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2013 / KIA

2013 KIA Optima

5/5

Overall rating (best variant)

Safety ratings

2013 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

5/5Overall
5/5Frontal crash
5/5Side crash
5/5Side pole
5/5Rollover
Frontal, driver: 5Frontal, passenger: 5Side, driver: 3Side, rear passenger: 5Rollover risk: 9.6%
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningNo
  • Electronic stability controlStandard

Crash test videos & photos

No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.

Recalls (9)

Park outside — urgent recall

NHTSA has flagged 3 recalls on this vehicle as severe (fire risk — park away from structures). Contact a dealer immediately; recall repairs are free.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 20V519000 · 27/08/2020Park outside

    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.

    Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

    Fix: 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.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 23V652000 · 25/09/2023Park outside

    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.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: 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.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 21V331000 · 10/05/2021Park outside

    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.

    Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

    Fix: 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.

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINECampaign 17V224000 · 31/03/2017

    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.

    Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 20V100000 · 21/02/2020

    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.

    Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Fix: 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 18V907000 · 19/12/2018

    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.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: 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.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 22V093000 · 17/02/2022

    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.

    Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: 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.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSCampaign 22V560000 · 01/08/2022

    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.

    Risk: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

    Fix: 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.

  • AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULECampaign 18V363000 · 01/06/2018

    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.

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

Owner complaints

500
Complaints
15
Crashes reported
42
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • ENGINE216
  • STEERING83
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER71
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
  • STRUCTURE43
  • SERVICE BRAKES36
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
  • POWER TRAIN35
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/31/2024· ENGINE

    2013 OPTIMA ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO MANUFACTURING ERRORS AND KIA WONT REPLACE STATING IT DIDNT HAVE THE KSDS UPDATE. THE UPDATE DOESNT STOP THE ENGINE FROM SEIXZING ONLY LETS YOU KNOW. WHEN SEARCHING RECALLS AND COMPLAINTS NOTHING SHOWS UP ABOUT THE KSDS UPDATE.BASICALLY TOLD ME THATS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BUY USED VEHICHLES, IN THAT CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE CONTACTED DUE TO RECALLS AND UPDATES

  • 12/31/2021· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    A year ago, the paint started falling off of the roof rails on my 2013 Kia Optima. It is continuing to peel away. The color I have is Snow White Pearl. I have contacted my dealership and have been told that there is only a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty on the paint and since I am outside of those parameters, there is nothing they can do for me. I have also taken it to a body shop to find out about repainting the areas and get an estimate for having the work done.

  • 12/31/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

    WHEN I WAS DRIVING ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AT ALL THEN IT CUT OFF AND HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO JUMP IT OFF OR ANYTHING! WE'VE LOOKED TO SEE IF WE COULD FIND OUT WHY BUT IT'S JUST DIED AND I THINK THE MOTOR LOCKED UP!

  • 12/31/2018· ENGINE

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL AND CYLINDER NUMBER TWO WAS MISFIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS HOME. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  • 12/31/2018· AIR BAGS,ENGINE

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

  • 12/30/2024· ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined the failure was linked to DTC code: P0445, indicating an issue with the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. The mechanic replaced the fuel canister, and engine cap. The contact stated while driving 77-85 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) where it was determined that the engine was knocking but there were no codes retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

  • 12/30/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA HAS A SAFETY HAZARD RECALL AND I WANT TO KNOW WHY IS KIA DRAGGING ITS FEET ON A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD ON A HECU FUSE.....SEEMS LIKE A SIMPLE FIX... BUT I AM [XXX] OLD AND CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR AND MUST PARK IT OUTSIDE IN THIS COLD WEATHER.....PLEASE NTSB LOOK INTO WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG FOR A SIMPLE FUSE REPLACEMENT.....THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • 12/30/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 75 WITH 67 MILES TO EMPTY WHEN ALL SUDDEN THE CAR START SLOWING SPEED I LOOKED CRUISE CONTROL HAD SHUT OFF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE JUST WENT DEAD ON THE SIDE OF ROAD THE WILL TURN ON TURN OVER TO WANNA CRANK BUT WON'T CATCH TO CRANK I CALLED THE DEALER SHIP AND EXPLAINED HE SHE SAID SHE SURE IT'S FUEL PUMP BECAUSE THEY JUST INSTALLED 2 THIS WEEK ON THE SAME CAR

  • 12/30/2019· STEERING,WHEELS

    STEERING WHEEL SLIPS WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT

  • 12/30/2019· STEERING

    EVERY TIME HI TURN THE CAR LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES A SEVERE CLUNKING SOUND NOW VIBRATES GOING DOWN THE ROAD MY MOTHER'S CAR SAME TYPE DOES THE SAME THING.

  • 12/30/2014· STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURECrash

    HAVING PURCHASED THE CAR ON 12/11/14 MY DAUGHTER DID NOT HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE DRIVING THE CAR.... ON DECEMBER 27 SHE "LOST CONTROL" OF THE CAR, AND RAN INTO THE WALL ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN CHICAGO. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A DRY EVENING, AND SHE EMPHATICALLY STATES THAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW HOW SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, AND THAT IT WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE ONLY RATIONALE CONCLUSION WAS THAT SHE MIGHT HAVE HAD A TIRE BLOW OUT. THAT IS, UNTIL A FRIEND RECOMMENDED I CHECK THE WEB, AND CHECK IF OTHERS MAY HAVE BEEN OR ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. ALTHOUGH I HAD DONE MY DUE DILIGENCE WHEN RESEARCHING THE CAR E.G. RECALLS, KNOWN PROBLEMS, ETC. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THIS CAR, I DID NOT CHECK SPECIFICS SUCH AS STEERING. LONG OF THE SHORT, TWO DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND WHEN I GOOGLED STEERING PROBLEMS, THIS SITE HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/KIA/OPTIMA/2013/STEERING/STEERING.SHTML WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO SHOW UP. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND 35 COMPLAINTS IN REFERENCE TO THE SAME STEERING ISSUE. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS I AM I CONVINCED THAT THIS STEERING ISSUE IS THE CONTRIBUTOR TO MY DAUGHTER'S ACCIDENT. IT IS THE ONLY LOGICAL EXPLANATION OTHER THAN A BLOW OUT. I THINK THIS MAY BE A RESULT OF THE STEERING PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2013 OPTIMAS. I WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS OR DEATHS IT IS GOING TO TAKE FOR KIA TO ADMIT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT AND DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING? IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THERE NEEDS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS' RECALL BEFORE A FATAL ACCIDENT OCCURS, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY .... *JS

  • 12/29/2016· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

    MY STEERING HAS BEEN LOOSE SINCE 65K MILES AND CONTINUED TO DRIFT. HOWEVER THIS BIENG MY 4TH CAR I LET IT SLIDE AND WAS WAITING FOR TIME TO DO A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. HOWEVER AT 73K MILES THE EPS SENSOR WENT OFF AND NOW IS HARD TO DRIVE. THE EPS ON ALL MY VEHICLES NEVER HAD ISSUES UP TILL ITS DEATH WAY OVER 250K MILES. THE EPS SENSOR CAME ON AFTER A STOP SIGN. THEN I HEARD A SNAP THEN THE CAR WENT INTO MANUAL STEERING MODE. NOW THE EPS SENSOR IS OFF AND THE CAR IS WORKING FINE.

