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.
Engine, Jul 19, 2016
CAR WAS RUNNING FINE OR SO I THOUGHT AND @ 1 WEEK AFTER GETTING MY OIL CHANGED THERE WAS EXCESSIVE EXHAUST/SMOKE AND MY SON AND I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE BAD GAS OR CLOGGED INJECTORS. WE DROVE IT TO AZ AND BACK TO NV. CAR SEEMED TO RUN OK AT THAT POINT THEN MY DAUGHTER TOOK IT TO CA AND THE OIL LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING ON AND OFF AND FINALLY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE TOOK IT TO A JIFFYLUBE WHERE THEY SAID IT HAD NO OIL. WHAT?!?!?! THE OIL WAS JUST CHANGED AT 47,000 MILES. PUT 4 QTS IN AND TOOK IT AAA TO RUN AN ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC. SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE ACCORDING TO THE CODE THEY GOT AND RESET THE ENGINE LIGHT. WRONG AGAIN.. DAUGHTER DROVE AWAY AND SAME PROBLEM. TOOK IT BACK TO AAA WHERE THEY DETERMINED IT WAS AN INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM AND TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. SLUDGE EVERYWHERE IN THE ENGINE. MY CAR ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AS SCHEDULED. WAITING TO HEAR WHAT KIA IS GOING TO DO, BUT FROM THE SOUNDS OF THE PRIOR COMPLAINTS, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. I CAN'T AFFORD $5,000+ TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IN MY CAR. THIS IS SO RIDICULOUS. THEY NEED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY FOR THEIR [XXX] ENGINES. *TR PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Jul 13, 2016
WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD WITH MY SON AND A FRIEND, GOING ABOUT 25 MPH ON A CLEAR DAY AT NOON, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT COME FROM THE MOON ROOF CAUSING ME TO SWERVE. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND ASSESS THE SITUATION, WE FOUND THAT THE MOON ROOF HAD "EXPLODED" CAUSING THE ENTIRE THING TO CRACK AND REMAIN CRACKING, CAUSING TINY SHARDS OF GLASS TO FORM. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY UNDRIVEABLE.
Engine, Jul 9, 2016
SLUDGE IN ENGINE 45,000 MILES. WARRANTY WONT COVER AND APPARENTLY SERVICE CAMPAIGN MEANS NOTHING
Engine, Jun 30, 2016
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I COULD HEAR A CLANGING NOISE, I STOPPED AND PARKED AND IT WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY. STILL CAN'T DRIVE IT.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2016
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE BATTERY SINCE 2014 I CALLED WHEN IT ORIGINALLY STARTED TO SEE IF THERE WERE RECALLS AND THEIR WASNT. THE CAR IS DEAD DUE TO BATTERY FAILURE IF YOU LEAVE IT FOR A MORE THAN 3-4 HOURS FOR EXAMPLE DRIVE IT TO WORK AND HAVE TO GET A JUMP AT THE END OF THE (5) SHIFT. IT IS WILL STOP FOR A WHILE THEN THE PROBLEM COMES BACK. IT STOPPED FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND NOW IT HAS STARTED AGAIN
Engine, May 31, 2016
THE KIA OPTIMA I PURCHASED HAD LOW MILEAGE ONLY 46K BOUGHT IT ON MARCH 2016 WITH CARFAX SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING UP TO 26K MILES ON 5/4/15. APPERANTLY MY ENGINE HAD SLUDGE AND KIA IS VOIDING THERE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. MY TURBO AND ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED, I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WITH IN A YEAR A CAR CSNIBEAT DEVELOPED SO MUCH SLUDGE, SEEMS THE CAR HAD ALREADY STARTED COLLECTING SLUDGE EVEN WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. KIA NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION AND HONOR THERE WARRANTY. NOW I CAN GO PASSED 40 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE LACK OF POWER
Steering, Exterior lighting, May 5, 2016
-1ST PROBLEM- HEADLIGHTS/ FOG LIGHTS SEEM TO BURN OUT WAY TOO OFTEN. I'VE OWNED CARS FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BULBS AS OFTEN AS I DO WITH THIS CAR. -2ND PROBLEM- STEERING SEEMS TO BE DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON ROAD AND WHEEL SEEMS TO BE STICKING. I FIND MYSELF OVER-CORRECTING TO "UNLOCK" THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE A LONG DAILY COMMUTE, 184 MILES ROUND TRIP, SO MY 3 YEAR OLD CAR HAS OVER 100,000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND NEVER HAD THE STEERING PROBLEM UNTIL RECENTLY. THE HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER BUYING THE CAR. OTHER THAN THOSE 2 THINGS, THE CAR HAS BEEN GREAT WITH GREAT GAS MILEAGE, GOOD RIDE, ETC. HOWEVER, THE STEERING PROBLEM SCARES ME NOW.
Steering, Apr 30, 2016
AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50MPH, AFTER KIA PERFORMED AND ALIGNMENT AND NEW TIRES INSTALLED, THE STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION. THERE ALSO APPEAR TO BE ALOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WILL NOT DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. IT TAKES ALOT OF WORK CORRECTING THE STEERING.
