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, Apr 9, 2014, crash
I WAS EXITING TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE STREET WHEN I LOOKED DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS AND HIT THE MEDIAN HEAD ON. THERE WAS A BIG TERRA-COTTA POT WITH A TREE PLANTED IN IT THAT I HIT HARD. IT RIPPED THE FRONT BOTTOM PART OF MY CAR OFF AND BROKE MY TRANSAXLE. IT WOULDN'T DRIVE ANYMORE AND IT TOTALED MY CAR. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS EVER CAME OUT EVEN WHEN I HIT HEAD ON. I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR A CSCAN. I ENDED UP WITH A CONCUSSION FOR ALMOST THREE MONTHS AND STILL HAVE A KNOT ON MY HEAD. I WAS ALSO WEARING MY SEAT BELT. *TR
Steering, Apr 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AS THE VEHICLE SWAYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Steering, Apr 1, 2014
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 75 MPH WITH OUT WARNING THE CAR ABRUPTLY SWERVED TO THE LEFT INTO THE OTHER LANE TOWARDS THE MIDDLE CONCRETE BARRIER. WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL WITHOUT HITTING BARRIER. RETURNED TO DEALER TOLD THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THAT WE DID NOT WANT THE CAR ANYMORE DUE TO IT BEING A DEATH TRAP. THEY COULD NOT REENACT THE SITUATION SO THEREFORE THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. TOLD THEM THIS CAR NEEDED TO BE DISSECTED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. THEY CLAIMED THEY CONTACTED KIA AND WAS TOLD TO CALL 800-333-4KIA NUMBER THEY HAD NOT RECORD OF THIS ISSUE. WE NO LONGER OWN THE CAR AND ACCORDING TO KIA WE NO LONGER HAVE A SAY IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Engine, Mar 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8000.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 27, 2014
THERE IS A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE HANDLING OF THIS VEHICLE WHEN IT IS WINDY. IT IS A STRUGGLE TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 30MPH. I'M HAVING TO AVOID CERTAIN ROADS AND BRIDGES (I.E. TAMPA BAY'S SUNSHINE SKYWAY) DUE TO THE FAULTY AND INCONSISTENT RESPONSE OF THE STEERING WHEN DRIVING IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST WIND. GOD FORBID THAT A SUDDEN GUST COME ALONG!! I, TOO, HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THEIR RESPONSE IS THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT, BUT THEY DON'T HAVE A SOLUTION. THINKING THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL!! AND SOON!! *TR
Wheels, Mar 25, 2014
DEAR NEXEN & SOUTHWEST KIA 39650 LYNDON B. JOHNSON FWY, DALLAS, TX. 75237 (972) 283-9797: I AM REACHING OUT TO YOUR COMPANY IN HOPES OF GAINING RESOLUTION ON A RECENT SAFETY ISSUE I EXPERIENCED WITH YOUR TIRES. ON JUNE 28TH 2013 I PURCHASED A MOTOR VEHICLE FROM YOUR DEALERSHIP VIN# [XXX], KIA SUV. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORY BECAUSE ON 3/14/14 I WAS DRIVING IN TO WORK TRAVELING AT ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE REAR TIRE ON THE SUV COMPLETELY CAME APART TO MY DISMAY, LEAVING ME DRIVING ON THREE GOOD TIRES AND A BARE RIM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Mar 23, 2014
CAR SOMETIMES WILL NOT START WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED & ING SWITCH IS PRESSED ??? *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 20, 2014
DURING THE FIRST INCLEMENT WEATHER I ENDURED WITH THIS CAR (LATE NOV/EARLY DEC 2013) THERE WAS SOME SNOW AND ICE. I CAME TO A STOP THEN PULLED OUT TO TURN RIGHT. THE NEAREST TRAFFIC WAS 2 BLOCKS AWAY. AS I TRIED TO TURN, MY CAR STOPPED THEN STARTED, STOPPED, STARTED. THE TRAFFIC WAS HEADED DIRECTLY FOR ME AND BLARING THEIR HORNS. SUDDENLY, MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND WENT ON ITS WAY. I EXPERIENCED THIS AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES THE SAME DAY AND MANY MORE TIMES SINCE THEN DURING THE COURSE OF THIS WINTER. IT HAS HAPPENED ON INTERSTATES, GOING UP HILLS, MAKING TURNS AND DRIVING SLOWLY ON SLIPPERY STREETS. I WENT TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THIS; IT WAS A SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 13, 2014
