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At a glance
This page covers 10 recalls, 1417 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Kia Optima.
26–37 mpg combined
6.4–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2013 Kia Optima draws a heavy concentration of complaints around the engine, which accounts for nearly a third of all reports filed for this model year. Owners frequently describe sudden engine failure while driving, stalling at highway speeds, loss of power without warning, and engine seizure that leaves the vehicle undrivable. Many report being towed after the engine stopped cold with no prior symptoms. Steering is the second most-reported system, with owners describing unexpected stiffness, loss of assist, or erratic feel while in motion. The engine complaints tend to follow a consistent pattern: the vehicle is running normally, power cuts out abruptly, and warning lights appear either during or after the event. Several reports describe a burning smell accompanying the failure, with the engine seized and the car requiring a tow rather than restarting.
1,417
Total Complaints
48
Crash-Related
114
Fire-Related
27
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Kia Optima has 10 recalls, with multiple serious fire risks topping the list, including brake fluid leaking into the anti-lock brake control unit and causing an electrical short that can ignite an engine compartment fire while the car is parked or being driven.
Several recalls involve fuel system fire risks. The low-pressure fuel hose on models with 2.4L or 2.0L turbo engines can crack and leak fuel near heat sources, and prior repair attempts on some vehicles may have left the hose damaged or missing protective tape, leaving the fire risk unresolved. There is also a separate engine-related fire recall covering vehicles that received a prior engine replacement, where a fuel leak near an ignition source can start a fire. On Optima Hybrid models, a safety plug fuse can blow and cut power to the wheels at low speeds, raising the risk of a crash, and an incorrectly installed aftermarket fuse can overheat and cause a fire. The engine itself carries its own concerns: internal bearing wear can cause the engine to seize without warning, and certain Optima Hybrid trims face an additional engine compartment fire risk. On the structural side, headliner plates above the doors may not be properly secured and can break loose during a side curtain airbag deployment and strike an occupant.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The safety plug fuse may blow, cutting power to the hybrid system during low-speed driving. Using an incorrect aftermarket fuse can cause overheating.
What the fix does
Dealership will check for an incorrect aftermarket fuse and replace the safety plug fuse with a higher-rated 150-A version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headliner plates on the right and left sides may not be properly secured. During a side curtain airbag deployment, these plates can detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the headliner plates at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged or missing heat-protective tape, which can cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealer will install a new multi-fuse and inspect the control unit for leaks, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), potentially causing an electrical short that may affect braking function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the HECU for brake fluid leaks and replace the unit if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel hose can deteriorate and crack over time from heat in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hose for damage or leaks and replace it if needed. If undamaged, heat-protective tape will be applied.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