Steering, Apr 23, 2016
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN BARELY TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT, AND ALSO SHAKES WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE CLUNK NOISE OCCURS ALL THE TIME EVEN WHEN IN PARK AND TURNING THE WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT. FEELS AS THOUGH IT'S SOMETHING GOING BAD IN THE STEERING SHAFTS OR COLUMN.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 23, 2016
AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING
Visibility/wiper, Mar 16, 2016
WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN, MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE ROOF WAS OPEN AND THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND APPROACHING 70*.
Engine, Feb 24, 2016
BLOWN ENGINE
Steering, Feb 10, 2016
EVERY SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR, NEW I HAVE NOTICED A TUGGING OR PULLING WHEN I AM DRIVING OR TURNING. THE STEERING SEEMS TO 'STICK' AND SOMETIMES CAUSES ME TO OVER TURN. THIS HAS BEEN ON GOING AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS 'IT'S PART OF THE CAR'. I DON'T AGREE AND FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO, I SEE ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND THEY ARE OF THE SAME ISSUE.
Steering, Feb 8, 2016
STEERING WHEEL STICKS IN MIDDLE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, MAKES A CLICK WHEN IT BREAKS LOOSE. CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD STRAIGHT DRIVING
Steering, Feb 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY A LITTLE BIT OF FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Engine, Jan 12, 2016
PURCHASED A USED 2013 OPTIMA WITH 24,952 MILES ON 3/13/14. COMPLETED SCHEDULED 7500 MILE OIL CHANGES WITH SOME ONE OTHER THAN THE DEALERSHIP. AT 56337 MILES, THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A CLATTERING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION. SOON AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATLY BROUGHT THE CAR INTO DEALSHIP AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER 4 HOURS OF WAITING, SERVICE TECH TOOK ME TO THE BACK AND SAID I HAD SLUDGE IN MY OIL AND NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE THE OIL HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED ON SCHEDULE. I ARGUED THE POINT KNOWING I HAD ALL CHANGES DONE. HE GAVE ME OTHER REASONS ...CHEAP OIL, WRONG OIL, ETC. DID SOME RESEARCH...THER ARE QUITE A FEW OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS!
Steering, Jan 11, 2016
I PURCHASED MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA ON 9/29/2013. I DROVE IT LESS THAN A MONTH AND THE STEERING STARTED STICKING. I HAD TO JERK THE WHEEL TO GET IT LOOSE. TOOK CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD , " THIS IS WHAT IT SHOULD DO". I AM NOT DUMB. I KNEW THEIR WAS SOMETHING WRONG. TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALER AND HAD TO CALL KIA CONSUMER TO GET IT DIAGNOSED. FOUND OUT SOME TYPE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS GONE. GOT THE CAR BACK AND UPON DRIVING THE STEERING STARTED SPINING AROUND LIKE A MERRY GO ROUND. TOOK BACK TO KIA SERVICE PER THE CONSUMER OFFICE. I HAVE GOTTEN CAR BACK AND WAS TOLD, "_IT'S BETTER THAN IT WAS BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT"". NOW THE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND STIFF TO DRIVE. THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND I FEEL LIKE I AM FIGHTING TO KEEP IT IN A STRAIGHT LINE. VERY EXHAUSTING TO DRIVE. NOW EBEN MAKING TURNS I'M S CURVE TO THE LEFT CAN SOMETIMES HEAR A LIST CLICKING NOISE. THESE CARS WITH STEERING PROBLEMS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE S FATAL ACCIDENT. ALL THESE ACTIONS TO PLACE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT HAPPENS ON STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2016
RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. WHEN TURNING OR PULLING OUT CAR TENDS TO STALL AND THE ACCELERATE S.
Air bags, Jan 6, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Steering, Dec 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. ...UPDATED 02/08/16 *BF UPDATED 5/10/18*JB *CN
Visibility, Dec 7, 2015
2013 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN IT RAINED, THE WINDSHIELD BECAME HAZY. THE LAST TIME, THE CONSUMER VISITED THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE WINDSHIELD HAD SOME SPOTTING AND IT WAS NORMAL. *JB
Steering, Dec 3, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS PULLING IN EITHER DIRECTION, FIRST NOTICED THIS AFTER 100000 MILES. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S MOTHER WAS BEHIND THE WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE STEERING ABILITY FAILED AND PREVENTED HER FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT'S MOTHER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, PENDING THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,500.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2015, crash
I WAS TRAVELING 65MPH WHEN A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THE FRONT IN WAS CRUSHED IN AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT RELEASE. I WAS TOLD THAT WITH THE FORCE IMPACT OF THE DEER THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE CAME OUT.
Steering, Oct 31, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL IS 'COG-WHEELING' TO FAR LEFT OR RIGHT. CAN'T KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL NEUTRAL/CENTER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. EITHER THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED JUST OFF THE CENTER, COGGED TOO FAR TO LEFT OR TOO FAR TO RIGHT. I NEED TO CONSTANTLY MAKE ADJUSTMENT AND ZIG-ZAG THROUGH THE STRAIGHT ROAD. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2013 KIA OPTIMA, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED.