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, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 4, 2014
THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SO POORLY THAT WHEN I PULL INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP I HAVE TO DISABLE THE SYSTEM COMPLETELY OR RISK BEING A SITTING DUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. IT SEEMS THAT IF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM DETECTS ANY AMOUNT OF TIRE SLIPPAGE IT CUTS POWER TO BOTH WHEELS COMPLETELY. YOUR INSTINCT IS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR HARDER TO MAKE THE CAR GET OUT OF THE INTERSECTION WHICH CAUSES THE WHEELS TO SLIP WHEN THE CAR REAPPLIES POWER AND THE WHOLE PROBLEM STARTS AGAIN AND YOU ARE STILL IN THE INTERSECTION. THE POWER IS CUT SO DRAMATICALLY THAT IT IS ALMOST AS IF THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED AND VEHICLE OCCUPANTS LURCH FORWARD. AFTER A SECOND OR TWO THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY REAPPLIES POWER. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID THIS IS TO DISABLE THE SYSTEM WHICH HAS TO BE DONE EACH TIME YOU START THE CAR. IF YOU FORGET TO DISABLE IT YOU ARE FUMBLING ON THE DASH WHILE DRIVING TO DISABLE IT. WHEN I REPRODUCED THE EVENT AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS HOW THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO WORK. ALL IT TAKES IS A COUPLE ROCKS ON THE GROUND, A LITTLE RAIN, OR EVEN A HEAVY FOG AND THE SYSTEM WILL COMPLETELY KILL THE POWER FOR BETWEEN 1 - 2 SECONDS WHEN YOU START OFF FROM A STAND STILL. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. ONCE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, HE LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. AS A RESULT, BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE BEGINNING TO WEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Suspension, Nov 24, 2014
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IN JULY 2013, IT WAS LESS THEN TWO WEEKS AND I TOLD THEM AT CENTURY KIA SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. I LATER TOOK IT AND HAD THE ALIGNMENT LOOKED AT I WAS TOLD IT WAS OFF JUST A LITTLE BIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER IT IS SWAYING ALL OVER THE ROAD, I CALLED CENTURY KIA AND SPOKE WITH THEIR REPAIR DEPARTMENT AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM TO HIM AND HE SUGGESTED IT SOUND LIKE MAYBE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND I TOLD HIM IT WAS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE BUT HE TOLD ME THEY WOULD NEED TO CHECK IT OUT TO MAKE SURE, I WAS GOING TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE TO SEE IF IT'S THE SAME THING BUT WILL ALLOW THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. HOPEFULLY I WILL GET SOME REAL HELP BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE MY CAR AS WELL. *TR
Seat belts, Nov 22, 2014
REAR SEAT BELTS IN CLOTH SEAT CONFIGURATION DO NOT HOLD THE BUCKLE IN AN EXPOSED POSITION SO THAT A CHILD OR AN ADULT CAN REASONABLY OPERATE IT. MOST VEHICLES HAVE A PLASTIC SHEATH THAT HOLD THE BUCKLE EXPOSED SO THAT IT IS ACCESSIBLE. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT A CHILD SEAT ON THE SEAT AND THEN ATTEMPT TO BUCKLE A CHILD IN PLACE. THIS DESIGN IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS USERS WILL BE FRUSTRATED AND OMIT USING THE REAR SEAT BELTS. *TR
Steering, Nov 17, 2014
VEHICLE IS HARD TO HOLD STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE STEERING LOCKS INTO A POSITION AND REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. THIS CAUSES MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FATIGUE ON LONGER TRIPS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 11, 2014
ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO MY FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. I WAS AT 62,000 MILES WHEN IT WENT OUT, WHICH MEANT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAD IT REPLACED AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, IT COST AROUND $800.00 TO REPLACE. NOW LESS THAT 2 MONTHS LATER I AM HAVING SOME HESITATION AND JERKING IN THE CAR. HAD THE CAR TROUBLESHOOT AND IT'S NOT THE TEMP SENSOR. THE CAR IS TOO NEW FOR THINGS LIKE THIS TO HAPPENED. ONCE I GET RID OF IT, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA, OR WILL I ALLOW MY FAMILY AND FRIEND TO. *TR
