURNED ON, BUT NOTHING MORE THAN AN ALMOST SILENT TICKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HAD MY HUSBAND TRY TO JUMP THE CAR TO SEE IF THAT HELPS, AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND THE NEXT MORNING, MY HUSBAND AND I REPLACED THE IGNITION SENSOR FUSE AND THE CAR STARTED. THEN A COUPLE HOURS LATER I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN, AND IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING. CAR HAS BEEN DISABLED EVER SINCE AND IS GOING ON 1 WEEK NOW. CAR BROKE DOWN ON WEDNESDAY 31 JULY, 2019. NOT TO MENTION THAT I JUST HAD MY RADIATOR COOLING FAN REPLACED TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THIS BREAKDOWN. I ALSO HAD MY REPLACEMENT RECALL ENGINE PLACED IN JUST ABOUT A MONTH AGO. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING AFTER THE RECALL HAS BEEN PLACED, AND THE ONLY THING I GET IS KICK BACK WHEN I SAY THIS CANNOT BE COINCIDENTAL. I GET TOLD THAT MY CAR HAS MANY MILES ON IT SO THINGS ARE EXPECTED TO BREAK. UNACCEPTABLE AND UNAPPRECIATED AND JUST DOWN RIGHT WRONG. *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2019
THE STEERING STICKS AND THERE IS OBVIOUS EVIDENCE OF RESISTANCE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO PATTERSON KIA IN ARLINGTON, TX AND THEY PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THIS IS A MECHANICAL ISSUE AND OF GREAT SAFETY CONCERNS. THIS IS SUBSEQUENT TO PRIOR RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED ON THE STEERING.
Engine, Jul 26, 2019
ENGINEERING DIED WITH NO WARNIGS ON STATE HIGHWAY 33 WHILE MOVING
Power train, Engine, Jul 23, 2019
THIS CONCERNS KIA RECALL SC147. I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA EX THAT I PURCHASED USED WITH 98,000 MILES ON IT IN FEBRUARY 2019. THE CAR DROVE PERFECT WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED IN JUNE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING SLIGHTLY FOR NO REASON AFTER A RECENT TRIP TO MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. THE ENGINE STALLED IN TRAFFIC SO I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP. THE NEXT MORNING IT WAS REALLY KNOCKING LOUDLY SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ENGINE WAS TRYING TO THROW A ROD.
Engine, Jul 17, 2019
THE MOTOR IN MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA SPUN A ROD BEARING ON THE WAY TO A OUT OF TOWN SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT FOR MY DAUGHTER THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 28TH THRU JUNE 30 2019. MY FAMILY AND I WERE ABOUT 40 MILES AWAY FROM HOME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER. WE STOPPED TO CHECK THE CAR TO SEE WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM AND THAT'S WHEN I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR. AT THAT POINT I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP IN ANOTHER CITY AND STAR WHERE THE CAR STILL IS TODAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN STARTED SPENCE THE DAY OF BREAK DOWN.(JUNE 28TH 2019)THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED ME TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WITH YOUR VIN LOOKUP TOOL I WAS ABLE TO FIND OUT THAT THE MOTOR DOES HAVE A RECALL ON IT FOR THIS VERY REASON. (OIL PASSAGES MAY BE BLOCK DUE TO DEBRIS FROM MANUFACTURER CLEANING DEFECT. CAUSING PREMATURE ROD BEARING WEAR FROM NOT CLEANING ENGINE PROPERLY BEFORE ENGINE ASSEMBLY).. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE IN THE MAIL ABOUT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE NOR DO I HAVE RECALL NUMBER. THE MECHANIC IS WILLING TO FIX THE ENTIRE PROBLEM FOR US BUT I NEED TO KNOW IF I SHOULD ALLOW HIM AND WILL RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT AFTER PAID REPAIRS OR WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A KIA AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 17, 2019
THE IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN, CAR SEEMS TO BE ON EVEN THOUGH LETS AREN'T IN IGNITIINNSWITCH, RADIO COMES ON BUT CAR LET STICK IN ON POSITION AND WON'T TURN..DOORS WON'T LOCK UNLESS KEY IS USED
Engine, Jul 17, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILED DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND MOMENTS LATER SMOKE AND FLAMES WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Power train, Jul 16, 2019
VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. AT TIMES ENGINE LIGHT MAY FLICKER. SOMETIMES ON START UP ENGINE WILL PUTTER LIKES ITS NOT FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS. AFTER RETSTART SEVERAL TIMES THE RPM GAGE WILL NOT MOVE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER DROVE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FUND ANY CODES APPEARING AND PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR WHILE IN SHOP. PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS OFF AND ON. ON ONE OCCASION I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED ON THE FREEWAY WHEN VEHICLE STALLED OUT AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH.
