Kia Optima Complaints (2013)

1,443 consumer complaints on file.

#11710781January 13, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and to tow the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had failed. The contact was informed that since the vehicle had a branded title, it could not be repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that back in October 2024, the vehicle had been in a hit-and-run accident. The insurance company had declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact kept the vehicle and registered it with the rebuilt title. The contact stated that the engine on the vehicle was the original engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that Kia Customer Care called and advised the contact that the manufacturer declined the request for the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710466January 12, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the speedometer started malfunctioning, and the check engine warning light was flashing. There was an abnormal burning odor, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down for an hour. While attempting to restart the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were flashing, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was picked up by her daughter, and the vehicle was later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer later informed the contact that the warning lights had turned off. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the tires, the oil, and the oil filter needed to be replaced. The contact declined to pay for the parts replacement because the oil and the oil filter had been replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was ready for pick up. The contact stated that after a family member picked up the vehicle, the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact stated that the dealer had informed them that an arrangement had been made for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, no further update was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709740January 8, 2026
ENGINE
The engine on my 2013 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] ) failed catastrophically less than one mile after purchase. This vehicle is subject to Kia Safety Recall SC147, which addresses a manufacturing defect involving engine bearing wear caused by factory machining debris and identifies engine replacement as the remedy when failure occurs. A Kia dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure was denied under warranty. I then requested that the dealership pursue recall compliance under Safety Recall SC147. After consultation with Kia Techline and a Kia service representative, the dealership declined to submit or pursue recall compliance for this engine failure. I am submitting this complaint for recall non-compliance and request that this matter be reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709420January 7, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–35 MPH, the engine started knocking. The check engine warning light illuminated once the knock started in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact stated that there was an open recall associated with the VIN; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because the engine was knocking. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709503January 7, 2026
ENGINE
My 2013 Kia Optima SXL experienced engine knock and shutdown after completion of recall SC147 (KSDS software update). The recall did not repair the known Theta II rod bearing defect and now the engine is failing as detected by the software. Kia corporate and Kia of Merced (Merced, CA) are refusing repair, citing auction purchase and PI1803, despite the engine being covered under the Theta II engine warranty extension. The vehicle is unsafe to operate and shuts down unexpectedly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708860January 5, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with the known bearing wear defect covered under the manufacturer’s safety recall, including knocking noises, loss of power, and engine malfunction. The condition worsened to the point that the vehicle became unsafe to operate due to the risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia dealership, which confirmed engine damage consistent with the recall defect. The engine remains available for inspection. Despite an active, unrepaired safety recall for engine bearing wear that increases the risk of engine seizure and crash, the manufacturer and dealership have refused to perform the recall remedy unless the owner first replaces the engine at personal expense. The manufacturer has stated that the recall cannot be performed due to the current condition of the engine. This refusal leaves the vehicle with an open safety recall and no manufacturer-provided remedy, creating an ongoing safety risk due to potential engine seizure and loss of power while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708169January 1, 2026
STEERING
Steering flexible coupler worn in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) syste causing clicking noise and jittery steering
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706264December 20, 2025
STEERING
Bushing related to steering wheel was a safety issue that causes steering wheel play and possible loss of control. I was never informed of the issue and Kia said it would not repair it since the warranty expired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705485December 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2013 Kia Optima caught fire while my [XXX] son and his friends were driving it. The car burnt up. Some truck drivers flagged my son down to let him know the car was on fire. They could have been killed if it wasn’t for the truck drivers warning him that the car was on fire while driving down the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703558December 7, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel very loose, crackling noise and shaking going over bumps or uneven roads.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703203December 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over, the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the brake pedal required additional effort to depress. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle; however, while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703217December 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has the factory Snow White pearl paint. It is always parked in a garage. Since may 2025 the paint has been bubbling and cracking causing it to peel completely off of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700621November 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
