NHTSA attached an advisory to a recall on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
06800068,000 milesMedian miles at failure
45 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
15 of the 56 complaints (27%) are about the electrical system.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System
14
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
9
0
0
0
Engine
8
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
5
1
0
1
Hybrid Propulsion System · hybrid system
4
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
3
0
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control
3
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
2
0
Power Train · transmission
2
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting · headlights
2
0
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module23V652000Park outside
Filed Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesKia America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Filed Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehiclesKia Motors America
Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2026NE
Hybrid battery low won't crank but turns on and says park do not drive check charging system
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 25, 2026AL
I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a recall job on the he cu but he only put a fuse in and press complete on your system to let you all know that he completed the job but he did not complete the job he patched it up and I almost lost my life the Brits gave out on me I pressed the brakes down to the floor I pressed the the parking brake and I put the car in park while driving because it lost power of breaking and a warning came up popped up and it said it's a safety race warning do not drive do not drive no brakes do not drive and I almost ran into a building finally the car out down and I was able to stop but I can't drive the car because it's a safety risk the the brake fluid keeps coming out and the car keeps telling me warning do not drive and the brake warning light is on and when I check the brake fluid reservoir is no brake fluid in it it keeps running out and I feel like I'm at a dead end I don't have any transportation I can't drive my kids to school I can't do the things that I need to do in my normal life because I don't have any breaks and this dealership did not perform the job that they were supposed to perform he did not repair the he cu he just passed it up and I almost died
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 2026GA
Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on " Check brake system " then the car slows down to 10mph immediately. While pressing on the brakes they squeaking, very badly. I have to turn the car off and back on until the flashing " Check brake system" turns off. This happens every 5 to 10 minutes while driving multiple times a day, everyday. This could have caused an accident on multiple occasions. When the warning light comes on, the car immediately goes down to 10mph making it impossible to pullover in time. The car is currently at the dealership for inspection, they're the only ones that i had inspect the car. However reading the Kia forms online alot of other customers are having this same issue. This issue started happening about two months ago. And has progressively gotten worse.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 26, 2026DE
I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google the recall again and now its gone.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 21, 2026180,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. In addition, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that an unknown software update was completed, and the brake line was bled; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 15, 2026FL
The car lights have dimmed tremendously, I replaced lights by myself with no luck over the years. It has just come to my attention, they knew and addressed reported problems but never sent a recall or safety notice that the reflective material designates. My car is at the dealer and confirmed this is the problem, your help would be great. Also, a steering recall and the part was replaced with the same material, it now needs to be changed again and they want me to pay. I thought all safety recalls never expire. Thanks in advance, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Hybrid Management
Filed Mar 6, 2025146,000 milesCO
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Hybrid battery system warning - Pull over -Do Not Drive" was displayed, prompting the contact to pull over and discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The ABS and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 146,000.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 21, 2024177,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the brake pedal was pumped to slow the vehicle as needed. Additionally, the "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and "Check Brake" messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Engine
Filed Oct 31, 202443,494 milesGA
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and engine warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was not related to the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 43,494.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 10, 2024CA
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 2, 2024MD
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 1, 202490,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that after driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor present inside the vehicle. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 26, 2024FL
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 11, 202365,000 milesCO
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that the front-end of the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the front struts. The front driver's side axle was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, 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 contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 6, 202394,223 milesCA
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, an unknown warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,223.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 1, 2023128,795 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Pull Over and Shut Down Vehicle" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence, where the vehicle was parked. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and advised the contact to park the vehicle outside and away from structures. The failure mileage was approximately 128,795. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 28, 2023TX
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2023100,200 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine, ABS, service vehicle, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the warning message "Hybrid System Failure" message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 2022159,636 milesOH
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing the vehicle, the Hybrid Propulsion System message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 159,636.
Steering
Filed Jul 8, 2021170,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally with a sound coming from the steering rack. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2021115,000 milesLA
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid system failure, pull over warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a blown head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer for almost one year. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. Vin was unavailable.
