2013 Kia Optima complaints

I have a 2013 Kia Optima EX, on the steering wheel, I hear a knocking sound while turning the wheel. I was informed that there was a recall for the rubber coupler replacement. I never received a recall letter from Kia Motors. I am very concerned about driving the vehicle because the sound is getting louder.

Driving at night the engine sputtered and stalled in traffic. Lost power to steering and had to get off main road . Towed to a mechanic and was told there was no oil in the engine and the entire engine needs to be replaced . The oil has been changed as required but constantly low and needing to be topped up . He advised checking the VIN for a recall with this particular car model having a previous recall . I checked there were no open recalls . The engine is being replaced .

My 2013 Kia optima caught fire while I sitting idle in the vehicle in a parking lot outside of an establishment in May of 2021. I started my vehicle, and was finishing up a phone call when I noticed smoke coming from my hood. When I opened the hood to investigate flames shot up from my engine. I called 911 and fortunately the fire department was close and we're able to put out the fire quickly and no one was hurt. If it hadn't been for the phone conversation keeping my attention, I would have taken off normally and the outcome could of been seriously different. I'm not sure what happens when you are actively driving a car that engulfs in flames but I imagine it's not pretty. There was a open recall on my car for a low pressure fuel tube malfunction that was thought to cause fires. The Kia dealership denied I had an open recall asked me to remove car from facility or they would tow it . They were low on space. . They said that they wouldn't cover my car for any reason anyway because it doesn't have the original engine it came with. The engine was replaced by Kia because of engine defect and recall but the local dealership could not see this car history. Eventually I was able to get a case opened with the corporate office and an inspection was done. They still denied me and no one was on the same page as far as car history. Was given the run around. The inspection report and estimate I have contradict one another. They spent 6 to tell me my cars problem is not there fault. They

My engine began smoking while I was driving I pulled over to see where the smoke was coming from and it burst into flames

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,122

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the front of the vehicle was in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

The stock paint on the car is chipping and peeling away without any damage being done to the paint. Specific locations are the A pillars next to the windshield. The quality of the paint and clear coat comes into question, as this is also happening on my mother's white painted Kia, and this is a common issue amongst most Kias painted in any variation of white from the manufacturer.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that she was able to drive the vehicle however, the vehicle was shuddering while driving and stalled several times. The contact stated she was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not cover the repair of the vehicle because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN tool showed that the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

KIA replaced the low fuel line under campaign number 20V100 November of 2020 and the replacement part has now cracked causing gas to spray out onto my engine less than a year later. KIA is refusing to warranty the part. This is a huge life safety issue for myself and my family that travel in this vehicle. I feel these replacement parts need to be checked and replaced before someone gets seriously hurt.

2013 KIA Optima Pearl White paint began chipping and flaking exposing bare metal to rust and corrosion.

I bought my pearl Kia Optima in 2013 and the paint started chipping in 2018 or so. It started on the side by the windows, then my hood, then it went with the top portion of the vehicle (now rusty) then it began in the trunk area. It gets worse when the weather changes to cold temperatures or rain.

Low pressure fuel tube leak. Gas leak through quick connect clamp, factory defect on part. Recall was done and still has same problem.

While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to stall and as I tried to keep going, I did get to 60 MPH and the car completely stalled and turned off in the middle of the highway as I tried to get off to the side. All of the warning lights illuminated. The car would not start up and the steering wheel locked. I had to be pushed off the road. I was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The battery seemed to still have power at the time, but still would not start. Someone pulled over to try to jump start the vehicle, but it would not start. I then went and purchased a new battery to see if that would help and it did not. The car had absolutely no power to it, would not click over and would not shift into gear. The week prior, my check engine light had came on and I did stop at autozone to have them run a diagnostic. When it ran it pulled up a manufacturer code P1004 and they were unable to tell me what it meant. I do have the documents from that visit. My vehicle has been well taken care of and I have kept up to date on recalls and maintenance. Approximate mileage when this happened is 122k. I had the vehicle towed to AAMCO who then determined the engine was damaged and I then had it towed to Peak Kia to see what we needed to do.

My car suddenly turned off while driving and would not restart. I had it towed to the dealer to find out that the engine seized and the starter failed. I had the engine replaced under warranty but they would not cover the starter even though the dealer told me that the starter failed as a result of the engine seizing up. Within 2 days after the engine was replaced, the check engine light started to come on when accelerating from a stop and would start bucking. This was very dangerous, and I was almost rear ended a few times while merging into traffic because the car was very hesitant and would buck. I think the starter should be covered because it broke as a result of the motor seizing up. I also believe that my transmission was also damaged when the motor seized now causing the check engine light and bucking. I now have to bring my car back to the dealer to get checked out again.

