My paint has been peeling off over the years and it just really got bad to the point I could not take it any more. So I finally look to see if the was other vehicles within that year make and model had the same problems and this is why I am doing this.
2013 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2013 record →
Driving on the highway of about 65 mph, a semitruck was moving into the shoulder. I accelerator to pass it. The car pulled forward, then all power was off. I coasted pass the truck heading for the shoulder also. The semi was stilling moving on the shoulder. The driver blowing the horn but there was nothing I could do. The semi was able to get back on the highway without crashing into us. An appt. has been made but the dealership says the part necessary to repair the recall service is unavailable. When the car died all service lights were on. After a 15 min. wait, I started it up and the check engine light was on and a slight smell of gasoline.
My son owned a Kia Optima built in June of 2013. He was in a motor vehicle accident where he was put in a pit maneuver and Then was T boned on the passengers side causing his body to lay across the front seats and died at the scene. His black box download showed that the seat belt pretensioner was off and both airbags in the front did not go off. I know there is a recall for optimas built before aug 31 of 2012. I believe there was an issue with this vehicle as well. I would hate for there to be anymore deaths or injuries with the later models of these vehicles. I do hope this is looked into further.
Chest clips melted got all over car seat and my child
I own a 2013 Kia Optima. The low-beam headlight was not providing proper illumination while driving at night, making it difficult to see the roadway. Took the vehicle to the local dealer, the mechanic was able to see the failure, but stated that my car was made in the US. So the Recall that is out for dimming headlights from cars made in South Korea does not apply to my car. Stated it would cost $720 per headlight assembly plus labor. The car was not repaired. The manufacturer should cover cars made in the US also if the ones in South Korea have the same problem and are being fixed.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
I was driving down the road and my car started smoking. I pulled over and got out of my vehicle and within 5 minutes my engine was in flames
Steering wheel started clicking when turned right or left. When I drive over bumps or holes, steering column clanks and clunks loudly. Steering wheel vibrates at times and feels loose. Possible issue with steering coupler or steering column and I've read that this should be a recall.
Unknown, car was fine then stopped out of no where yesterday, I was scheduled with Kia dealership to have recalled fixed next month but they called and canceled my recall this is now the 2nd attempt and they still have yet to fix recall and now car isn’t working properly!
When we start the car Yellow colour Engine symbol pos up on the dashboard. It’s a engine related issue.
Paint failing and peeling off causing body to rust prematurely.
Engine failure
My car stopped working, i towed it to my Mechanic they said the engine quit working.
When the fuel smell occurred i contacted my dealer and was told about a recall i have been complaining about the smell before i received my second recall paper the car was smoking and stopped working eventually and i've been without a car and unable to use my vehicle while having to maintain payments on it im am not sure why i have to pay for a problem that was spotted early on but due to neglect and unclear solutions i have wasted money on rentals and been left with no answers my check engine light was flashing i was unable to get a inspection sticker and was told it was due to the gas smell
My car has been having a check engine light on for over 9 months now and it cannot pass the smog test and when connected to the scanner it gives the code 0449 and B1347. I have tried to fix the EVap leak and the code still comes out and the airbag light is always on now.
PAINT IS CHIPPING ALL OVER THE CAR HOOD, TRUNK SIDE OF WINDOW, ETC. ESTIMATE HAVE BEE SENT AND PICTURES. HAD PROBLEM APRIL2021. AND HAD HOOD PAINTED NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact has stated that the issue has been resolved.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 71 MPH, she heard abnormal loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist until the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
On May 19, 2022, I was driving North on I-225... The engine stalled out on my 2013 Kia Optima EX, while I was driving. All dash indicator lights came on. There was no warning light came on to alert me of the problem. It smelled like something was burning. No dealership or anyone has confirmed the maintenance needed on the vehicle. I will have my car tolled to a nearby Kia dealership due to the 2013 recall...
I have a 2013 Kia Optima with pearl white paint. My paint has significantly chipped away on multiple parts of the body including the roof, side of drivers side windshield, and the drivers side body. This chipping is due to a paint defect during the manufacturing process and the entire car needs to be repainted.
Exterior Paint Pearl White Kia. Started with small specks all over the entire car around 2018/2019. Last week inches came off with out me noticing since I washed my car three weeks ago. Peeling very fast only has 56,000 miles on it. “Dealer included Paint protection” Have only just begun my research. I have all my purchasing paper work and Maintenace. Bubbling indicates Latent defect, online everyone is starting to post paint problems with the same year. I have paint tearing under my trunk hood. The whole thing needs to be replaced. For having only 56,000 miles on my car it should not have this damage nor should I feel embarrassed about my car. I was not told if and when anything expired before 10years. I have prof of interior and exterior paint protected added and have it in hand.
Paint has been chipping/peeling off with no reason at all.......continues to peel off without any cause
My paint is pealing in a number of locations on my car. Trunk, hood rails and hood. Car has been very we’ll maintained. I am aware of many others having this same issue.