Steering, Nov 9, 2014
PROBLEM IS ONGOING. VEHICLE WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTION NECESSARY. YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THIS HAPPENS ON PERFECTLY FLAT ROADS WITH NO WIND. THE VEHICLE DRIFTS INDEPENDENTLY IF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT HELD TIGHTLY. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO NUDGE THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY LEFT OR SLIGHTLY RIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. IT BECOMES A STRAIN ON MY ARMS AND MY WRISTS ACHE AFTER A LONG DRIVE. THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T KIA ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE? I DON'T TRUST GOING TO THE DEALER BECAUSE, FROM ALL THE REVIEWS, IT SEEMS LIKE NOTHING IS OR CAN BE DONE. I HAD A HYUNDAI SONATA FOR YEARS AND LOVED IT. I WENT WITH THE KIA DUE TO THE NEW LOOK, PAYING GOOD MONEY FOR A QUALITY CAR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BOTH THIS PROBLEM!!! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Steering, Oct 24, 2014
VERY HARD TO KEEP ON A STRAIGHT TRACK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SIGHT CORRECTIONS HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY MADE TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING IN A STRAIGHT PATH. THIS DRIFTING WILL HAPPEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH THE WIND BLOWING OR THE TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE, IT IS DEFINITELY COMING FROM THE CAR. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE DAY ONE. I'VE TRIED REDUCING THE AIR PRESSURE IN MY TIRES AND IT HELPED A LITTLE, BUT ONLY A LITTLE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. NOW I FIND OUT THAT MANY OTHER OPTIMA OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME STEERING ISSUE. KIA/HYUNDAI CORPORATE NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION TO THIS STEERING ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE HAS AN ACCIDENT. REQUEST RESEARCH HELP. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Oct 18, 2014, crash
AT A 4 WAY STOP, (STOP SIGNS ONLY) THE CAR TO MY LEFT WAS COMPLETELY OBSCURED BY THE SIDE MIRROR AND WINDOW HOUSING. STREET LIGHTS ABSORBED HIS HEADLIGHTS, CAR WAS DARK BLUE. AFTER LOOKING BOTH WAYS I LET OFF THE GAS TO PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION TO SEE A DARK OBJECT RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I BRAKE BUT WE MADE CONTACT SCRAPING THE PAINT FROM MY BUMPER. I WILL SAY I JUST MOVED HERE FROM A LARGER TOWN THAT ONLY HAD STOP LIGHTS SO I HAD NOT NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I AM 5'2" TALL WHICH ALSO PUTS MY EYE LEVEL DIRECTLY LINE OF SIGHT WITH THE SIDE MIRROR. IT'S A PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Seats, Oct 11, 2014, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MVA ACCIDENT ON 9/24/2014. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT, FACING EAST, TURNING TO GO NORTH, IN SC IA A MAN RAN A RED LIGHT, COMING WESTBOUND AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED HIT THE TRAFFIC GOING SOUTH BOUND WHICH IN TURN THE 1993 FORD EXPLORER HIT ME HEAD ON. PUSHED MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA 40FT FROM THE LIGHT. THE IMPACT WAS PRETTY INTENSE AND I WAS HIT HEAD ON AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AS I LOOKED IN THE BACK SEAT MY BACK SEATS WERE LAYING DOWN, BEFORE THE IMPACT THEY WERE IN A UP POSITION AND FULLY LOCKED..UPDATED 10/17/14 *BF UPDATED 3/30/15 *JS *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2014