Power train, Jul 16, 2019
IM DRIVING IN THE CITY STREETS THE CAR HAS HAD A CODE THAT CAME UP 1 MONTH AFTER THE IT IS A CORE TO REPLACE TUBE TO THE SXL TURBO THIS WORK WAS PERFORMED AT THE TIME OF THE SECOND ENGINE REPAIR DUE TO RECALL I HAVE CONTACTED KIA AND TOLD THEM OF THE ISSUE NOW CURRENTLY AS I WAIT FOR MY APPOINTMENT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS SO BACKED UP I NOW HAVE A ISSUE WHERE I CAN NOT REVERSE THE CAR WANTS TO SHUT OFF AS I ACCELERATE AND IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS A PARKING BRAKE ON I TOLD KIA THE CAR JERKS GOING INTO 1ST GEAR AND THEN ACCELERATES WITH A JERKING MOTION TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC VERIFIED ONLY CODE THAT SHOWS UP IS FOR THE TURBO IT HAS A FLUTTER THAT NEEDS TO BE ADJUSTED OR LINE REPLACEMENT BUT I HAVE PROOF THAT THAT WORK WAS ALREADY DONE I DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR WILL MAKE THE APPOINTMENT TIME NOW THAT IT IS 5 DAYS OUT VERY DANGEROUS DUE TO CAR IS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AT A SAFE SPEED GOING INTO ANY INTERSECTION
Engine, Jul 14, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY MY KIA SUDDENLY STALLED CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO STEER THE CAR OFF THE FREEWAY BARELY AVOIDING GETTING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. LUCKILY TRAFFIC WASN'T BAD BUT I DID HAVE TO AVOID GETTING HIT BY ONCOMING CARS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2019
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START MY VEHICLE EVERYTHING TURNED ON IN THE CAR EXCEPT THE CAR ITSELF. BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF AND NOTHING WOULD TURN THE ENGINE ON. IT TOOK OVER 10 MINUTES AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO FIRE. HAS HAPPENED TWICE TODAY 7/13/19. THE VEHICLE IS A PUSH BUTTON START WITH BATTERY CHARGE OF 95% AND NEW BATTERIES IN THE FOB.
Exterior lighting, Jul 12, 2019
MY BAKE TAIL LIGHT KEEP MOISTURE AND HOLDS WATER WHEN IT RAINS, WHICH HAS CAUSED ME TO REPLACE BAKE LIGHT OFTEN. THE SEALS ON THE LIGHTS AREN'T AIR TIGHT. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS.
Exterior lighting, Jul 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Engine, Jul 10, 2019
ENGINE NOISE, SOUND LIKE SOMETHING LOSE INSIDE. WHILE RUNNING STATIONARY AND MOVING, HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE NOISE STARTED 3 MONTHS AGO. NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. READ ABOUT RECALL JUST LAST WEEK.
Engine, Jul 9, 2019
CHECK ENGINE CAME ON AND CARMAX SAID IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE
Engine, Jul 9, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Air bags, Engine, Jul 8, 2019
CAR STOPPED WORKING MOTOR MAKING LOUD POPPING SOUNDS AND STOPPED ON ME..THERE WAS NO INDICATION OR WARNINGS..
Engine, Jul 2, 2019, fire
MY BRAKES FELT LIKE THEY LOCKED UP AND GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR SO I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. I WASN'T SURE OF THE PROBLEM AT ALL. I LEFT IT THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY 4HOURS BEFORE COMING BACK TO IT. I WANTED TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED BEFORE CALLING A TOW TRUCK. AFTER I HIT THE IGNITION TO START MY CAR IT BEGAN TO SMOKE IN THE ENGINE. I CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE IT BEGAN TO SHOOT FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE. ALL THE DAMAGE WAS IN THE ENGINE AND IT WAS COMPLETELY MELTED TO NOTHING. MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID SHE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING SO BAD LIKE THAT IN AN ENGINE. THE MAN AT THE COLLISION CENTER TOLD HER THAT IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS FUELED BY GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE. OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG IN THE ENGINE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I AM JUST GLAD I WASN'T DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A VEHICLE CAN BE SITTING STATIONARY AND CATCH ON FIRE. MY CAR IS AT A TOTAL LOSS ACCORDING TO MY INSURANCE ADJUST TODAY. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH WHAT HAPPENED AND NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR. I WANT SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHY MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND I FEEL THAT KIA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENED. THIS WAS THE FIRST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED ON MY OWN AND I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD IT A YEAR AND THIS HAPPENS.
Engine, Jun 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND COULD NOT RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO QUATRO MOTORS (24820 PLYMOUTH ROAD, REDFORD MI, 48239, 313-794-9494) FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO GLASS MAN KIA (28000 TELEGRAPH RD, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034, (855) 237-2819) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Steering, Jun 27, 2019
THERE IS A SMALL RUBBER-LIKE COUPLING IN THE STEERING MECHANISM. IT FAILED AND PRODUCED ABOUT A QUARTER TURN OF SLACK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IN READING TO ONLINE POSTS IT APPEARS THAT FAILURE IS COMMON. THE PARTS TECHNICIAN AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP DIDN'T NEED TO LOOK UP THE PART NUMBER...HE JUST REACHED IN A DRAWER NEARBY AND PULLED A NEW ONE OUT. THE PROBLEM CHANGED FROM A OCCASIONAL CLICK TO VERY SLOPPY STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 MILE STRETCH OF RUTTED ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH.. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE FAILED PART AND ONE OF THE NEW PART.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 25, 2019
MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND LUCKILY I DIDNT GET INTO ACCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO PARK NEARBY TO WAIT FOR A TOWED TRUCK. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO
Engine, Jun 22, 2019
MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND WHILE IN THE TURNING LANE MY CAR SHUTS OFF. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON AND IT WOULD NOT TAKE A JUMP. THE LOCATION WAS A BUSY STREET IN MEMPHIS.