  • 12/29/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ETERNAL SAULT PCM SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

  • 12/28/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

    On or around Oct.15th 2023, My abs light, engine light, and all these other lights came on. So i got it home i got a recall notice in the mail that day saying to park my car away from structures and other vehicles. So i had it towed to a kia dealer here in town. they had it for a week. they said they performed a diagnostic on it and replaced the recall part to come get it. So i go get it i drive off got a mile down the road and all the lights came on and said pull over and shut car off. So there iam on the side of the road calling a tow truck to tow my car back to the dealer. if they would have drove the car after fixing it they would experianced the all the lights lighting up on my dash. Now that want to tell me there is no remedy to the recall fix and that i need a new electric battery and it is going to cost me $12,000. This is my only means of transportation. Can someone stop messing around and take this seriously, now the kia dealer is paying for a tow to tow my safety hazard car back to my house. Now it does not run ... It ran when it got towed there.

  • 12/28/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

    The car dealership i bought my kia from is fully aware of this safety recall, Should he have sold me the car with out telling me? Can I take this car back and get my money back?

  • 12/28/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the ABS and check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and case number was provided. The failure mileage was 150,370.

  • 12/27/2024· ENGINE

    Engine failure while driving. Engine seized in the middle of the road. Contacted Kia, towed car to dealership and claim was denied. Recall has not been taken care of. No symptoms or any indication that the engine was about to give out.

  • 12/27/2023· ENGINE

    After my last oil change that was done at Lokey KIa in Clearwater, FL. I had my oil changed on July 27,2023. From the date of my oil change till mid Oct 2023 I used 5 qts. of oil. The first appointment that I could get was 11/24/23. A engine diagnosis was done and the conclusion was the engine was burning oil. I opened a claim with KIA and was told that the car was out of warranty by six months but was still under the mileage. I asked the KIA representative if they could do a good will gesture to replace the engine and was denied.

  • 12/27/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  • 12/27/2021· STEERING

    Steering has a notchy feel. Binds releases and binds

  • 12/27/2020· SERVICE BRAKES

    SUDDENLY THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO THE CAR ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. IF THERE WERE ANY CARS BEHIND ME, I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN REAR ENDED, AT A VERY HIGH SPEED, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYTHING MORE THAN 5MPH DUE TO THE BREAK CONSTANTLY BEING APPLIED TO THE CAR RESULTING IN ME NOT BEING ABLE TO MERGE ACROSS THE HIGHWAY SAFELY TO THE SIDE. THE CAR GAVE THE "CHECK BRAKE" ALERT ALONG WITH "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE". THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN FREMONT, CALIFORNIA DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE. ATTACHED IS THE DIAGNOSIS REPORT. THERE WAS A BRAKE FLUID LEAK INSIDE THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU), POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THAT IS EXACTLY SAME ISSUE AS KIA RECALL 20V519000 ISSUED IN AUGUST 2020. IF THE HECU SHORT CIRCUITS, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. KIA NEEDS TO ADD THIS VIN TO THE RECALL. IT'S SAME YEAR MODEL AS RECALL. DEALER ADVISED TO REPLACE A PART 58620-4U301. KIA SHALL PROMPTLY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.

  • 12/27/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    IT STARTED WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS GOING OUT THEN SHORTLY AFTER THAT WAS FIXED THE CAR WOULD SHUDDER START. THE CLOCK WOULD SHOW 000 AS IF THE CAR WAS BRAND NEW AND NEEDED THE TIME PLACED ON THE CLOCK THE SAME THING WAS HAPPENING TO THE SPEEDOMETER. THEN THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T NOT START AT ALL. THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON IT WOULD ALSO CLICK BUT NOT TURN OVER. WE TRIED JUMPING THE CAR THAT WORKED FOR A WHILE BUT NOW THE NO START IS STARING TO BE CONSISTENT.

  • 12/27/2016· ENGINE

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REQUIRED TO BE JUMP STARTED SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN ORDER TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DRAINED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

  • 12/26/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over safely. The check engine warning light was illuminated upon restarting. The vehilce was towed to an unknown location. The vehilce was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized. The dealer declined to repair the vehilce under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer who requested receipts for previous oil changes. The vehilce was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 77,611.

