2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

○ Not enough data

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:05:17.272Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2013: 50 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2011	34
2012	107
2013	50
2014	31
2015	12
2016	4
2017	25
2018	3
2019	0
2020	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OF 5-10 MPH APPROXIMATELY. HAS DONE THIS ON OCCASION AT HIGHWAY SPEED A SUDDEN SURGE SO A BRAKING WOULD RELIEVE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170727

TAKATA RECALL: CAR AT 35K MILEAGE AND DISPLAYS 'HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING, SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'. HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS WHO STILL CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171116

ENGINE 24%

24% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231127

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10%

10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

R 20210125 — engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 20V750000 (engine) has been completed.
Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

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

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.