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.
Power train, Sep 23, 2017
SHIFTING PROBLEMS FROM 0 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR..BEFORE AND AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR OR SO AROUND TOWN. STARTED LAST YEAR VERY FEW TIMES, 2 TIMES DURING THE YEAR. 3 TIMES SO FAR THIS YEAR.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND VARIOUS ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARMAX AND THEN TOWED TO KIA SOUTHSIDE (9401 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ASKED WHY A NOTIFICATION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12476138 AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA WAS SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY THE CONTACT OF THE DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Engine, Sep 10, 2017
THERE IS A SAFERY RECALL FOR THIS CAR AMD INSPECTION HAVE BEING CONDUCTED I JUS RECEIVE THE NOTICE ABOUT 6 MONTHS.
Power train, Sep 7, 2017
MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA SXL ONLY SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING. I AM 2,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY AS I AM THE SECOND OWNER. AFTER RESEARCHING WARRANTY HISTORY, I HAVE FOUND THIS CAR HAS HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWICE ALREADY, AND DRAFT SHAFT REPLACED TWICE. ISSUES APPEAR TO OCCUR EVERY SIX MONTHS OR SO PER THE WARRANTY HISTORY. I HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS OF MY ONGOING SAFETY IN THIS CAR, GIVEN THE REOCCURRING TRANSMISSION ISSUE. I BELIEVE I AM BEING TREATED INHUMANELY. KIA IS NOT WORKING WITH ME TO REACH AN AMICABLE SOLUTION.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WENT FROM LOOSE TO TIGHT AND THE TRACTION CONTROL, AUTO HOLD, EPS, CHECK ENGINE, TIRE PRESSURE, AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHWEST KIA (LOCATED AT 39650 LYNDON B JOHNSON FWY DALLAS, TX 75237, 877-363-9542) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED DUE TO NO FAILURE CODES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED CASE NUMBER: 12456964 AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PULL OVER AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER IF THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,873.
Power train, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2017
FIRST, THE TIRES WERE WORN/DRY ROT WITH ONLY 3000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. SECOND, VEHICLE STALLS WHEN THERE IS ANY MOISTURE ON THE ROADWAY CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. THIRD, BACK UP CAMERA IS NOT WORKING. FOURTH, RECALL NOTICE FOR UNDERBODY RUST. FIFTH, RECALL NOTICE FOR ENGINE SEIZURE WHILE THE CAR IS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED
Engine, Aug 15, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED AND THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE DRIVER COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SEND PROOF OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT SENT THE PROOF, BUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SUMMIT PLACE KIA DEALER LOCATED ON 44900 N GRATIOT AVE, CHARTER TWP. OF CLINTON, MI 4803, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LONG BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD ONLY GO WITH THE DEALER'S DIAGNOSIS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Engine, Aug 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACTED HEARD AN ABNORMAL RATTLING AND KNOCKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (KIA CAVENAUGH LOCATED AT 3315 STADIUM BLVD JONESBORO, AR 72404), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A PEBBLE STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A MINOR CRACK. UPON TRYING THE CLEAN THE AREA, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FILM ON THE WINDSHIELD WAS STARTING TO DETACH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.
Engine, Jul 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO SAMES KIA LOCATED AT 6621 SAN DARIO AVE, LAREDO, TX 78041, WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SERVICE THE VEHICLE AS THERE WERE MANY VEHICLES WAITING TO BE SERVICED FOR THE SAME RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 20, 2017
I WAS SITTING IN THE YARD AT MY AUNTS YARD AND THE RPM'S DROPPED WHILE IN PARK. I SAT THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES TO SEE IF IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN, IT DIDN'T, SO I LEFT AND HEADED HOME AND GOT 5-7 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED AND SHUT DOWN, WHILE I WAS GOING ABOUT 45-50 MPH, AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THE BRAKES GOT HARD, THE STEERING WAS HARD, AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD WITH VEHICLES BEHIND ME. IT WOULDN'T CRANK BACK UP. I SAT THERE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME TO ME TO CHECK IT OUT, AND I TRIED TO START IT BACK UP AND IT DID, SO I WENT ON HOME. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID BRING IT IN, I PAID $100 TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP IN LAKE CITY, FL. THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID IT WAS NOTHING WRONG GN WITH IT. BUT I RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT A RECALL ON THE MOTOR STATING IT WOULD DO WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. ALSO, I CHECKED ONLINE AND TYPED MY VIN NUMBER IN AND THERE WAS IN FACT AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE MOTOR I HAVE FOR THE ISSUE I HAD. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE RECALL. ADVISED ME TO WAIT FOR IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN, AND I ASKED THEM, SO YOU ARE TELLING ME TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH THIS ISSUE AND WAIT FOR IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND RISK GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT THE ANSWER I GOT WAS BASICALLY YES.
Engine, Jul 17, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE CLINKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN TO DRIVE ON RESIDENTIAL ROADS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE ROOF, PASSENGER SIDE, REAR, AND FRONT ENDS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE LUX AUTO BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED BRUISING TO THE KNEE, SHOULDERS, AND HANDS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1241495. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Jul 13, 2017
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE - THE CAR WANTS TO WANDER - THE STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION. I CONTACTED KIA USA WHO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR IS NOT UNDER RECALL. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM A KIA DEALER TWO WEEKS AGO - THEY HAVE NOT CALLED ME BACK. THE STEERING IN THE CAR FEELS VERY UNSAFE, AS THE CAR SEEMS TO WANT TO WANDER, REQUIRING CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTIONS
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 12, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FULLER KIA (540 AUTO PARK DR, CHULA VISTA, CA 91911) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT WEEK. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE AND THEN TO FULLER KIA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER FAILED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. BOTH COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE); THEREFORE, THE DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STARTER FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE STARTER FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, SO THE CONTACT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE STARTER REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Steering, Jul 12, 2017, crash
CAR WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT NORMAL SPEED. THE STEERING FROZE WITH THE WHEELS TURNED, SENDING THE CAR OFF THE ROAD INTO THE DITCH. NO INJURIES BUT THE CAR SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER, FENDER, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, ETC. I UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF STEERING ISSUES WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL.