  • 12/26/2018· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

    I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND THEN JUST CUT OFF. I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED TO KIA WICH TOLD ME IT WAS THE PULLEYS FROZE UP AND SHREDDED THE BELT. NOW KIA JUST REPLACED MY ENGINE FROM THE RECALL. NOW I ALWAYS HAVE THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES AND I TAKE IT TO THE SAME PLACE EVERYTIME NOW WHEN THEY CHANGED THE ENGINE THEY SAID I WOULD NEED A NEW ALTERNATOR BUT THAT WAS IT. NOT TO MENTION I JUST HAD IT AT KIA FOR A OIL CHANGE AND A FREE INSPECTION. WHICH THE INSPECTION STATED NOTHING ABOUT THE BELTS OR PULLEYS WHICH ARE SUPPOSED TO BE INSPECTED. SO THAT IS TWICE THEY MISSED A WORN OUT IDLER PULLEY. NOW THE MECHANIC I HAD LOOKING AT IT TOLD ME IT WAS SO WORN THAT IT BROKE OFF AND THAT THERE IS NO WAY THEY MISSED IT.

  • 12/26/2013· POWER TRAIN

    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.

  • 12/24/2019· ENGINE

    TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE BUT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID TO GET A SECOND OPINION. MY ENGINE IS GETTING WORSE IN THE MEANTIME AND IT CONCERNS ME TO DRIVE IT. FROM A QUART AFTER 800 MILES TO 2.5 QUARTS AFTER 950 MILES IN ONLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS. WAS TOLD PIL CONSUMPTION IS NOT PART OF THE CURRENT RECALL, THOUGH MANY MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME OTHERWISE. I HAVE LESS THAN 100K MILES ON IT MY CAR SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS!

  • 12/24/2017· POWER TRAIN

    TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD, JERKY, HESITATES, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, THIS HAPPENS ON AND OFF, HAVE TO STOP AND RESTART CAR SOMETIMES, THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR YEARS, NO SOLUTIONS SO FAR.

  • 12/23/2018· ENGINE

    I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE CAR JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.THE AAA DRIVER SAID THE STARTER BUT THE FIRESTONE SAID THE MOTOR SEIZED UP.THIS HAPPENED 3 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS THIS IS VERY HORRIBLE ME AND MY CHILDREN HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION AT ALL OR MONEY FOR A PROBLEM KIA OVER LOOK .

  • 12/22/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 35-40 MPH. The contact stated that she turned on the hazard lights and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The contact stated she connected an OBD reader to the vehicle and read a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for knock sensor failure. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  • 12/22/2019· STEERING

    THERE IS A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WHEN STEERING OR HITTING BUMPS. THIS HAPPENS OVER TIME AND HAS SIGNIFICANTLY GOTTEN WORSE. IT SEEMS TO BE UNSAFE NOW AND MY VEHICLE IS EVEN BELOW 100K MILES SO THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE AT ALL.

  • 12/22/2017· ENGINE

    I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW IN 2013 WITHIN 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR STARTED USING OIL AND MOTOR HAD A LITTLE BIT OF A TICK SOUND.. CHECKING THE OIL EVERYDAY BECAUSE NONE OF THE LIGHT IN THE CAR CAME ON AND IT BEING NEW I GOT A RECALL SO I MADE APPOINT EVERYTHING THE RECALL LISTED MY CAR WAS DOING.. THEY SAID IT PASSED TEST. BUT ME KNOWING SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT ABOUT IT DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM.. 4 MONTHS LATER I'M GOING DOWN HIGHWAY AND ENGINE JUST QUITS ON ME SO I COAST IN CLOSEST PLACE AND PUT CAR IN PARK.. TRYING TO START THE CAR IT WOULD NOT CRANK AND BRAKES LOCKED. TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS HAS LOOKED AT MY CAR AND ITS THE MOTOR.. BUT KIA IS WANTING ME TO SPEND THE MONEY I DON'T HAVE AND THAT'S THERE FAULT TO FIX MY CAR..

