9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
86,350 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replaced the hybrid control unit (1 reports)
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Owner Comments

problem #2

Aug 072019

Optima Hybrid EX 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,602 miles

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

I was on the I-30 going to work doing 70 mph, when the car lost all power. On the dash it said "Hybrid Charging System Failure". The car went from 70 mph to 45 mph with in seconds like if the brakes were slammed. Needless to say, I was almost rear ended by inches and just missed the center wall by inches.

I cannot believe that there is no emergency mode on these cars to where the "Gas Engine" would take over in a situation like this. This is very frightening and extremely dangerous. If an inexperienced driver would have been driving, it would have definitely caused and accident. I have read that I am not the only one that has had this issue.

I didn't have an issue until I took it in to get the steering coupler replaced and the dealer did a software system upgrade. That was done on the 19th of July 2019. I did notice that after the upgrade the car responded differently. At a stop light, it stuttered as I pressed on the accelerator pedal then it would go. That happened on several occasions to include this morning as I got on the freeway.

I'm not sure if what I have read on the issue is correct, but it seems to me that it has been common with this car "Kia Optima Hybrid" and the "Kia Niro Hybrid". I truly hope that since this is common, that Kia would cover the repair or at least not charge an arm and a leg.

- G C., Burleson, TX, US

problem #1

Oct 042017

Optima Hybrid LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I regularly service my vehicle with the dealership, got an oil change at 75000 miles, about 500 miles later was driving down a somewhat busy road when it shuddered, the check hybrid energy system warning came on and the car told me to stop driving. Pulled into a parking lot, tried to turn it over and there was no power. Towed to the dealership, three days of diagnostics and replacing the 12v battery revealed the Hybrid Control Unit was fried, replaced that ($4000 covered by warranty), going to have them pay for the 12v because it probably killed that as well. Supposed to get the car back a week later and they tell me the transmission has to be replaced because of that same unit. Unknown $$$. Still no car.

- Bob F., San Diego, US

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