OUR VEHICLE CHANGES GEARS FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL SHIFT ON ITS OWN WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES. AFTER THE 1ST OCCURRENCE WE CONTACTED OUR DEALER TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE ISSUE. WE WERE TOLD UNLESS THE ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN AND THEY SEE IT, NOTHING CAN BE DONE. WELL SINCE THEN THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED 4 MORE TIMES. THE LAST OCCURRENCE, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEN WERE ADVISED TO CONTACT KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO HAVE THEM AUTHORIZE THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE ISSUE. THE DEALER PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE AT THAT TIME OF DROP OFF. AFTER 2 WEEKS OR INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AND WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE, IT WAS DEEMED THAT THE CAR WAS OPERABLE AND SAFE. MY WIFE, WHO DRIVES THE VEHICLE, FEELS NO CONFIDENCE AND SAFETY TO DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AGAIN TO DISCUSS OPTIONS UPON WHICH I WAS TOLD A FEW TIMES THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER TO DO AND THAT IF THE ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN WE SHOULD BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THIS WOULD THEN BRING US BACK TO STEP 1 AGAIN AND THE POSSIBILITY OF NOTHING BEING RESOLVED. I CANNOT ACCEPT THAT AS MY FINAL ANSWER. IF THE VEHICLE SLOWS SUDDENLY AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, WE WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT DISCUSSION. I CANNOT ACCEPT THE FACT THAT IT WOULD TAKE AN ACCIDENT TO OCCUR BEFORE REAL ACTION IS DONE. *TR
Steering, Jul 26, 2014
I PURCHASED A 2013 KIA OPTIMA FROM A LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS SELLING IT SECOND-HAND. THE CAR HAS 13,500 MILES ON IT AT PURCHASE. WHEN TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE I WENT IN A SMALL CIRCLE THAT INCLUDED ONLY VERY MINIMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. ON JUNE 26,2014 MY FAMILY LEFT FOR A 5 HOUR TRIP TO CHARLESTON, SC. IT WAS ON THIS TRIP I STARTED NOTICING VERY EARLY ON THAT I WAS HAVING TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING TO THE LEFT AND THEN BACK TO THE RIGHT, OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN...ALL THE WAY DOWN TO CHARLESTON. SINCE NOTICING THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN AN ISSUE EVERY SINGLE TIME I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AND IT HAS RESULTED SEVERAL TIMES IN ME VEERING INTO THE LANE BESIDE WHETHER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I LITERALLY HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY MICRO-STEER THE CAR JUST TO KEEP IT WITHIN THE LANE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE IN. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PLAY IN THE STEERING WHATSOEVER. YOU CANNOT LOOK IN YOUR SIDE VIEW OR REAR VIEW MIRROR WITHOUT THE CAR DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN THE 2013 OPTIMAS. I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TO KIA, AND KIA DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S WITHIN SPECS. THERE WILL BE MANY HEAD ON CRASHES WHERE CARS CROSS THE CENTER LANE BECAUSE OF THIS STEERING, AND IM SURE MANY FATALITIES WILL RESULT. I CAN PROMISE YOU THIS WILL HAPPEN IF IT ALREADY HASN'T. THERE ARE CERTAIN 2013 KIA/HYUNDAI MODELS THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM REPORTED. 2013 WAS THE FIRST YEAR KIA/HYUNDAI UTILIZED ELECTRONIC STEERING. 2014 AND NEWER MODELS ALSO HAVE ELECTRONIC STEERING BUT THEY HAVE THREE STEERING MODES ON THEM TO ADJUST THE STEERING. THIS PROBLEM IS SPECIFIC ONLY TO 2013 MODELS. THERE ABSOLUTELY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. IT WILL HAPPEN, AND I WILL BE KEEPING THIS CORRESPONDENCE FOR MY OWN FUTURE LEGAL PROTECTION. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 25, 2014
THE FRONT BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE LOCK UP REALLY EASILY ON SLICK ROADS, THEY ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY WERE OPERATING TO SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE OPTIMA. I'M SPECULATING, BUT THEY APPEAR TO WORK AS THOUGH SOME ENGINEER SET THEM UP TO WORK ON ROADS THAT DON'T HAVE ICE OR SNOW ON THEM, NOT REALLY UNDERSTANDING OR REALIZING THAT WE HAVE ICE AND SNOW ON OUR ROADS, HERE IN THE USA. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED OR ENGINEERED, BUT IT REALLY APPEARS TO ME THAT ICE AND SNOW COVERED ROADS WERE NOT ACCOMMODATED FOR. I THINK THEY ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY STOPPING THE VEHICLE ON ICY, OR SNOW COVERED ROADS SAFELY AND WITHOUT THE FRONT WHEELS SKIDDING OUT OF CONTROL. THE ANTI-LOCK FEATURE DOES RELEASE THEM BUT AS SOON AS THEY APPLY AGAIN THEY GO INTO A SKID. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2014
