CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Kia Optima has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,387 complaints with NHTSA, including 48 crashes, 114 fires, 37 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (614 reports).
2013 Kia Optima recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Loose roof panels could injure occupants in a crash
Some of these vehicles may have roof headliner plates that are not secured properly.
Fuel Hose May Leak and Raise Fire Risk
The low pressure fuel hose on these vehicles may be damaged, or may be missing its heat-protective tape.
Brake fluid leak can cause electrical short and fire
Brake fluid may leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) that operates the anti-lock and traction control brake system.
Brake Fluid Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), the module that controls the antilock and traction control braking system.
Fuel Hose Can Crack and Leak, Creating Fire Risk
A low pressure fuel hose in certain engines may deteriorate and crack over time because of heat in the engine compartment.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
The air bag control unit in these Kia vehicles may short circuit during a crash.
Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk
Machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause the engine's bearings to wear out prematurely.
Most common 2013 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 1,387 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 614 |
| Steering | 213 |
| Unknown Or Other | 186 |
| Electrical System | 147 |
| Structure | 127 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 94 |
| Power Train | 64 |
| Air Bags | 63 |
| Service Brakes | 59 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 53 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power but continued to drive under reduced power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's, where three knock sensor codes were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic), 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 22V560000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 125,055.
Air bag light is on the panel & is not enabled & buttons on steering wheel that adjust the volume and stations have stopped working unless the steering wheel is turned all the way to the left. Believe it is a faulty spring in the steering wheel.
Despite documenting this catastrophic internal mechanical destruction, the authorized franchise dealer has issued a written directive instructing the driver to operate this structurally compromised vehicle on public roads for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test with explicit instructions not to add, check, or have anyone service the engine oil level. Operating an engine running dry with verified cylinder wall gouging and unstable timing chains creates an imminent, severe safety hazard for the occupants and other motorists, including sudden highway engine lockup, loss of power steering, or vehicle fires. The vehicle underwent Safety Recall Campaign SC147 in 2017, which carries a court-mandated
I own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL. While the vehicle was parked and there was no collision, crash, impact, or other event that should have caused the airbags to deploy, the airbags unexpectedly deployed on their own. The deployment caused damage to the vehicle, including damage to the windshield. The airbag also hit me while I was sitting in the passenger seat, my children were also in the back seat. All of our ears were ringing for 24hours, I went to the hospital to get a CT scan for the pain I felt in my face, ear and head. This occurred without the vehicle being involved in an accident. I have photographs and documentation of the vehicle and the damage and can provide additional information i
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start due to the battery being drained from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) remaining on while the vehicle was turned off. After recharging the battery, the HECU made a buzzing sound while the battery was no longer charging. Additionally, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving, and the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. A burning odor was inside the vehicle. The contact was concerned about a fire risk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and determined that the HECU had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer requested maintenance recor
2013 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2013 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Loose roof panels could injure occupants in a crash; Fuel Hose May Leak and Raise Fire Risk; Brake fluid leak can cause electrical short and fire; Brake Fluid Leak Can Cause Engine Fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Optima?
Based on 1,387 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (614), Steering (213), Unknown Or Other (186).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Kia Optima 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.