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2021163,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF MCCOMB (1030 LONGLEAF RD, MCCOMB, MS 39648) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HAD THROWN A ROD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A NEW ENGINE UNDER THE RECALL HOWEVER, AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE THE MILEAGE WAS OVER 150,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A HYBRID AND GASOLINE ENGINE SO THE ODOMETER MILEAGE SHOULD NOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR IN DETERMINING WHICH VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM THE FREE RECALL REPAIR AND ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 24, 201973,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IT COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EARNHARDT KIA (2121 E BELL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85022, 602-346-5400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE SPECIFICS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.
Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Jun 10, 201967,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND "CHECK HYBRID BATTERY AND DO NOT RUN" WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ROMEO KIA OF KINGSTON (111 SCHENK DR, KINGSTON, NY), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Engine
Filed May 26, 201967,000 milesCA
HYBRID WARNING LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON INDICATING THAT I SHOULD PULL OVER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I IMMEDIATELY VEERED TO MY LEFT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER, AS THE CAR HAD ALREADY DIED, AND I WAS MOVING ONLY ON MOMENTUM. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. I WAITED A WHILE, AND THE CAR RESTARTED. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT AWAY LATER THAT DAY. THIS WAS A SATURDAY, AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE SAME SCENARIO AND ALSO ALMOST GOT HIT BY A CAR AS I WAS TRYING TO GET TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. MY CAR DID NOT START IN THAT INCIDENT, AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THE SECOND TIME WAS AGAIN THE SAME SCENARIO, AND IT DID RESTART. EACH TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THEY MADE ANCILLARY UPDATES, WHICH DIDN'T HELP. THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS ADAMANT THAT THEY FIX IT BECAUSE THEY WERE AT RISK OF SERIOUS LIABILITY BECAUSE I WAS BEING PLACED IN EXTREME DANGER. FURTHER, IT BROUGHT ABOUT MUCH ANXIETY KNOWING THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. MY CAR IS STILL WITHIN THE 100K WARRANTY. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REFUSED TO ADDRESS IT UNDER WARRANTY, AND THEY ARGUED WITH ME ABOUT IT ONLY TO CONCEDE LATER THAT, IN FACT, IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 25, 2019IN
ELECTRICAL INTERIOR LIGHT TURN ON WHEN YOU LEAN ON THE ARM REST ALSO GOT A OIL CHANGE AND THE OIL LIGHT WILL NOT RESET CAUSE THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE OIL PRESSURE
Engine
Filed Mar 26, 201990,000 milesGA
ENGINE OIL LEAKING
Power Train
Filed Mar 21, 201989,000 milesWI
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A HYBRID SAFETY WARNING LIGHTING UP. IT GOES ON AND THEN THE VEHICLE POWERS DOWN TO 25 MPH. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM WHEN DRIVING SPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 201985,000 milesFL
2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID AIRBAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON INDICATED PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. DIAGNOSIS IS AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT FAILURE. WE HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH. I NOTICED THERE ARE RECALLS FOR 2011 - 2012 OPTIMA HYBRID AND 2011 - 2013 OPTIMA VEHICLES, AMONG MANY OTHERS BY HYUNDAI AND KIA. 2013 OPTIMA HYBRID MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201967,000 milesCA
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN A HCS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. THE KIA DEALER SAID THE SAFETY FUSE OF 125 HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A 150 SAFETY FUSE AS WELL AS THE NEW BATTERY, $897 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I ASKED KIA WHY THEY DIDN'T RECALL THE 125 SAFETY FUSE, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE!
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 23, 2019133,000 milesOK
I WAS AT A STOP AND WHEN THEIGHT TURNED GREEN I LET OFF MY BRAKE PEDAL AND LIGHTLY PUT PRESSURE ON MY GAS PEDAL WHEN THE CAR QUICKLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND I HAD TO APPLY MY BRAKES AS TO NOT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE A FEW OTHER TIMES BUT ALWAYS ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL. IT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN DUPLICATE FOR A SHOP TO SEE AS IT'S COMPLETELY RANDOM WHEN IT HAPPENS.
Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Nov 9, 2018102,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND "HYBRID FAILURE" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA STORE EAST (7301 NEW LA GRANGE ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40222, (502) 425-1234) WHERE THE RELAY AND ECU BATTERY WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A FAULTY FUSE BLEW OUT WITHIN THE HYBRID MOTOR. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE RELAY WITH AN INCREASED VOLTAGE FROM 125 AMPS [WATTS] TO 150 AMPS [WATTS]. THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 28, 201878,000 milesPA
TODAY MY CAR CUT OFF AS I WAS DRIVING. THE DISPLAY READ HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO SAY FOR ME TO PULL OVER AND STOP DRIVING THIS HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES OVER THE WEEKEND AND I'VE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM I ALSO REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND THAT WAS A WASTE BECAUSE RIGHT AFTER THAT WAS SERVICED IT HAPPENED AGAIN
Electrical System
Filed Oct 21, 201840,000 milesTX
VEHICLE WOULD'T START THE ENGINE RANDOMLY. KIA DEALER WASNT ABLE TO FIND THE ISSUE SINCE I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN AND IT WAS RUNNING AT THAT TIME. RANDOMLY SHOWS HYBRID SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY WORKING.
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Sep 30, 2018106,000 milesIN
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID THIS MORNING. WHILE DRIVING, I SUDDENLY GOT A WARNING MESSAGE THAT SAID "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE STOP SAFELY DO NOT DRIVE". I PULLED OVER AND SMELLED WHAT SEEMED TO BE FIRE, BUT SAW NOTHING. I CALLED MY FIANC TO LET HIM KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THE CABIN STARTED FILLING WITH SMOKE. I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND POPPED THE TRUNK. THERE WERE FLAMES SHOOTING OUT OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, THE CAR IS NOW SITTING IN A TOW YARD. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I WOULD HAVE DONE OR COULD HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 201870,000 milesCA
1. DRIVING VEHICLE ON FREEWAY AND THE ENGINE BLEW. KIA REBUILT THE TOP HALF OF THE ENGINE. 2. DRIVING VEHICLE ON STREET AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK A LOT OF STRENGTH TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. KIA RESET MAIN CONTROL UNIT TO FIX ISSUE. 3. DRIVING VEHICLE ON STREET AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. KIA WANTS TO REPLACE MAIN CONTROL UNIT. CAR HAS PASSED THE WARRANTY BY 10K MILES. NOT COVERED.
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 29, 201875,000 milesTX
CAUGHT ON FIRE, NON COLLISION, PLEASE SEE LINK TO MY FEATURED NEWS STORY HTTP://WWW.EMAILTHIS.CLICKABILITY.COM/ET/EMAILTHIS?CLICKMAP=VIEWTHIS&ETMAILTOID=1865502621
Electrical System
Filed Mar 1, 201854,844 milesCA
FROM A STOP AT A LIGHT OR INTERSECTION, OVER SEVEN (7) TIMES THE CAR HAS JOLTED FORWARD AND STOPPED ABRUPTLY, LOSING MOST POWER TO THE MOTOR AT THAT POINT. AUDIBLE ALARMS RING AND THE DASHBOARD HAS READ BOTH "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! IMMEDIATELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" AND "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM". THIS HAS HAPPENED DURING LEFT TURNS WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT THEN HAS TO SLOW AS I SLOWLY CREEP OUT OF THE INTERSECTION.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 16, 201852,000 milesCA
THE MPG HAS DECREASED FROM 38-40 MPG TO 30 MPG SINCE I HAD THE FUEL INJECTION SERVICE PERFORMED. THE DEALER OFFERS NO HELP. WISH I NEVER HAD IT DONE.....I GET SUDDEN SURGES OF ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. SINCE THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THE DEALER STATES THEY CANNOT HELP ME. THE NEWEST ISSUE IS WHEN TURNING THE TEMPERATURE DOWN IN THE CAR TO LOW IT KICKS ON THE AC. THIS TOO IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. I ACTUALLY SHOWED THE SERVICE MANAGER THE PROBLEM YESTERDAY AND WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE MORE THAN 6 TIMES, FIRST HE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL, THEN SAID HE WOULD CHECK IN TO IT. SCHEDULED AN APPT TODAY FOR FOLLOW UP AND IT IS NOT ACTING OUT TODAY. HE SAID I CAN PAY TO HAVE THE MECHANICS CHECK IT OUT BUT SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT HE DOESN'T THINK HE CAN HELP ME. EVEN THOUGH HE WITNESSED IT YESTERDAY, HE SAYS SORRY. THEY TREATED ME LIKE I WAS MAKING ALL THIS STUFF UP. THE DEALERSHIP IS THE LAST PLACE I WANT TO SPEND MY DAY, ESPECIALLY SPENDING THIS KIND OF MONEY. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUES WITHOUT ANY ANSWERS. THEY ARE LOSING A CUSTOMER !