The paint on my car is chipping off. It is a Snow White pearl and I read online that this is very common for Kia’s with this color of paint.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The brake warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to partially veer to the side of the road as the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated she was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The battery was jumped with some assistance and the vehicle restarted. The contact stated she drove the vehicle to the dealer however, the failure reoccurred as she was pulling into the parking lot. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

My Optima has a crack in the low-pressure fuel line. I detected a very strong gas odor last week and immediately notified the dealer but due to needing the knock detection sensor from a recall being installed, I had to wait until one of the lead techs was available to inspect it yesterday. The dealer has ordered the part needed but they said that it might be weeks before they get the part in because it is on backorder and due to the safety risk, my car is undriveable. They will not release my vehicle to me without signing a waiver releasing them of liability. Kia recalled 2013-2014 Optimas with the same Turbo engine last year, for this exact reason but the dealer said my vehicle was not included in the recall and this repair will be nearly $600 out of pocket even though this is a known issue. I absolutely cannot and will not sign a waiver when I know my vehicle is dangerous to drive. I have systemic mastocytosis and that alone can cause anaphylaxis to be triggered by the gas odors. There were no warning lamps, no other signs or symptoms until I smelled gas last week.

09/23/2021- paint flaking in a large strip along the passenger side molding by the windshield. 09/24/2021- Took my car to Mylars Auto Refinishing for quote as well as TAVO's. Paint flaking along drivers side molding by windshield and up further along. I contacted KIA Red Rock Doug told me there was no open recall for my car. 09/25/2021 - paint flaking on corner of trunk. 09/28/2021 - called KIA Red Rock spoke with Charles, he confirmed no open recall on my car. Said coming in would be a waste of my time, that I should contact KIA directly and open a claim. Found this information to file claim with NHTSA. Also contacted Progressive Insurance Co. and was advised this is not a claim to be filed with them due to it being a manufactures defect. Drove to Kia Red Rock and spoke with Keith Wilkinson, Asst. Manager/Service Dept. He stated I would have to contact KIA Corporate and file a claim with them and gave me the #1-800-333-4542.

Paint is peeling off of the hood and side panels of the car. It is Kia Pearl White factory paint job. There have been no impacts or anything that should cause the paint to chip and peel.

"Hybrid System Warning Safely stop and Do not Drive" has appeared multiple times. First time, brake fluid was flushed and car appeared to operate normally afterwards. 3 months later, now, happened twice within two weeks. Apparently, a very common issue. The car shuts down and I am forced to coast/pullover/stop without any power from the engine and was fortunate this did not occur in an intersection. Others have noted the occurrence on the freeway. Like other, when I took the car in, no error codes were seen as the warning light had turned off so the mechanics do not know what the issue is. How does Kia not know what the issue is when the car could shut down, become inoperable suddenly? Once the warning light comes on, the brakes semi-lock and one is luck enough to get to safety, to pull over... Does someone have to be injured or worse for KIA to do something or for the NHTSA TO DO SOMETHING?? 1) https://www.optimaforums.com/threads/2013-optima-hybrid-hybrid-system-warning-check-brake-message.170498/ 2) https://www.kiaownersclub.co.uk/threads/how-to-fix-check-hybrid-system-warning-unable-to-charge.45921/ 3) https://www.reddit.com/r/kia/comments/lk6wvt/2013_kia_optima_hybrid_system_warning_i_dont_know/ 4) http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/kia/optima_hybrid/engine/problem.aspx 5) https://www.carproblemzoo.com/kiamotor/optimahybrid/equipment-problems.php 6) https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/kia-optima.html?page=5 7) https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c23349_ds101

The steering is loose while driving. It has a lot of play when turning. We took to the mechanic for an alignment and he said that the steering column was the problem. He did not fix because he told us he believed there was a recall. I checked and there is no recall. However, I have reviewed other complaints and there are several related to this same issue.

On our way home on 9/25/21, we were driving down I80 driving 70 mph and the car stopped with no prior indication. All the lights came on when we were getting off of the interstate. The car coasted down the off ramp with a semi behind me and a car in front of me. This could have caused a major accident as this is a very busy exit with trucks behind coming and going. My whole family could have lost their lives. This was the first time this happened. I was able to get the car started again but it felt like the power was not the same when driving it. I immediately came home and googled the symptoms and other Kia Optima owners are facing the same issues.