I AGREE WITH THE MAY 24, 2013 - SCOTTSDALE, AZ OVERVIEW REGARDING WIND. THE CAR IS EASILY AFFECTED AND MOVES IN THE WIND AND IS A CHALLENGE TO STAY STRAIGHT IN THE LANE. I FEEL LIKE OTHER DRIVERS MUST THINK I AM A DRUNK DRIVER. THE CAR DOES NOT REALLY DRIFT BUT THE STEERING IS SLUGGISH WITH PLAY AND DEAD SPOTS/HARDER TO MAKE FIRST PART OF A TURN, (ALMOST LIKE STEERING STICKS). ALSO AS SOMEONE ELSE SAID, THE STEERING IS A CHALLENGE ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND IS HARD TO MAINTAIN IN THE LANE.... MAY ALSO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. IT IS EASY TO LOSE CONTROL AT HIGH SPEEDS IF THE ROADWAY IS NOT PERFECT. CONSTANTLY FIGHTING THE LOOSE STEERING TO THE POINT WHERE AGAIN, IT LOOKS LIKE I AM A DRUNK DRIVER. INCREASING THE AIR IN THE TIRES WAS OF NO HELP TOWARD THE STEERING STABILITY. I SPOKE TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALER SERVICE MANAGER (FEBRUARY 2012), AND HE NOTED THAT THE CONDITIONS SOUNDED TYPICAL OF WHAT HE HAS HEARD WITH THE NEWER MODEL OPTIMAS WHICH HAVE THE ELECTRONIC STEERING. HE WAS GOING TO CHECK WITH KIA FOR THEIR THOUGHTS. NO RESPONSE YET. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE GOOD OLD TIGHT, RACK AND PINION STEERING? ENOUGH OF THIS MUSHY STEERING, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SPORTY CAR... AM I FINDING OUT THAT IT IS JUST GOOD LOOKS? I HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN SIMILAR PRICED CHRYSLER AND FORD PRODUCTS PRIOR TO THIS AND NEVER UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE STEERING. *TR
Visibility, Mar 5, 2014
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME ONE EVENING FROM WORK. THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME BUT SEVERAL BEHIND ME. I HAD JUST STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND HAD JUST STARTED TO SPEED UP AND THERE WAS A 'BIG BOOM/EXPLOSION', I HAD SERIOUSLY THOUGHT IT WAS A GUN SHOT. THEN REALIZED IT WAS MY SUNROOF. I PULLED OVER TO EXAMINE THE SUNROOF AND COUNTED MY BLESSINGS THE SUN VISOR COVERING WAS CLOSED, OTHERWISE COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH MORE SERIOUS. I COULD TELL BY THE WAY THE GLASS WAS PUSHED UPWARD THAT NOTHING HAD HIT IT. BUT IT WAS SHATTERED IN MANY, MANY PIECES. I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AND LEFT IT IN THEIR HANDS. IT TOOK OVER TWO WEEKS TO GET IT BACK (BECAUSE I WAS TOLD IT WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION). I JUST HOPE THEY FIND OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING IN THESE KIA'S AND GET IT RESOLVED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SEVERELY INJURED OR CAUSES INJURY TO SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE OF THE FRIGHT IT CAN CAUSE AND CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Mar 3, 2014
THE SUNROOF ON MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA EXPLODED OUT WARDS RAINING BROKEN GLASS DOWN ON MY HEARD. THE CAR WAS NOT STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT AND NO CARS WERE AHEAD OF ME ON THE ROAD. THERE WAS A SLIGHT CREAKING NOISE AND THEN A VIOLENT EXPLOSION LEAVING AN UP TURNED CRATER IN THE GLASS ROOF. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY DENY ANY KNOWLEDGE OF PROBLEMS WITH ANY SUNROOFS DISPUTE THE RECALL ON SIMILAR ROOFS ON OTHER KIA AND HYUNDAI MODELS. *TR
Visibility, Feb 24, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY ABOUT 7:30AM ON MY WAY TO WORK, BEAUTIFUL DAY PROBABLY ABOUT 60 DEGREES AT THE TIME. MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT BLAST. IT SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME, I AM LUCKY I DIDN'T GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. NOTHING HIT MY CAR THAT IS WHY I THOUGHT THIS WAS REALLY STRANGE. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF AT THE DEALER AND OF COURSE THEY SAY THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. I WENT ON LINE AND WHAT DO I FINE? THIS HAS HAPPENED QUIT A BIT. I AM NOW WAITING ON KIA'S ENGINEERS TO LET ME KNOW IF KIA IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THE DAMAGES. MY CAR ISN'T EVEN A YEAR OLD. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE NOW, WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN? I NEED SOME HELP IN GETTING THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE RESOLVED. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 20, 2014