I was driving on the highway and all of my dash lights came on and my car just cutt off. My engine light had never been on before that. After letting my car sit for awhile it turned back on but kept losing power and my engine would make a knocking noise. Took it to a car shop they told me they contacted the kia dealership and they said i had a recall on my engine and it would be replaced when i got there they said they dont know who i talked to but that wasnt true. The car shop said that my engine was eating oil. I would run out of oil quickly but it wasnt an oil leak.
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his brother was attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's brother then saw flames underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact's brother immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire expanded significantly. The contact's brother was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
After accelerating from a stop and releasing my foot from the gas petal the car will start to accelerate on its own and speed up.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I had a recall on my car a little over a year ago I believe and they had to put new engines in a bunch of Kia cars. They said I would get a rental, but I never did and I ended up having to get my own out-of-pocket cause I had no way of getting around. I was never offered any type of reimbursement for this. Now, they have a recall for something that is related to previous complications I have had with the car and expect me to just drive around with it even though it could catch on fire. This is the same issue I had before. I need a car, have no money for a rental, and they still do not have the part to address this recall. I really want them to handle it this time in a timely manner and provide me with a rental free of charge if they cannot.
When I was driving on the freeway, the car engine stopped functioning. All the lights on the dashboard turned on and I couldn't accelerate the car. I had to make several lane changes as I was in the farthest lane. I barely exited the freeway and towed my car to a local mechanic. I had to replace the engine. No warning lamps prior to the failure. My safety was at risk because I couldn't accelerate. The safety of others on the freeway also was at risk.
I started driving and the car just stopped working in the middle of the street. Many lights on the engine came on. I had to push the car into a street and it could've been so dangerous if I was on the busy road instead of a side street. We had the car towed and taken to a mechanic. We got the call and it turns out certain wires started leaking and it could've started an engine fire. No lights were on before until immediately it stopped working.
I was driving about 4 days ago and experienced engine failure. While driving 45-50mph, I felt my car start slowing down and saw that my dashboard lit up with all of the lights! I had just gotten off of the highway, but was in a high traffic area and I am grateful I was able to get into the right lane, then to the side of the rd where I immediately broke down!! My engine wouldn't turnover, and I had to wait for a tow. When the tow truck driver came, he performed a diagnostic, asked about my mileage and he informed me that my model car has a recall on engines. I did research immediately and I read that my year KIA is up for a VOLUNTARY recall on engine failure or engine seizure (2011-2014 models). My car is at a KIA dealership right now, but because my VIN is not registering with a recall, I'd have to pay $5500 for a new engine. My 2013 Optima engine fits the criteria of year and details written in these articles, but the VIN doesn't pop up...... how is this possible?? My engine is not fused, and the tech at the shop says my engine was turning over, but I know it didn't and even the tow truck driver tried to start the car before he hooked it up and it didn't turn over. I know my car experienced the engine failure that thousands of KIAs have a recall for. The faulty sensors don't alert you to an issue until it's too late! My engine light only lit up when my car was seconds away from becoming immobile. Also, I'm more concerned because if the company says it's certain years of car
The paint (SWP) on my car has been chipping for some time now and it’s been getting worse.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Low pressure fuel line began to give off a fuel odor over the last 10k miles, did not realize it was a fuel leak until recently when the car was parked and was leaking fuel under the mid section. The car has not been examined by any person yet. No cabin warning lights/indicators were present. Date given for date of incident is the first incident where a gasoline odor was detected.
I purchased my vechile Dec 28 2021, after driving it exactly one month, as I was driving on the high way my vechile shut off it was the scariest thing that has happened to me the car couldn't brake turn on nor accelerate I had to pull over on the break from being in the middle lane i had to be cautious due to vechile passing fast. Once the car stopped. Had to pay for towing due a state police showing up regardless if I had it on my insurance. I lost my good paying job due to this due to working 45 min away. I had my recall appointment for March 10th already scheduled before hand and my car was parked for a Lil over a month then towed to the dealer. It's been 2 months and yet no vechile nor a temp vechile provided from the dealer told me there's nothing they can do. I called 3 days ago and they keep telling me nothing has been done yet anther month my vechile has to be there. It's crazy that the repairs has nothing to do with me nor my fault and I had to loose a 30 dollar paying job backed me up on rent car payment and everything else and still no consideration.
My son was driving the vehicle on the freeway. Suddenly and spontaneously, the glass in the sunroof shattered. Fortunately he had the interior shade closed so glass did not spill into the car. He does not believe anything hit the roof, he said he just all of a sudden heard the glass shatter and felt the wind rushing in.
