10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 16
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,266 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Kia Optima electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #123

Jul 242024

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ran out of gas, and added gas for it to start up again only for it to not run after adding fuel.

- Sun Valley, NV, USA

problem #122

Aug 012024

Optima

  • miles
On 7/31, we had the HECU Fuse recall fixed at the Federico Kia Dealership. In 8/1, one day later, when driving the vehicle all of the car emergency lights came on, the engine started smoking and eventually caught fire. Fire department and police were called. Vehicle was toed to Kia Dealership. The next morning 8/2 we spoke with the service manager at the dealership, who was no help and gave us a 1-800 number to call Kia directly. Since this fire directly pertains to the part they -??fixed-?? the day before during the recall, we believe the dealership did not fix the issue and believe something they -??fixed-?? caused the issue as we have never had any prior issues with the engine.

- Edwardsville, IL, USA

problem #121

Jul 242024

Optima

  • miles
KIA, in Clay New York, refuses to fix the recall on the bearing that caused my engine to cease, i did not know that my car had a recall because i was never notified! My car broke down as i was driving it, i had it towed to Kia, found out there were recalls, but the dealership will not honor the recall and fix my car.

- Syracuse, New York, 13209, NY, USA

problem #120

Jun 112024

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the freeway I noticed my car wasnt going as I was pushing the gas and noticed all my dash lights were on like I was in accessory mode. I coasted to the edge of the freeway and decided to pop my hood and see if it was my battery cable that came loose. While waiting for traffic to break I noticed my hood looked alittle hazy like it was hot. When I was able to get out of my car I noticed black smoke coming from under the hood so I backed off and called 911.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #119

May 062022

Optima

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking noise was detected. The window failed to roll down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned of the vehicle catching on fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #118

Jul 152023

Optima

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds or while parked, the electric windows, seats, sunroof, and radio failed to operate as needed. Additionally, when coolant was added to the coolant reservoir, the A/C unit blew warm air for 15 minutes before cooling down. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a car stereo store where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Bishopville, SC, USA

problem #117

Apr 242024

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the car and all of a sudden my car stopped and has not been working since that day. The dealership where I purchased the car refuses to look at it stating it isn-??t there problem well there was safety recall and from what I have seen online they were not allowed to sell me a car that a big safety recall on it that has not yet been addressed. My problems first started April 24th, 2024. Recall #23V652000

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #116

Nov 012023

Optima

  • miles
Recall since September 2023 and Kia as of this date does not have the part even though recalls states that is urgent

- Stratford , CT, USA

problem #115

Apr 092024

Optima

  • miles
Car shutdown while driving

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #114

Nov 142023

Optima

  • miles
The noted KIA 2013 KIA Optima has had this recall in effect since November 2023. KIA either refuses to say when the recall part is going to be at ANY DEALER, or puts an 'elevator music' soundtrack on the line. I have called numerous dealer's in both Maine, where the KIA is currently registered, and in Ohio / Pennsylvania to find if they know anything. None of the dealer's have any idea when the parts are coming, much less when they can call Owner's to set up a recall appointment. At what point does this end.

- White / Caucasian, OH, USA

problem #113

Apr 052024

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hecu replacemeny untimely manner to fix

- Martinsburg, MO, USA

problem #112

Apr 032024

Optima

  • miles
There is a dangerous recall on my vehicle put out by the maker of the vehicle and I called to schedule service for the vehicle. However no one is servicing my vehicle and they have no timeline on when they can remedy the issue. But I find it a serious matter that a symptom of this recall is a fire while driving or a fire while parked randomly. I need this remedied or car replaced asap to avoid damages or injuries !

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #111

Sep 252023

Optima

  • miles
I have filed a complaint already with 2 agencies and I am continually being transferred from one site to another ! This is my very last complaint, before I file a complaint with my State Senator. ------------------- September 25, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: [XXX] HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] Manufacturer Kia America, Inc. Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected 1,730,192 Summary 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. 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. Some owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is [XXX]. Notes INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #110

Apr 022024

Optima

  • miles
My concerns is for the safety of my family as well as myself. I feel this recall is dangerous and it can happen at any given time. I believe that the manufactures of this vehicle had plenty of time to have this issue fixed. I really don't feel safe driving it, especially with my family.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #109

Mar 292024

Optima

  • miles
Burning smell occasionally no warning light...maybe HECU?

- Martinsburg , MO, USA

problem #108

Sep 252023

Optima

  • miles
Manufacturer hasn't provided a remedy to recall notice issued in September 2023. For something that has a chance of catching on fire driving or Parked this should've been taken care of along time ago instead of risking peoples lives dragging this out.

- Mohawk, TN, USA

problem #107

Mar 012024

Optima

  • miles
Electrical issue then engine leading to car going up in flames

- Menifee, CA, USA

problem #106

Jan 152024

Optima

  • miles
I was driving up the [XXX] north and where [XXX] merges to [XXX] I'm going 65mph on the far left side, and my dash starts beeping and reads WARNING STOP VEHICLE CHECK BRAKES. MY brakes go out, pedal to the floor sounding like grinding gears and doing some major damage, my acceleration stopped working. The [XXX] is merging on the left side so i had to avoid major traffic. I am a driver with skill as i dodge slowed and stopped vehicles, and get to the shoulder before [XXX]. I call for roadside assistance because kia says its free and its not. I was looking around the engine to see what the heck and unplugged the hybrid fuse and battery from back and suddenly it worked again and drive it home and right before I park I made a right turn, and it started beeping again, and this time it stayed this way. I almost lost my life, and I did lose my job because of it. GLENDALE'S CARSPRO KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS THE WORST DEPARTMENT EVER!, they would not help me get a tow, I paid for the tow. THEY CHARGED CLOSE TO 5 GRAND FOR A REPAIR, Hydraulic brake booster module, AND A COUPLE HUNDRED FOR THERE HIGHEST SERVICE OPTION (Changing fluids, wipers, wash, detail, etc) this was a huge mistake and took nearly two months! My car had dust on it THEY DID NOT EVEN CHECK THE PRESSURE I HAD IN MY ALL 4 TIRES (EMPTIED UNTIL 25PSI) I started the vehicle and it started to hiccup as I idle I asked for the manager (a tall husky middle eastern guy with long hair and glasses). He replied "DOES YOUR CAR HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON" I said "no" he said "comeback when it does." I have received paper work from KIA corp stating that i could be reimbursed. I sent that document in and never herd from them again. I call customer service i even went to the Service dept and THEY ERASED MY SERVICE RECORD! Finally happened, with my car still Hiccuping, Rare ShutoffAlarm. I exit fw on green Light, made left; Alarm, No brakes, No gas, Hit curb, Near PEDESTRIANS, Trans Leaks, Part Recalled, No Results, New problem! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE

- North Hollywood, CA, USA

problem #105

Jul 122023

Optima

  • miles
I am concerned about my 2013 Kia Optima SX smoking at a mechanic shop. Mechanics identified smoke from the ABS Control Module or HECU. This raises serious safety concerns. I urge thorough investigation and prompt resolution. Clear communication is expected throughout the process to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

- Sumter , SC, USA

problem #104

Feb 092024

Optima

  • miles
the engine stop ruanning i got the code P1B96, P1B74, POA4C

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

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