MY KIA GETS STUCK IN A FEW INCHES OF SNOW OR ANY ICE. SLIDES EASILY IN RAIN OR ICY OR COLD WEATHER. I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST. I HAVE BEEN PUSHED BY STRANGERS, COUNTLESS TIMES, TRYING TO GET ME OUT OF SUBDIVISIONS BECAUSE THIS CAR WILL NOT MOVE. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND HE MENTIONED HE HAD TO TOW 3 OF THESE SAME FANCY VEHICLES THAT WERE STUCK IN A SMALL AMOUNT OF SNOW. I AM UNABLE TO PARK IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE THE CAR IS NOT DEPENDABLE IF ANY SNOW OR ICE IS ON THE DRIVEWAY. I DRIVE FOR A LIVING AND I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN PATIENT'S DRIVEWAYS. THEY LAUGH AND SAY THE OTHER NURSES DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR CARS. THIS IS HUMILIATING. THIS CAR COSTS ALMOST 40,000. IT SHOULD BE DEPENDABLE INSTEAD IT IS UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS: OTHER CARS MAY RUN INTO ME WHEN MY CAR STARTS SLIDING BACKWARDS ON THE STREETS. I HAVE LITERALLY BEEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD TO CALL IN SICK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE MY CAR WILL NOT BACK OUT A FEW FEET FROM MY DRIVEWAY IF THERE IS 3 INCHES OR MORE OF SNOW ON THE GROUND. ALSO THE ENGINE WHINES ALOT. IT SEEMS TO LAG IN SHIFTING AND THE RPM GOES UP TO ALMOST 4 BEFORE IT WILL SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR. I AM AFRAID THE ENGINE WILL EXPLODE OR BLOW UP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE SURGED AS THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 3/14/14*CN
Steering, Feb 3, 2014
STEERING WHEEL STAYS STRAIGHT BUT CAR WANDERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN LANE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Visibility, Jan 14, 2014
DRIVING ALONG ON A MAIN ROAD, BUT NOT A HIGHWAY, AT ABOUT 45 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A MASSIVE EXPLOSION. MY SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. NOTHING HIT ME, IT WAS JUST RANDOM. THANK GOD IT WAS CLOSED OR THE GLASS WOULD HAVE SHATTERED ALL OVER ME. AND NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT IT'S NOT COVERED AND WAS MY FAULT! THE CAR IS 4 MONTHS OLD. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 2, 2014
RECENTLY I LEASED A KIA OPTIMA SX, AFTER 1 WEEK NOTICED THE STEERING WOULD DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN LANE WHILE STEERING WHEEL KEPT STRAIGHT AT CENTER POSITION. WHEN CORRECTING "DRIFT" STEERING OVER COMPENSATES FOR CORRECTION AND SWAYS VEHICLE OTHER WAY. HAVE HAD CAR IN FOR SERVICE 2 TIMES IN 2600 MILES FOR THIS ISSUE. FIRST TIME THEY RESET ALIGNMENT, THE 2ND SERVICE DEPT. SAYS EVERYTHING IS WITHIN KIA SPECS AND THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. CAR STILL "DRIFTS"WHILE ON ROAD MOST NOTICEABLY ABOVE 50-60 MPH WHILE ON EXPRESSWAY, WHILE SOMEWHAT PRESENT CAR ACTS MORE NORMALLY ON STREET SPEEDS UNDER 45 MPH. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY VEHICLES WITH ELECTRIC STEERING AND THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING TO TRACK STRAIGHT. REALLY DISAPPOINTED IN AN OTHERWISE VERY NICE VEHICLE. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE MY VEHICLE PERFORM AS IT SHOULD AND TRACK PROPERLY WHILE BEING OPERATED. I FEEL THIS IS A LARGE SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW AS IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO WANT TO TRAVEL INTO OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Power train, Dec 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING OVER A SIX MONTH PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Steering, Dec 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AS THE VEHICLE SWAYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.
Steering, Dec 13, 2013
WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH THE CARS STEERING WHEEL STICKS AT CENTER. SIMULTANEOUSLY THE CAR WONDERS DRASTICALLY ON THE ROAD - TO CORRECT YOU TRY TO STEER THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT WITH THE STICKING IN THE CENTER YOUR CORRECTIONS CAUSE DRASTIC "BACK AND FORTH". HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 3 TIMES. ALL I AM TOLD IS IT IS THE ALIGNMENT. NOTHING IS FIXED. *TR
Steering, Nov 26, 2013
2013 KIA OPTIMA. HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE STEERING, HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I DRIVE FOR A LIVING AND FIGHTING THIS PROBLEM IS REALLY GETTING STRESSFUL. I WOULD SUGGEST KIA LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE BEFORE A MAJOR INCIDENT OCCURS DUE TO A FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 24, 2013
CAR SWAYS BACK AND FORTH. HARD TO KEEP ON THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY ADJUSTED THE STEERING FROM SPORT TO STANDARD. GAVE IT A TRY AND IT STILL CONTINUED TO HANDLE TERRIBLE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND LEFT IT FOR A FEW DAYS. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THE CAR IS ACTING NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE SERVICE MANAGER MADE A COMMENT THAT 5 GALLONS OF GAS AND A MATCH WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, THEN SAID HE WAS KIDDING. I DIDN'T FIND IT FUNNY BECAUSE IT ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS CAR KILLS ME OR SOMEONE ELSE. I HATE THE CAR AND FEAR DRIVING IT. I'VE ONLY HAD IT 7MONTHS AND IT HAS ABOUT 5,500 MILES ON IT. CAR STILL DOES IT AND I'M EXHAUSTED FROM TRYING TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Sep 23, 2013
ON STRAIGHT A WAYS THE CAR WANDERS (PULLS) FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND WE HAVE TO CONTINUALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR OUT. THE CAR WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. WE HAVE TO CONTINUALLY CORRECT THE STEERING. BECAUSE WE TRAVEL ON A LOT OF 2 LANE ROADS WE ARE ALREADY CONSIDERING TRADING THE CAR BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS.
Steering, Sep 19, 2013
VEHICLE WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. VEHICLE WONDERS LEFT AND RIGHT AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OR HIGHER. HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. *TR
Steering, Sep 9, 2013
VEHICLE'S STEERING WILL NOT STAY ON CENTER. PULLS PRIMARILY TO THE LEFT, MANY TIMES PULLING ME INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE OF TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS. IT'S ALSO PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTING ON MY ARMS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO REDIRECT THE STEERING TO CENTER AND ATTEMPT (UNSUCCESSFULLY) TO KEEP IT THERE. AS SOON AS THE CAR IS REDIRECTED FROM VEERING TO THE LEFT, IT THEN OVERSTEERS AND VEERS TO THE RIGHT. THERE IS NO CENTERING THIS VEHICLES STEERING. I'VE ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ONCE FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT WASN'T CORRECTED. I CALLED KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TOLD THE MANAGER THAT I AM AWARE OF THE MANY DOZEN COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE KIA OPTIMA AND THAT I WANT IT CORRECTED. HE THEN SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS "ISSUE" AND TOLD ME HE WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND GET BACK TO ME. THERE WAS NO FOLLOW UP FROM HIM. *TR