Kia motors had a recall on my vehicle 2013 KIA optima hybrid so I took my car into the dealership explaining the issues I had and the service advisor Justin told me that they would have to look at it and if it’s related to the recall they would take care of it at no cost to me it’s been over a month and the service advisor told me it was a defective motor and all of a sudden refusing to fix it I shouldn’t be responsible for their defective engine please advise

I was driving my 2013 Kia Optima on the freeway. Perfectly functioning until the vehicle just stalled while driving 60-70 mph. All the lights came on including the check engine light. I had to pull to the side and turn off my vehicle. Then it turned right back on and continued driving perfectly. Until the next day, I was driving on the highway and it was running perfect. Until I turned in a corner and my car stalled once again. This time the check engine light stayed on when I turned the vehicle back on. Then it started making this loud metal grinding noise. So I had to drive slow and the car almost shut down. I got it towed 70 miles back home. My car was running perfectly fine until that happened. It is a engine bearing knocking noise every time I start the car. It could be in the oil pan of the engine that is making that noise. This put my safety at risk on the highway because I couldn't get more speed when my foot was on the petal and my car was slowing down slowly. There was lots of traffic so I had to avoid slowing down to quick before I got stuck in the lanes. So I had to put my blinkers on and pull to the side. The side was a little narrow because the cars were driving right beside mines and it was a busy highway. I thought I'd get hit but thankfully I didn't and pulled safely to the side. I researched about this problem and it is pretty common with people that have the Kia Optima 2013. And its recalled for that problem. So my confirmation is from researching it on the

My car ran hot and my motor went out

I was driving down the interstate and all of the sudden the message “pull over safely and stop driving...check the hybrid engine system.” The car started to stall and seize up. Thankfully it didn’t die right in front of a semi on the interstate and I was able to at least make it off a nearby ramp before it died completely. I called my insurance for roadside assistance and it was towed to the nearest Kia dealer. They were unable to diagnose it because it would not turn on. They had to replace the hybrid battery before it could be diagnosed. I was also told that a safety fuse had been “fried” and they are still running tests.

I understand this will not sound like a safety issue, as I felt the same initially, but it is. My paint has been peeling off my Kia Optima for almost two years and sometimes the paint comes off in little pieces and other times it peels off in 6-12 inch sheets. Paint will come off during driving and while being washed. When driving the paint will fly to the back of my car and land of the ground, looks like snow is flying thru air. I have had safety issues to date. First tIme was on my way to work and a large section of paint came up from the bottom of the windshield area and stuck to my windshield. Not only did it scare me, but it blocked my vision.windshield wipers would not move it. I had to quickly pull over to remove it. Second time the same thing happened, but it landed on the windshield of the car behind me. I was unaware it happened until they pulled up next to me at the red light and got out of their vehicle to yell at me and removed the paint sheet. I understand this might not sound serious, but when something comes flying out of nowhere and lands on your windshield blocking your sight it is quite terrifying. I am not sure if this has happened to others with my same paint defect, but I know by researching my paint defect over the past two years, there are thousands of complaints on the internet about paint peeling off. When I contacted Kia in 2019 (corporate in Irvine, Ca), they informed me it was definitely a paint defect that originated during the painting process.

I was giving my brother a ride to work when the car stalled. There was no engine light on or any warning light what’s so ever all of sudden my steering wheel turned hard and I could not steer. Brake pedal was hard for me to step on I nearly wrecked in to a gate. I own this car for few years already and never giving me problems. I did notice there was a recall going on about engines on these 2013 2014 going bad. At first I thought it was my battery or alternator but everything has power. Just the engine don’t want to turn over. I would appreciate if someone can help me in this situation.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact would be able to restart the vehicle soon after the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they replaced the spark plugs and cleaned the fuel injectors. Upon driving the vehicle home at 50 MPH, the contact's wife stated that the vehicle shut off again without warning. Despite the failure, his wife was able to restart the vehicle and drive home without incident. The next day, the contact called the dealer to notify them of the failure and they informed him that it may take some time to repair the vehicle due to the cleaning of the fuel injectors. The contact stated that the failure persisted despite the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, fuel odor was detected but the contact did not see fuel leaking onto the ground. The contact's cousin, an independent mechanic, inspected under the engine cover and saw that there was fuel leaking on top of the engine block from a cracked fuel line. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

On 9/13/2021 about 8:10 pm my neighbor knocked on my door and told me my parked car was smoking and appeared to be catching fire. Black smoke was everywhere I yell for my son to go out to see what was happening while I call fire department seconds later the car begin to go up in flames. Fire department Arrived to put out fire on my 2013 Kia Optima.unsure of cause but from the smell it smelled like some thing electrical . It has been reported to insurance .No recalls have been issued on said vehicle. No previous warnings were issued before fire started .This could have cause a lot of damage to all vehicles parked in front and back of my vehicle had it not been put out in timely matter.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle then lost motive power and stalled. The contact slowly pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. Several days later the vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. Due to the dealer being short staffed, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,581.