Steering, Jul 11, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,437.
Engine, Jul 6, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK PAIN, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-333-4542 AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE REPRESENTATIVE FAILED TO CALL BACK AS PROMISED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL STAR KIA OF BATON ROUGE (LOCATED AT 5740 SIEGEN LANE BATON ROUGE, LA 70869 225-490-7604) WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS COMPLETED, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,477.
Engine, Jul 6, 2017
IN APRIL 2014 I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2013 KIA OPTIMA FROM LOMAN AUTO SALES IN WOODBRIDGE, NJ. OVER THE LAST YEAR THE CAR HAD 2 OR 3 INSTANCES WHEN IT WOULDN'T START. I WOULD HAVE IT 'JUMPED' AND IT WOULD WORK FINE AGAIN. ON JUNE 13, 2017 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN THE CAR MADE A STRANGE NOISE, THE DASHBOARD BEGIN TO FLICKER, AND THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED, BUT I FIGURED PERHAPS THE CAR JUST NEEDED A JUMP. I CALLED MY FAMILY MECHANIC AND HE ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO JUMP THE CAR; WITH NO SUCCESS. AS HE BEGAN OBSERVING THE CAR HE STATED THAT IT WASN'T THE BATTERY BUT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE ENGINE. HE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT KIA BECAUSE HE HAD A CUSTOMER WHOSE CAR RECENTLY DID THE VERY SAME THING (HYUNDAI SONATA) AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HER CAR DUE TO THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED GATEWAY KIA IN NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER THERE AND HE ARRANGED FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED TO THEIR LOCATION. FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS IT WAS A BUNCH OF BACK AND FORTH CALLS BEING MADE TO THE DEALER. I BEGAN TO GET ANNOYED ESPECIALLY AFTER TELLING THEM THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T JUMP, THEY INSISTED THAT BEFORE THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE ENGINE I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGEMENT I PURCHASED A BATTERY AND BROUGHT IT TO THEM (A HUGE INCONVENIENCE) ALL FOR THEM TO TELL ME IT WASN'T THE BATTERY BUT INDEED THE ENGINE. ALL OF THIS TIME I HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION FROM KIA REGARDING A RECALL. HOWEVER, THEY DID MANAGE TO SEND ME DOZENS OF LETTERS IN THE MAIL REGARDING MY WARRANTY. IT WASN'T UNTIL AFTER I HAD ALREADY CONTACTED KIA THAT I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL (2 DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED). STRANGELY THE LETTER WAS DATED "MAY 30, 2017." THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. I AM JUST GRATEFUL THAT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY; WHICH IS WHERE I WAS HEADED.
Engine, Jul 5, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF PORTLAND (307 NE BROADWAY ST, PORTLAND, OR 97232) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AGAIN TO KIA OF PORTLAND WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AGAIN. KIA OF PORTLAND STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE), BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. *TT
Engine, Jul 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HUTCHINSON KIA (3931 RIVER PL DR, MACON, GA 31210) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD BE AT LEAST A MONTH BEFORE THEY COULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO JEFF SMITH KIA (103 IFFIE RD, PERRY, GA 31069) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE ISSUE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT YET REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES NEEDING THE SAME REPAIR. THE DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE A TIME FRAME FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE NISSAN KIA DEALER (LOCATED ON 4961 RT 17 M, NEW HAMPTON, NY 10958) WHERE A NOISE TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,978.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2017
WIFE AND BABY USE THIS VEHICLE. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOP, VEHICLE BEGINS TO SLOW AND ALMOST STALL. HAVE HAD TO PULL INTO BIKE LANES QUICKLY IN ORDER NOT TO BE HIT FROM BEHIND. THERE ARE 2 OCCASIONS WHEN THIS OCCURS. 1) WHEN AT A STOP ON A CITY STREET, WAITING TO MAKE A RIGHT. FOOT OFF PEDAL, ACCELERATE, ENGINE BEGINS TO STALL. 2) WHEN ROLLING INTO A RIGHT TURN (ON CITY STREETS) ACCELERATION CAUSES START OF STALL PROCESS. WE HAVE NOT FULLY STALLED AS OF YET. BUT THIS COULD BE A BAD SCENARIO IF IT DOES. WE HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT GAS VAPOR ISSUES WITH THE PHOENIX, AZ HEAT BEING 119 DEGREES, BUT IF THAT WERE THE CASE, IT WOULD HAPPEN OTHER TIMES AND NOT JUST DURING TURNS. THANKS
Steering, Engine, Jun 23, 2017
ENGINE RECALL BY KIA MOTOR CORPORATION AND STEERING DISC RECALL KIA MOTOR COMPANY DEALER SHIP IN RAINBOW CITY ALA DID NOT TAKE PROPER MEASURES WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO GET THE CAR CHECKED. HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK AND NOT SURE HOW SAFE THE CAR IS TO DRIVE BASED ON RECALL NOTICE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE NOW IN CONTINUING TO THIS CAR DUE TO THE SERIOUS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES PLUS I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY RELIABLE MECHANICS THE NEW CAR MOTOR IS NOT ANY BETTER AS WELL PLEASE HELP GETTING KIA MOTOR CORPORATION TO MAKE THEIR CAR PRODUCTS MORE RELIABLE AND SAFE TO DRIVE. I AM TRYING TO MAKE SURE SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY DRIVING THIS CAR REMAINS SAFE