Electrical System
Filed Dec 21, 201769,000 milesFL
I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID WITH FAULTY HEADLIGHTS THAT HAVE COMPLETELY GONE OUT/FAILED OVER 10 TIMES STARTING 3 MOS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. AFTER 1/2 YEARS AND 4 FIXES, INCLUDING COMPLETELY REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT PACKAGE, I FILED THE LEMON LAW PAPERWORK (I PURCHASED IN APRIL 2013.) IN NOV OF 2014. I WAS TOLD THEY GET A FINAL FIX. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AGAIN. THEN, IN DEC 2015, MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN & HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AGAIN. KIA CORPORATE HAS BEEN RUDE TO ME AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD COMPLETED THE FINAL FIX A YEAR BEFORE. I HAVE PHONE VIDEOS (WITH WITNESSES) FROM YEARS AGO, 11/18/14, 1/25/16, 3/18/17, 3/27/17, 4/8/17 AND 12/10/17. MOST OF THE TIMES I HAVE BEEN OUT AND HAVE HAD TO DRIVE HOME IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. I LOVE MY CAR BUT HATE THE DANGEROUS ISSUES. KIA HAS MADE ME FEEL AS THOUGH I'M NOT IMPORTANT, MY SAFETY IS A NON-ISSUE AND THAT THEY FIX IT EVERY TIME, BUT IT IS NOT TRULY FIXED IF I HAVE HAD 6 MAJOR REPAIRS OVER 4 YEARS. I'VE BEEN AT THE POINT OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN OVER THE STRESS AND FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND OF LETTING KIA BULLY & CONVINCE ME I DO NOT QUALIFY TO GET MY CAR REPLACED. I AM PUTTING MY SAFETY FIRST NOT TO MENTION THE EMOTIONAL STRESS, INTERFERENCE WITH MY WORK, PUTTING FAMILY & FRIEND'S SAFETY AT RISK. NEVER KNOWING IF AND WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN & HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT MANY TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I'VE BEEN TOLD TOO MANY TIMES THIS IS THE LAST FIX! I DON'T LIKE CONFLICT AND HAVE
Engine
Filed Dec 1, 201768,000 milesMD
THE ENGINE REVS WHILE IDLE PERIODICALLY AND THE ENGINE REVS STILL WHEN U LET GO OF THE GAS. I BELIEVE THIS CAR WAS AFFECTED BY KIAS LATEST RECALL... AND CAUSES ISSUES WITH ME BEING ABLE TO BRAKE AND SUCH CUZ THE CAR ENGINE REVS WHEN THE GAS ISNT BEIN TOUCHED. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING
Electrical System
Filed Nov 16, 201735,000 milesVA
TAKATA RECALL: CAR AT 35K MILEAGE AND DISPLAYS 'HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING, SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'. HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS WHO STILL CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS. ALSO, SEEMS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DISCHARGING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE!! ISSUES HAVE YET BEEN FIXED!
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 8, 201758,000 milesAZ
TAKATA RECALL. CAR HAS BEEN SAYING "WARNING PULL OVER DO NOT DRIVE" ALTHOUGH I AM IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY, IN THE CAR WASH OR ON THE FREEWAY. TOOK INTO DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES NOW AND THEY SAY DRIVE IT HERE NEXT TIME WITH THE WARNING ON BUT THE CAR FREEZES UP AND TURNS OFF WHICH RESETS THE WARNING DISPLAY! THE DEALERSHIP IS ACTING LIKE NOTHING IS WRONG. MILEAGE THIS STARTED IS 58,000.