My car said warning ⚠️ do not drive and my brakes went out when I was able to stop I cut off the car then back on and it wouldn't move .I was on the highway when this happened.

The components in which failed in my vehicle are unknown at this time. The only thing that I know is my emergency check engine light was flashing and my car proceeded to go into limp mode. Reason for that was the rod knock sensor went off. My main concern is that a few minutes following my engine had completely shut down in the middle of the Highway. I was nearly hit by several vehicles following behind me. The problem has not been confirmed but has been identified with the SAME exact issue as other 2013 Kia Optima owners. No police reports or investigations were conducted. I am not the only person that had their safety at risk due to Kias negligence. This is clearly a reoccurring issue with many owners of the same make and model. I would think that Kia would have investigated this issue.

Total Engine failure while driving at 70mph on interstate. 67,555 miles Only warning was at time of engine failure check engine light came on. I purchased car used from my father in law who passed away due to COVID-19. Never any problems until now. I have seen many issues online with engines for this model year and I know that some Kia's have had engines replaced free of charge. It seems to be widespread issue to all 2013 Optimas and other models including multiple years. What was Kia's countermeasure to correct the issue? What is the RPN number for their internal PFMEA and DFMEA? If it was machining burrs remaining in the engine at time of assembly-what is detection method? -Visual inspection (not 100%)? - machine vision? -added process (brushing operation)? -added shot blast peening of crankshaft forging before machining? -added deburring of main bearings? etc. Consumer stated vehicle was towed and taken to a dealer. Still has not been repaired.

My SWP paint is peeling and chipping in multiple spots. Ive noticed it since I bought it back in November of 2019 but its only gotten worse

The paint on my car is peeling on the molding around the front windshield on the right and left side.

Drove the vehicle on the interstate next warning lights came on stating Hybrid system warning safety stop and do not drive I pulled over popped the hood and saw oil leaking everywhere and the vehicle was inoperable so I towed to my home called the Kia dealership stating there was a recall on my vehicle a 2013 Kia optima hybrid and advised what to do they told me to tow it to the dealership and there is it

Drove car all of a sudden the engine started knocking and missing and burning oil out the exhaust I parked the car until Kia can look at it

Around approximately 76,000 miles on the vehicle, I noticed paint (snow white pearl) started bubbling and coming off the hood. I assumed it was from a rock chip. The paint bubbling and chipping is now occurring all over the vehicle. I've spoken with two different KIA dealers (in Charlotte, NC and Salisbury, NC) and they've both said there are no recalls from KIA and there's nothing they can do but offer to repaint the car for THOUSANDS of dollars. I'm finding new spots every month. There are now 93,000 miles on the car, and I do NOT feel like the paint should be failing like this at all. I will attach pictures if allowed. I doubt I can upload all of the places on my car that have chips at this point.

I own a 2013 Kia Optima. The paint in chipping and peeling on various parts of the car.

My car recently cut off I replace the camshaft sensor A and B My engine is currently knocking

The contact's ex husband owned a 2013 Kia Optima .The contact stated while her ex-husband was driving at an undetermined speed a 2009 Jeep Liberty cross the center line and crashed into the vehicle. The driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene. There was a report of the driver being located leaning towards the front passenger seat. The air bags deployed. The seat belt was extended and locked but, was torn. The contact stated the driver of the Jeep was intoxicated however there were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a police lot. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Rod Bearing caused the engine to Cease , my Car was at Ray Skillman from 6/28/21 diagnosed 7/28/21 KIA denied claim, after all recalls have been performed on vehicle. Engine still should've been under warranty to replace engine a 2nd time. Engine replaced 3/2015 at 38,905 before recall in 2017 ceased 6/28/2021 we had towed to Dealership Able to get to safety on side of interstate 65 could've been a bad situation on highway if in middle of road No lights or warnings came on prior to car stalling

Driving down highway and lost engine power. The gas engine seized up causing the vehicle to stop suddenly. Towed to Kia and the said the engine is seized up.

Vehicle starts smoking from under hood after driving for awhile. Not sure if its coming from the turbo or another part.

The Snow White Pearl paint is peeling off of the hood and roof of the car (delamination).

The paint on my PEARL WHITE optima is chipping like crazy!

Pealing paint on hood and along windshield area

The motor failed while I was driving. I was at a stop sign and was turning the corner and my car shut off. I tried to start the car and smoke was coming from the engine. I had to have my car towed home. No warning lamps came up prior to the engine shutting down.