2013 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Kia Optima: 9 recalls, 1385 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V224000 · 2017 · 618,160 vehicles
What's wrong: Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process May cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Why it matters: Bearing wear May result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V363000 · 2018 · 507,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V100000 · 2020 · 141,774 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V519000 · 2020 · 440,370 vehicles
What's wrong: Brake fluid May leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Why it matters: If the hecu short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V331000 · 2021 · 440,370 vehicles
What's wrong: Brake fluid May leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Why it matters: An electrical short in the hecu increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #22V093000 · 2022 · 72,848 vehicles
What's wrong: The low pressure fuel hose May be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #22V560000 · 2022 · 257,998 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A plate that detaches during a crash May strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 114 mention a fire, 37 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (613): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (189), warning light on (174), noise or vibration (156).
- Steering (213): the most common themes are steering problems (181), noise or vibration (63).
- Other / unknown (186): the most common themes are fire / smoke (28), stalls / loses power (22), warning light on (22).
- Electrical (146): the most common themes are electrical failure (54), fire / smoke (42), warning light on (30).
The 2013 Kia Optima has 1385 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (3.7× the average Optima year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (165 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 83,314 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (919 complaints, 5 recalls), 2014 (589 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Kia Optima.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 1385 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (613), steering (213), other / unknown (186).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.