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 27, 201741,000 milesCA
VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OF 5-10 MPH APPROXIMATELY. HAS DONE THIS ON OCCASION AT HIGHWAY SPEED A SUDDEN SURGE SO A BRAKING WOULD RELIEVE PROBLEM.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 28, 201733,997 milesTX
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE (THANKFULLY PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY), VEHICLE WAS IN EV MODE, WITH JUST CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AFTER ENTERING GAS MODE BATTERY AND MAINTENANCE LIGHT APPEARED IN ADDITION TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE GREEN "READY" LIGHT ON THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN FLASHING AND A WARNING MESSAGE STATING "HYBRD SYSTEM WARNING: SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" APPEARED ON THE TRIP SCREEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH.
Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Jun 15, 201636,600 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,600.
Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Apr 21, 201656,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYDRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 85 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYBRID SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAD POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS AND OFFERED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2015500 milesIA
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE TOOK A TRIP TO TEXAS TO SEE MY DAUGHTER. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON THAT TRIP; WAS GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT STARTED ACCELERATING ALL ON IT'S OWN... THE 1ST TIME I QUESTIONED IF I HAD ACCIDENTLY BUMPED SOMETHING, THE 2ND ALSO AND THE 3RD ALLOWED IT TO ACT ON ITS OWN AND BEFORE I KNEW IT WAS ALMOST 100MPH. THANKFULLY THE BRAKE ENGAGES.. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN FOR CHECK AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO NOTHING COULD BE DONE.. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 5TH OCCASION REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE.. I AM AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS HAVING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IF THEY CAN NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN REPAIR..
Electrical System
Filed May 12, 201530,150 milesOH
I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK MONDAY AND A VERY HEAVY RAIN STORM WAS COMING DOWN. AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, I SET MY KIA IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE BY PRESSING THE POWER BUTTON. THE RESPONSE I GOT WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE "P" PARK POSITION, ALTHOUGH IT WAS IN THAT SHIFTED POSITION. I PRESS THE POWER BUTTON AGAIN AND IT TURNS ON THE LIGHTS INSIDE THE CAR RATHER THAN TURN THEM OFF. I HAVE TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE A SUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AT JUST TURNING OFF MY CAR. TURNING IT ON IS NO PROBLEM, ITS JUST TURNING IT OFF THAT IS CAUSING DISTRESSING. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FILL UP YOUR CAR WITH GAS WHEN YOU CANNOT EVEN TURN IT OFF. THIS IS A REALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY! FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I'VE READ, A COMMON THEME ABOUT WATER INTERFERING WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS A COMMON TREND.
Electrical System
Filed May 9, 201550,521 milesCA
WHEN WE TAKE THE CAR TO CAR WASH AND SOME TIME GO OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER , IF THE CAR IS ON MOVE , IT WILL SHUT ITSELF AND I HAD TO STOP THE CAR RESTART THE CAR . IF THE CAR COMES OUT OF CAR WASH AND BE TURN , IT WILL NOT START UNTIL 4 TO 5 HOURS LATER . ERROR WE GET " KEY IS NOT RECOGNIZE" I TOOK MY CAR TO KIA DEALER IN IRVINE , AND THEY TOLD ME DO NOT TAKE THE CAR TO CAR WASH . I CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR KIA AND THEY SAID THE HYBRID CAR IS NOT DESIGN FOR CAR WASH. THIS IS A PROBLEM , WHAT HAPPEN IN A HEAVY RAIN IN THE HIGHWAY . DOES SOMEBODY NEED TO DIE THAT COMPANY LOOK AT THIS ISSUE ? THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAIN AND THIRD TIME I AM STRANDED IN STREET BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I WAS LUCK THAT I WAS IN THE STREET IN 91 EXPRESSWAY . *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 56, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Sep 25, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.