Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Kia Optima: recalls and problems

10 recalls and 1,438 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

10recalls
1,438complaints
49crashes reported
116fires reported
37injuries reported
3 recalls with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine625 · 43%
  • Steering213 · 15%
  • Unknown Or Other195 · 14%
  • Electrical System162 · 11%
  • Structure127 · 9%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System93 · 6%
  • Power Train70 · 5%
  • Service Brakes64 · 4%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)63 · 4%
  • Air Bags50 · 3%

What owners report

Electrical System,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

Fuel/Propulsion System

Gas smell from under the hood. when taken to the dealership it was diagnosed as the high pressure fuel line. note: the high and low fuel lines have recalls that impact this vehicle make, model, and year but not this vin.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other

Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. problem continues to happen. lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. anytime the fuse blows

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.