When leaving work on 1/6/22, I didn't let my car warm up for more than 1 minute because I was in a hurry to get home. It was very cold - I think -10 if I remember right - and I had just passed through an intersection about 2 blocks from work where road construction closed the road to one lane. The car in front of me stopped because someone in front of him was turning. I had plenty of time to stop & hit my brakes but had no response, much like not having power brakes, but the pedal felt very firm. As cold as it was, there was no ice or snow & the road was dry. I had no traction control or ABS lights come on & ended up rear-ending the car in front of me. The police came & made a report & I came home & checked KIA forums to see if this had ever happened to anyone else but didn't find anything. I explained it to my KIA service advisor but they found nothing wrong & had no explanation. I thought I had maybe imagined it until it happened again, also on a very cold morning, about 2 weeks later in my own driveway. Just no response of the brakes. I couldn't push the pedal hard enough to stop the car. I also mentioned it to my insurance adjuster who just said to let them know if I found out anything further, which I didn't. I never thought to report it here until my husband had an issue with his car recently & was advised to do so. Even extreme cold should not affect a system as important as the brakes on a car & I believe this is a major safety concern. My accident was minor because I
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle stalled as if someone had pulled the vehicle. Numerous warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact slowed down and pulled over safely then removed herself from the vehicle. Once exited the vehicle it became totally engulfed in flames and was destroyed; however, prior to exiting the vehicle noticed black smoke coming from the hood. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. There was a police report. There were no injuries sustained or medical reports. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that he was smelling an abnormal fuel odor within the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Breaks went completely out while driving on freeway. Was diagnosed And this is the technician story verbatim VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN CAN HEAR GURGGLING NOISE COMING FROM BRAKE AREA EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF. WHEN MOVING VEHICLE INTO STALL. ALL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING CAME ON. INSPECTED FLUID LEVEL. FLUID LEVEL OK AT THIS TIME. WITH VEHICLE OFF CAN HEAR ESC MODULE ACTUATING. CONNECTED KDS AND PERFORMED ACTUATION TEST. ACTUATION TEST FAILED. RECOMMEND REPLACING ESC MODULE AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND RETEST CUSTOMER DECLINES TO REPLACE AT THIS TIME -DISCOUNTED RATE: $4839 PLUS TAX (NEED TO ORDER) -REG RATE: $5400 PLUS TAX (NEED TO ORDER) Manufacturer is denying any responsibility to repair. I contacted a lawyer who said the manufacturer is responsible for safety defects.
The paint is peeling in multiple areas for no explained reason.
My paint has been chipping really bad. Also I had a few recalls taken care of at modesto Kia once I got my vehicle back and drove it back home (about an hour and a half away) I started smelling something burning, I looked under the hood and couldn't find anything wrong so then a few days later I smelled the same thing but this time I heard a loud pop I got out and noticed my fog light had shattered, and the housing is completely burned. So now my fog lights won't work and I have to make sure the fog lights are turned off because I don't want there to be power going to the loose wires, the head lights get extremely hot to the touch the fog light got so hot it burned a hole through the bumper. Then about two weeks ago the airbag light turned on and it won't turn off, I did some research and found out that when the air bag light is on there is a huge chance the airbags won't deploy. I have a baby so I really hope that isn't the case, because if a hair on his head gets harmed because of Kia I will be suing.
The contact's son owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while steering the vehicle in either direction without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that if the steering column was not replaced, the power steering would fail to operate as needed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon search of her VIN, she discovered that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact then called the NHTSA hotline and she was informed that parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Traction control is too sensative. I was in a stop sign. Then tried to press the acceleration but vehicle lost power. Too sensative traction control caused me to stall in the middle. There were car coming from the left or right to me. I am glad I was at safe distance and could regain control of the car.
While driving down interstate 10 my vehicle suddenly lost all power from the engine. Upon stopping to attempt restarting it I plugged in my personal obd2 maintenance tool and came up with no trouble codes. Vehicle would not crank.
My paint is chipping away on my hood and frame around windshield.
Was driving on a busy street. Went to accelerate, car wasn’t getting gas. Brakes seized and steering wheel seized. Had to drift off the road since the whole car died.
I am terrified the car is going to catch fire. You can fully inspect if need be. Most of the electronics in my car malfunction, since the start of buying it, windows roll down but not up from front button, sometimes my sunroof will open randomly, or when going to close will just reopen, my seat buttons dont always work, etc. But the newest thing that is scaring me and doesnt seem to be just cosmetic like the other electronic things it my air bag light randomly coming on, my driver air bag light comes on and the moment it does my passenger air bag light turns OFF with nobody in the seat. So Driver airbag will NOT be deploying but my passenger one will, with nobody in the seat. On top of that it vibrates and rough idles so badly its actually randomly turned off in the morning when i first start it. I have had my engine replaced and upgraded, and my turbo replaced already. I'm scared its not safe. I have not taken it to the dealer, as when I call them they tell me they are booked out for MONTHS.
Engine seized up right after oil change. Went into limp mode on highway. Doesn't run
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2013 Kia Optima → · Every Optima year → · How the figures are calculated →