The computer modular or engine control module yes, it is available for inspection. I can be at risk because my lights flicker off and, on my turn, signals do not work, and it will not go into drive I have to start my car 30 minutes before I can leave for work at 5:30am in the morning. I had a security update on my car and ever since that took place, I had this issue. I just had the P1326 code come up on my car last November took it to Vero Beach Kia and had that update done on my car for the engine problems that is going on, and they replaced the last recall which was the knock sensor. I had explained to them the issue my car does when starting it they told me it has nothing to do with the update that would cause it. When looking this issue up there are other people having the same issue, but Kia will not inspect it out so can you please investigate this issue and plus the paint on my car has peeled so bad.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699955November 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
During a drive after startup, vehicle flashed the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) error and put the car into limp mode. Car will idle fine, but the issue is intermittent upon acceleration. Error code is p1775 Electric Oil Pump Hall IC Sensor Failure. Took it to a mechanic and they had performed a test on the sensor and pump and found no issues after stress testing and checking cabling. Issue occurred at mechanic when they tried to move the vehicle and suggest replacing the electric oil pump and sensor even though they found no issue the parts themselves without tearing down the mechanism. Car is undrivable because of this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698245November 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving on this day [XXX] all of a sudden my car started to shut down and I couldn’t give my vehicle any gas really. I got a hybrid system warning, and my red brake light came on, and I got indicator for me to check the brake. My brakes felt like they were grinding and hitting the ground. I managed to get my Kia into the dealership where the service manager, Jose looked at my car briefly. Of a visual inspection he said that the brake pads looked good, but your brakes are hitting the ground. He charged me a diagnosis. I told him to check to see if there are any recalls active, he said I do see a recall, but this doesn’t have anything to do with your car. The next day I heard from the service manager told me I have an update. I have attached the diagnosis of my car. This is what they say needs to be repaired in my vehicle. I asked my service advisor questions about how related the recalled part was to the issue. You can see the conversation in the pictures. At this point, I created a case with you all when he started to argue over terminology. I had a conversation on the phone with Jose and my service advisor later where they then told me that there is no recall that is showing up. I said I need to look over this because I saw a recall there. I verified this and messaged the advisor back. There were no further conversation conversations over the phone. Everything was done over messages and you can see them below. I was being threatened to be charged storage fees. And they said that they performed the recall, but the car was not confirmed to be in drivable condition. I did not go by to pick the car up. I called corporate numerous times. I was told on one day any additional information from text messages is not needed. Until Alicia gave me the email and said to please send over the info. I called the corporate office, the corporate office did not do anything to solve the situation. My car is still not drivable condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698251November 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clear coat is delaminating and the Paint is peeling off in multiple areas of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696363October 29, 2025
ENGINE
The engine went
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695755October 27, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2013 Kia Optima and my paint on the vehicle is pilling so bad and fast it is exposing the body of the vehicle. I have done plenty of research and this is a commonly known problem with the pearl white paint jobs. It will start effecting the body and exterior of my vehicle and then turn efforts onto the inside of the vehicle. This is a huge problem so please as a huge company take responsibility and fix this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694839October 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I have had 2 incidents of engine ceasure in my 2013 Kia Optima SX w/ Limited package. Once it ceased on the freeway causing me to have a minor collision with the offramp guide rail and just recenting on 10/18/2025 it happened again on the 405 with loud knocking sounds engine light flashing and no real engine power after ceasing. My engine was previously repaired under warranty with case number XXX which should have extended the warranty along with the existing recall for the GDI engine. I need help to get KIA to repair/replace under warranty as my engine is covered in the Theta II class action settlement. Kia repeatedly tries to dodge responsibility for repairing my car under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694353October 19, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Seized After Kia Recall Repairs – Safety Defect Recurrence I own a Kia vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) with a rebuilt title. Kia performed engine recall work on my vehicle at Fowler Kia in Longmont, Colorado. The service advisor stated the recall was to “protect the engine from seizing.” After driving around 18,000 miles since the recall service, the engine seized suddenly while operating. Kia Customer Affairs has denied warranty coverage because of the salvage title, but this does not change the fact that the defect is safety-related and persisted after recall work. This creates a serious safety concern because: The engine failure happened without warning, Kia performed the recall on this exact safety defect, And now they are denying any further responsibility. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of safety recalls on vehicles with rebuilt titles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Optima