Kia Optima Complaints (2013)

1,443 consumer complaints on file.

#11554474November 10, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a snow pearl white kia that the paint started chipping off and is continuing to do such all over the vehicle. There is an area on the hood with rust starting where the paint starting chipping first. I have contacted kia and the rep looked for recalls but there were non for paint. The warranty was only for 3 years on the paint but the issue didn't start happening till after that. I have seen other SWP colored kia's with the same issue and there is a forum on FB with many other kia owners having the same problem. The prominant color seems to be the white one's but others are affected as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553618November 5, 2023
ENGINE
While driving on highway, loss of acceleration/power, all lights appeared on dashboard. Pulled over, turned off engine. Restarted engine and power/acceleration was restored.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553686November 5, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
suddenly while driving, vehicle produced a hybrid system warning light to stop driving immediately and do not drive. Next warning said to check breaks. Following the warning I tried to park, the car then rolled backwards, while foot was on breaks. breaks did not work! I immediately put the car in park and turned the car off. Car was then towed to dealership. When vehicle arrived at dealership warning light was no longer displayed. Dealership flushed out Break fluid and replaced break fluid. Car was picked up and while driving home (luckily was exiting highway) while getting off the ramp warning light came on again, had to stop vehicle in middle of road and place car in park afraid there would be no breaks. I waited with my Hazzard lights on as cars passed. Once the road was clear, I proceeded to attempted to pull car closer to the side of road to get out of lane. As breaking to park vehicle on side edge of road, loud crunching noises were heard and had to place the car in park. Left vehicle running this time while having it towed back to the dealership instead of turning it off this way they could see the issue at hand. When tech witness the issue, I was told the car was unsafe and that it was the break module or also known as Hydraulic Electronic control Unit.. Furthermore I looked up information on this issue and my Make & Model and year of my vehicle is listed on Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-652, page 3. Also Report shows parts: Component Name 1 : HECU Component Description : Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit Component Part Number : 58920-***** and also part number 58910- Although my vehicle vin number does not currently show a recall for this part, report also states VIN numbers will be released to dealerships November 10th 2023 and to the vehicle owners November 14th 2023. Not sure that my vehicle will be included but this definitely is a safety issue. If this would have been on the highway it could have caused an accident. This is not safe for anyone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552750October 30, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE:BODY
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIM. I have changed the bulbs and you can not see out of this vehicle at night. I have checked to see if there is a recall or something. A lot of people have issue with this year make and model of this vehicle. The other problem I am having is the paint peeling with the Snow white color of my vehicle. Large spots of paint is coming off and missing. this vehicle is kept under the carport. Yet, large spots of paint comes off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552055October 26, 2023
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Engine problems
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551541October 24, 2023
STEERING
The MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING is needing replaced due to the play and knocking and chewing up of the plastic part and my local service center says its not covered. i gave the the nhtsa kia tech bulletin info when i scheduled my appt and was told yes its covered. they called today and said no its not because its 10yrs from the date of purchase and i said no it says 10yrs from the date of service. this was just diagnosed in the last month after spending money replacing other things thinking that was the cause. i just want the replacement that kia said they would cover.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550335October 17, 2023
ENGINE
Engine turned off in middle of highway without warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550487October 17, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes warning - Hybrid System warning caused brakes to fail twice while driving. Luckily no accident occurred. Have been told by mechanic that same part is recalled for non-hybrid models of the same car, however hybrid models do not have recall, even though it is the same exact part that is failing as recalled models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11550152October 16, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my pearl white kia optima is peeling badly, primarily on the hood but now its starting to peel near the doors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548732October 6, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and went to open the hood but could not because the latch had melted. The contact went to get an extinguisher but the flames were too aggressive. The vehicle had exploded twice while waiting for the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. No police report was filed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11546157September 23, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In March 2023 car stopped in the middle of an intersection with no warning. “Hybrid system warning” on dashboard lit up as well as all other lights. Dealer said repair was under warranty because of faulty spark plugs which were a safety recall. Prior to this all safety recalls were taken to dealer yet the problem still occurred. On July 2, 2023, the car stopped on the freeway. All lights lit up and the “Hybrid system warning” came up. The car began to smoke. The car was towed to Kia dealer they said the water pump needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced with a certified Kia part. The car still would not turn on. Kia replaced the battery and said the engine needed to be replaced for $9000. They said we were out of warranty (10 years by 2 months). This engine failure seems to be related to the safety recalls that Kia “fixed.” I also have documentation that the warranty should be extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles but the delay refuse to make repairs under the warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545476September 19, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the vehicle had needed an oil change frequently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by the dealer and confirmed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545497September 19, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL with snow white paint. It is peeling horribly around the windshield pillars, and the roof. There are a few other smaller spots starting to chip away as well. This vehicle has been almost exclusivly garage kept. I have read this is a common issue experience by Kia owners with this paint specifically. Please investigate and issue a proper recall for these vehicle owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545229September 18, 2023
ENGINE
NO ACCIDENTS!!! To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Subject: Concerns regarding Kia America's handling of vehicle recalls I am writing to express deep concerns regarding the service and responsiveness of Kia America, particularly in relation to several recalls on my vehicle. There are currently eight outstanding recalls on my vehicle. To address these issues, I brought my car to Kia Jim Ellis in Kennesaw, GA. Following the inspection, I was presented with an estimate of approximately $3,000 for engine repairs. Surprisingly, upon the car's return, I found it had less than a quart of oil. While the dealership did later acknowledge this oversight, such a lapse is deeply concerning. Additionally, the written report from the dealership noted that one of the required parts for the recall repair was missing and had been ordered. However, this was not verbally communicated to me, and the car was handed back as if all repairs had been completed without any cautionary note or indication of when the missing part would be installed. A particular recall that has caused me significant concern pertains to the engine. I've understood that the defect can lead to the engine locking up, which could pose a serious hazard on the roads. Despite expressing my apprehension, the service technician simply advised me to return the vehicle if any noticeable issues arise, including if the engine locks up. For clarity and emphasis on the importance of the recalls, I provided the technician with a detailed letter. Furthermore, I've encountered hurdles when attempting to communicate with Kia America's support at 800-333-4542. After documenting my concerns, a representative transferred my call to a supervisor for resolution. Regrettably, the supervisor expected me to reiterate the previously documented issues and disconnected the call when I referenced the ticket. Dear Kia, recalls have been created to avoid accidents
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544344September 13, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car started doing big noises and problems for running correctly, so my mechanic found out this recall and told me to start the process but the dealer don't answer my requests.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543317September 7, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My 2013 Kia Optima sunroof exploded as I was at a stop, about to turn into work. I experienced a pop and had glass falling on me within seconds. There were no recent rock experiences and the road was completely clear. After dealing with the initial clean up, I drove to an auto glass shop to have it professionally removed. The glass was bowed and left with a large hole, almost like it had just exploded due to pressure or a faulty piece. I almost always have my daughter with me and I’m SO grateful she was not in the vehicle. This could have resulted in injury or even a collision due to the terrifying nature of glass shattering above you. My insurance does not cover comp, however I do work for an insurance agent and he did view the damage. No claim can be filed as the repair and replacement for the damage has to come out of pocket.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542717September 5, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In past year replace Shock Absorbers in the rear($498), Thermostate/gasket($454), and now need code P0464 Fuel leverl Sensor circuit replaced($750)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542227September 2, 2023
ENGINE
My car simply “just quit” leaving me stranded on the road. I called my nearest Kia dealer who said it would be at least 6 weeks until they could see it. Apparently according to a quick search, these cars are blowing engines rather regularly. Why wasn’t there a recall before engines were blown? Since my car is no longer covered under warranty, I’m expecting a hefty bill even though there’s an obvious defect. Kia will not return my calls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541864August 31, 2023
ENGINE
My Kia has a weird sound coming from the engine when it is on parked on when I'm driving and I have the break on. I took it to 2 mechanics, and they both told me that it was the bearings wearing of from the engine and that the motor is working harder than it should and using the motor oil more than it should. Both mechanics told me that it would need a new motor soon but to make it last longer to monitor the motor oil to ensure it always has some. Both mechanics also say that my kia should have a recall, but when I look at my vin, there is no recall for the bearing wear of the engine. It is unacceptable that my kia has a recall for the bearing wear of the engine but not specified for my car and now I have to be worried that my car will break down or worse cause an accident. The recall is 17v224000 SC147
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541900August 31, 2023
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving the car and my engine shut off completely it will no start back up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Optima