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT AND TRYING TO GO AFTER THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN ACCELERATOR WON'T GO DOWN AND MOVE CAR FORWARD BECAUSE IT STICKS AND I HAVE TO TAKE FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR AND PUSH IT DOWN AGAIN TO GET IT TO GO. THIS IS NOW HAPPENING EVERY DAY FROM TIME TO TIME. TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TOMORROW BECAUSE I FOUND NO RECALLS ON THIS CAR LISTED YET. *TR
Visibility, Jul 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE FRACTURED GLASS PENETRATED THE VEHICLE INTERIOR HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND SPEED REDUCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE DECELERATING AND HAD TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL TO INCREASE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/8/2015 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Jun 17, 2014
I HAVE FOUND THE TRACTION CONTROL TO BE TOO DRASTIC AT TIMES. WHEN PULLING ON TO A HIGHWAY THERE IS USUALLY A SMALL BUMP (DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT, ABOUT 2", BETWEEN THE ROAD AND THE PARKING AREA). IF I'M ACCELERATING (WHICH YOU USUALLY HAVE TO DO TO GET ONTO A BUSY ROAD), WHEN THE CAR GOES OVER THE "SMALL BUMP" THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKS IN AND THE CAR LOSES A LOT OF THE POWER YOU NEED TO AVOID THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE TRACTION CONTROL CAUSES THE CAR TO COME TO A "ROLLING STOP". THIS SEEMS A LITTLE TOO EXTREME TO ME AND I FEEL LIKE THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE. I HAVE OWNED 4 OTHER CARS WITH TRACTION CONTROL (2 SATURNS, 1 CORVETTE, AND A KIA FORTE). NONE OF THE VEHICLES MENTION HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. USUALLY THE TRACTION CONTROL WILL "GRADUALLY" SLOW DOWN THE WHEEL OR WHEELS THAT ARE TURNING FASTER THAN REQUIRED. THE OPTIMA ALMOST COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, LOSING 95% OF IT'S POWER ON JUNE 6, 2014 I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER (FETTE KIA). I WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THIS WAS HOW THE CAR WAS DESIGNED. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES THE DATE ABOVE WAS USED TO COMPLETE THE FORM. *TR
Engine, Jun 2, 2014
DURING THE SECOND OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP, I INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S EXHAUST WAS VERY STRONG AND WAS COMING INTO THE VEHICLE BOTH AT SPEED AND WHILE SITTING. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO HAVE ONLY PREMIUM FUEL IN IT TO STOP THE ISSUE. THE OWNERS MANUAL DOES NOT STATE THAT THIS IS THE CASE BUT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE STRONG EXHAUST, WE SWITCHED TO ONLY USE PREMIUM FUEL WHICH PREVENTED THE MAJORITY OF THE STRONG FUMES BUT NOT ALL. IN GETTING THE VEHICLE'S THIRD OIL CHANGE, THE OIL WAS EXTREMELY DIRTY AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN NO REASON WHY A VEHICLE OF SUCH LOW MILEAGE SHOULD HAVE OIL ANYWHERE NEAR THE CONDITION THAT IT DID. *TR
Tires, May 27, 2014
ON NOV 22ND MY SON WAS DRIVING IN DETROIT AT 11PM WHEN THE BACK PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. WENT TO THE TRUNK TO GET THE SPARE AND THAT'S WHEN WE DISCOVERED IT DIDN'T COME WITH A SPARE. NEXT DAY GOT IT TOWED AND PAID 234$ FOR A NEW TIRE. ON DEC 21ST, HUSBAND DRIVING HOME LATE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND BLEW THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. GOT IT TOWED AND AGAIN 234$ FOR A NEW TIRE. ON MAY 25TH WAS DRIVING MY STEPSON HOME AND BLEW THE SAME FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. IT TOOK OVER 3 1/2 HOURS FOR THE TOW TRUCK AND SINCE IT WAS A HOLIDAY WEEKEND I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR TWO DAYS. AND THIS TIME IT ONLY COST ME 211$ CUZ I HAD A COUPON. 3 TIRES IN 6 MONTHS IS NOT RIGHT! THERE'S 2 OTHER DRIVERS AT MY HOUSE AND THEY HAVEN'T HAD PROBLEMS WITH DRIVING ON THE ROADS! *TR