  • 12/21/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    1. Vehicle refuse to start had to have it towed to a shop to have a new battery placed in 2. Replacement of battery caused a short in stereo system resulting in the replacement with a new stereo system 3. Engine began to knock 12/19/22 took car to Car-Mart was given a list of mechanics to call made an appointment with Dominion in Farmington Arkansas for the morning of December 21st 4. Car decelerated and check engine light came on just before Exit 70 on I-49 near Johnson Mill Boulevard pulled over to the side of the interstate was able to move the vehicle forward to Exit 70 at 20 miles per hour to get off the interstate and park at Casey's General Store on Don Tyson Parkway in Springdale 5. Car was towed to Dominion Auto in Farmington Arkansas 6. I was not informed of any recall on my vehicle or any dangers impose to me or my family including my two small children upon purchase of the vehicle or registration of the vehicle or within 90 days of registration 7. Came to this website to post a complaint and found out I not only have one recall but two that I was unaware of

  • 12/21/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Engine recall completed. Two weeks after..Engine light on due to a Crack in the emissions system..

  • 12/21/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Engine stopped while driving. Would not start afterwards after researching I see it happens to those years and certain models were recalled wondering if mine possibly got missed in that recall, based off the recall seems exactly what happened to mine has plenty oil keep maintained well and only drive back and forth to work.

  • 12/21/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

    ON 12/11/2019 , I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA SX TURBO WHEN SUDDENLY IT STARTED TO SPUTTER, AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF/ SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.. I WAS FORCED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSH IT ONTO THE NEAREST SIDEWALK RAMP ONTO A STORAGE PARKING LOT.. AFTER THAT THE ENGINE WOULDNT TURN.. THE BATTERY WASNT DEAD BECAUSE THE RADIO, LIGHTS , DASHBOARD WOULD ALL TURN ON , BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER, IT WOULD NOT EVEN MAKE A SOUND AS IF IT WERE TRYING .. I TOWED IT TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE FROZE/ SEIZED AND THEY FOUND METALLIC PARTICLES IN THE OIL... I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT LOOKS LIKE SOME KIA OPTIMA ENGINES HAVE A CERTAIN RECALL FOR PREMATURE BEARING WEAR AND TEAR INSIDE OF THEM THAT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SEIZE, THIS SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY KIA ... THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED ME THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE THAT CAUSED MY COMPUTER TO BURN OUT... NOT SURE IF RELATED BUT THE ISSUE WITH MY ENGINE DEFINITELY SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON RECALL ISSUE WITH 2011-2014 KIA OPTIMAS ... I LOOKED UP MY VIN # NOTHING POPS UP BUT WHEN I SEARCH FOR GENERAL INFO ON KIA RECALLS , ENGINE SEIZING IS ONE OF THEM.. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO..

  • 12/20/2025· STEERING

    Bushing related to steering wheel was a safety issue that causes steering wheel play and possible loss of control. I was never informed of the issue and Kia said it would not repair it since the warranty expired.

  • 12/20/2023· ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at approximately 30–40 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke. There was an abnormal clunking sound heard. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the local dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and to tow the vehicle to the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

  • 12/20/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  • 12/20/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My paint stated chipping ang peeling about 3 years ago, I did not think much of it until I saw several people who also have pearl snow white paint having the same issues. I ordered touch up paint and a clear coat to try and stop it in the areas that it is peeling. I have had someone rear end me but this is not where the issues with the paint are. It is on my hood, doors, sides etc. I have always parked in a garage or covered parking and have no hail damage etc

  • 12/20/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    CAR SMELLED LIKE GAS WHEN AIR WAS ON AND EVEN WITH AIR OFF. FIXED MARCH 2019 AND I BELIEVE I SEE A RECALL FOR IT NOW. WE PAID A PRETTY PENNY TO GET FIXED. MY PAINT ON MY CAR IS COMING OFF EVERYWHERE LIKE BAD NAIL POLISH. IT IS PEELING OFF AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN IN NEW PARTS OF THE CAR. I'M TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED NOW WITH KIA. THIS STARTED HAPPENING AROUND WINDSHIELD FIRST ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF AGO AND THEN THE TRUNK LAST FALL AND NOW MY DOOR AND OTHER AREAS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS.

  • 12/20/2013· STEERING

    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.

  • 12/19/2022· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Recently my vehicle started smelling of raw fuel. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and was advised it was the fuel line issue that KIA had recalled the vehicle for. I contacted my KIA dealer and was advised my particular VIN was not on recall for the fuel line. KIA recalled the 2013 KIA Optima GDI Turbo for the fuel line issues but only certain VIN's. This vehicle was affected by the engine recalls. It initially had a short block engine replacement prior to the engine recall and subsequently that engine failed and the vehicle was replaced with a long block engine in 2018. The new engine has 30,000 miles on it. The VIN number does not have the original engine or potentially the original fuel line. How is KIA determining the current fuel line issue is not on my VIN? This is a 2013 KIA Optima GDI turbo. The vehicle does not have the original engine or likely the original fuel line. The vehicle has been serviced by KIA several times and the engine and fuel lines have been replaced. The vehicle at the time of manufacturing had 1 specific line but no one knows which fuel line is currently in my vehicle. I am requesting KIA contact me and advise they will honor this fuel line repair under the recall and I am questioning why only certain VIN's were recalled. KIA cannot definitively determine which fuel line is in each vehicle because most of the engines were replaced in the 2013 model based on the widespread engine recall/replacement of the engines. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. If the initial recall was done on the manufacturers VIN info, the engine and fuel line data is flawed since these vehicle engines were replaced. There is too much of a coincidence in the fuel line issue on my vehicle and the recall despite what KIA is stating.

  • 12/19/2022· ENGINE

    I got onto a highway on ramp, I had to slightly accelerate due to it being busy & my car started knocking & the check engine started flashing. Engine oil level is good but it has a Rod knock.

  • 12/18/2024· STRUCTURE

    Pearl white color paint chipping, and breaking due to water and air. Bad batch of primer and coating has caused the paint to chip and peel across the body of the car.

  • 12/18/2023· ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the check engine, low coolant level, and oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted, and the contact was informed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

  • 12/17/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFire

    My 2013 Kia Optima caught fire while my [XXX] son and his friends were driving it. The car burnt up. Some truck drivers flagged my son down to let him know the car was on fire. They could have been killed if it wasn’t for the truck drivers warning him that the car was on fire while driving down the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • 12/17/2021· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the low-beam headlight was not providing proper illumination while driving, making it difficult to see the roadway. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

  • 12/17/2020· SERVICE BRAKES

    FIRST I HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION THEN I STARTED GETTING A WARNING MESSAGE STATING HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SAFETY. FOLLOWED BY CHECK BRAKES WARNING. THIS OCCURED WHILE I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT.THE BREAKS COMPLETELY GO OUT AND BEGIN TO MAKE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND. ONCE I SHUT THE CAR OFF FIR ABOUT 30-60 MINUTES THE LIGHT GOES OUT UNTIL THE NEXT OCCURANCE. PRIOR TO LOSING ALL BREAK CONTROL THE CAR IS FINE. THIS PERSISTED TO A POINT THAT I CANNOT DRIIVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP FINALLY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A HYDRAULIC PROBLEM AND COULD BE FIXED FOR $2700. THIS IS A KIA MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX IT. I DID SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO NO AVAIL. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE OR PUT THIS ON A RECALL LIST. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD.

  • 12/17/2020· ENGINE

    THERE IS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN PLACED IN GEAR, THE KNOCK IS NOT HEARD WHILE IN PARK. BECAUSE NO SENSOR HAS GONE OFF, THE REPAIR TECH SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO. I DO HAVE A THE MOTOR THAT WAS RECALLED, AND IT WAS REPLACED