2013 Kia Optima

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

9 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

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1. ▮
   2013Complaint volume 1,383 complaints filed for this model year.
2. I
   2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
3. R
   2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 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.

   Remedy: 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.

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4. I
   2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
5. R
   2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.

   Remedy: 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.

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6. R
   2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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)...

   Remedy: 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.

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7. I
   2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
8. I
   2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
9. R
   2020-06-12Fuel system, gasoline20V100000 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.

   Remedy: 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.

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10. R
    2020-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic20V519000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

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11. R
    2021-07-02Service brakes, hydraulic21V331000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519.

    Remedy: 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.

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12. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
13. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
14. R
    2022-08-02Fuel system, gasoline22V093000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

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15. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
16. R
    2022-09-26Structure22V560000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

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17. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
18. R
    2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 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.

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Is the 2013 Kia Optima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia Optima is rated "significantly worse".

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

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Optima have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.