Seat belts, May 22, 2014
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I UNBUCKLED MY SEATBELT AND THEN LEANED FORWARD TO PICKUP SOMETHING OFF THE FLOOR. WHEN I STARTED TO RELEASE THE SEATBELT AND THE SHOULDER STRAP PULLED MY HEAD INTO THE HEAD REST MY MY NECK. THE MORE I PULLED THE SEATBELT TO LOOSEN IT, THE TIGHTER IT GOT. NOTHING HELPED. FINALLY MY FRIEND WHO HAD BEEN DRIVING, REMOVED THE SIDE PANEL AND THEN REMOVED THE LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE SEATBELT TO RELEASE MY NECK. *TR
Steering, May 18, 2014
MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA LX, WHICH I BOUGHT NEW WITH ONLY 7 MILES, IS HARD TO KEEP ON A STRAIGHT TRACK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SLIGHT CORRECTIONS HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY MADE TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING IN A STRAIGHT PATH. THIS DRIFTING WILL HAPPEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH THE WIND BLOWING OR THE TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE, IT IS DEFINITELY COMING FROM THE CAR. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE DAY ONE, BUT I CHALKED IT UP TO THE NEW TIRES NEEDING TO BE BROKEN IN. NOW THE CAR HAS 12,000 MILES AND TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED AND THE ISSUE IS STILL THERE. I'VE DRIVEN ENOUGH CARS TO KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL. NOW I FIND OUT THAT MANY OTHER OPTIMA OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME STEERING ISSUE. KIA/HYUNDAI CORPORATE NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION TO THIS STEERING ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE HAS AN ACCIDENT. UPDATED 11/24/2014 *JS
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2014
ON 5/15/14 AT APPROX. 0430AM, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR MOVED LESS THAN TWO FEET. I THEN PLACED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL, WHERE THE MOTOR REV'D TO APPROX. 7000 RPM. I THEN IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THEN BACK ON. AFTER TURNING IT BACK ON, THE CAR THEN RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONS. LATER THE SAME DAY I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICEMAN, A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. *TR
Visibility, May 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE AND AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE SUN ROOF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,369. UPDATED 06/12/14 UPDATED 07/15/14 MA UPDATED 07/18/2014*JS
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2014
THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW, AND JUST THE THIRD THIS PAST WEEKEND SO I AM FINALLY WRITING A COMPLAINT. MY KIA HAS A FAULTY MAP SENSOR, THE DEALER SAYS, AND WHEN IT GOES OUT (ABOUT EVERY 2 MONTHS) MY CAR COMPLETELY DIES ON ME; I HAVE NO ACCELERATION, BRAKES LOCK UP AND MY POWER STEERING IS GONE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE TWO OF THE THREE OCCURRENCES HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN IT HAPPENS, I AM FORCED TO YANK THE STEERING WHEEL TO A SHOULDER AND LET THE CAR COME TO A STOP. SOMETIMES IT RESTARTS, SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. IN ALL THREE INSTANCES, MY CAR HAS HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR NOT ONLY ME BY ANYONE IN THE CAR WITH ME AS WELL AS ANY OTHER KIA DRIVER'S OUT THERE. I HAVE FILED MY COMPLAINT WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUT THEY DO NOT OFFER A REPLACEMENT, JUST MONEY. WHILE I APPRECIATE THE OFFER, MONEY DOES NOT DO ANYTHING FOR MY CONFIDENCE IN DRIVING THE CAR. IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR, JUST ONE YEAR OLD. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE EACH TIME I DRIVE MY CAR BUT I HAVE NO OTHER OPTION, I DRIVE A LOT FOR WORK. ALL I AM SEEKING IS A REPLACEMENT CAR, I LOVE THE CAR AND ALL IT OFFERS BUT IT DOES NOT PERFORM WELL AT ALL AND I AM VERY FEARFUL OF THIS. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN OR IF YOU HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR