2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (22 reports).

2Recalls
56Owner complaints
1Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Optima Hybrid?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

Brake control module short can cause engine fire

Recall 23V652Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehicles affected

The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.

Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair

Recall 20V750Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehicles affected

An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.

Most common 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

Problem areas named in the 56 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System22
Engine14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic10
Unknown Or Other9
Power Train7
Service Brakes5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Hybrid Propulsion System5
Steering4
Exterior Lighting3

What owners report

2026-10-22, Electrical System
hybrid battery low won't crank but turns on and says park do not drive check charging system
2026-09-25, Service Brakes
I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a recall job on the he cu but he only put a fuse in and press complete on your system to let you all know that he completed the job but he did not complete the job he patched it up and I almost lost my life the Brits gave out on me I pressed the brakes down to the floor I pressed the the parking brake and I put the car in park while driving because it lost power of breaking and a warning came up popped up
2026-08-31, Service Brakes
Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on " Check brake system " then the car slows down to 10mph immediately. While pressing on the brakes they squeaking, very badly. I have to turn the car off and back on until the flashing " Check brake system" turns off. This happens every 5 to 10 minutes while driving multiple times a day, everyday. This could have caused an accident on multiple occasions. When the warning light comes on, the car immediately goes down to 10mph making it impossible to pullover
2026-08-26, Electrical System
I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google the recall again and now its gone.
2026-08-21, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. In addition, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that an unknown software update was completed, and the brake line was bled; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid questions

Does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Based on 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (22), Engine (14), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (10).

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Kia Optima Hybrid years

Other 2013 Kia models