Page 5 of 28 · complaints 201–250 of 1,387

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 →

Structure › Body
Filed May 22, 2024TX

The paint on my car is peeling off in sheets it is not adhering to the body. There is no way that I believe I can have it repainted because they would have to take all the existing paint off because even if they paint it over it it's not stuck to the body. There is no recall and I really think there should be. My paint is the white pearl paint like everyone else's who's peeling off.

Steering
Filed May 21, 2024KS

Dealership states I need a new coupling device. They told me this has been a problem in 2013 Optima.

Engine
Filed May 14, 2024165,000 milesID

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle was decelerating unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that the engine oil was topped off several times; however, there was no warning light notifying the contact that the oil level was low. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 12, 2024PA

Car paint started peeling on the whole car and according to dealers it's a common problem with the pear paint and I need it fixed

Engine
Filed May 10, 2024190,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving or parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the battery, and the warning lights were deactivated. The contact stated the strong fuel odor persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 190,000.

Steering
Filed May 7, 2024WI

Flexible steering coupling was faulty and replaced on 02-22-23 under recall. The same part became faulty again on 02-22-24, but Ewald Kia of Oconomowoc refused to replace the defective part without charge. The HECU is under recall so I scheduled a service appointment for recall and when I arrived at Ewald Kia of Oconomowoc, I was advised by service manager that they did no have parts to fix recall.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 6, 2024100,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking noise was detected. The window failed to roll down. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 contact was concerned of the vehicle catching on fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed May 2, 2024TX

I've had a recall for months that there is no fix for. This is way too long to wait for a fix while there are so many issues with Kia's and Hyundai and getting insured right now. I do not feel safe with this car at this point. 5XXGN4A78DG155676 Sep 25,2023 I've had a recall for months that there is no fix for. This is way too long to wait for a fix while there are so many issues with Kia's and Hyundai and getting insured right now. I do not feel safe with this car at this point. [XXX] Sep 25,2023 Manufacturer Recall NumberSC284QF NHTSA Recall Number23V652 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary KIA AMERICA, INC. HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES. THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed May 1, 2024SC

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds or while parked, the electric windows, seats, sunroof, and radio failed to operate as needed. Additionally, when coolant was added to the coolant reservoir, the A/C unit blew warm air for 15 minutes before cooling down. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a car stereo store where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 29, 2024CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2024CA

The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the car and all of a sudden my car stopped and has not been working since that day. The dealership where I purchased the car refuses to look at it stating it isn’t there problem well there was safety recall and from what I have seen online they were not allowed to sell me a car that a big safety recall on it that has not yet been addressed. My problems first started April 24th, 2024. Recall #23V652000

Electrical System
Filed Apr 25, 2024CT

Recall since September 2023 and Kia as of this date does not have the part even though recalls states that is urgent

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 25, 2024OH

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 22, 2024UT

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima 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.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 21, 2024OK

Large areas of paint are coming off of the vehicle. The system will not allow the 2mb JPG pictures to be added.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 19, 2024FL

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2024CA

I was driving on the highway and the car stopped moving forward. I was able to get off the highway to a safe place but the car putt putted in a jerking motion. I have a personal car diagnostic reader and the code came back as a manufacturer code reading.

Engine
Filed Apr 17, 2024MA

I was pulling out to ongoing traffic when about to get on the highway and my car just went dead. I called AAA and they towed it to Toyota because I purchased the car from them. After determining it was not the starter or battery. They removed front wheel in an attempt to turn engine at crankshaft. Engine wouldn’t turn. Their determination was engine seized. We then had it towed to Kia dealer. They put it through procedures for seized engine and determined the same. I can not locate my mobile mechanic due to his retirement. The station is closed and I do not have access to my oil changes. Kia will not address this problem without the oil changes. I still owe 3500 on this car plus am paying insurance. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] . Kia Motors 768 route 28 South Yarmouth Mass. 508-394-5500 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 16, 2024WA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima 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 contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the trunk of the vehicle became wet from rainwater. The contact stated that the trunk area had a moldy odor. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 2024SC

Kia issued a recall on engine do too failure but Kia give multiple excuses why they won’t replace from it has to be running to it has to have update first or it can’t have more than150,000 miles! I need help with this KIA OWES me an engine. It shows 10 sales records at 2 different dealers and yet none of the recalls where repaired it show 1 recall on this website but if you call Kia they tell you it has 3,4 or 5 recalls and different excuses! I just won’t the engine I was promised!

Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2024NC

Car completely shut off while driving on the highway

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 14, 2024NY

Paint peeling off 2013 Kia Optima. Either a paint or primer issue by the car manufacture Kia Corp. "Snow White Pearl" is the color of the paint.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 2024VA

See attached document for complaint

Steering
Filed Apr 10, 202440,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the steering column became very loose, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2024OH

The noted KIA 2013 KIA Optima has had this recall in effect since November 2023. KIA either refuses to say when the recall part is going to be at ANY DEALER, or puts an 'elevator music' soundtrack on the line. I have called numerous dealer's in both Maine, where the KIA is currently registered, and in Ohio / Pennsylvania to find if they know anything. None of the dealer's have any idea when the parts are coming, much less when they can call Owner's to set up a recall appointment. At what point does this end.

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2024NC

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact had received several notifications for recalls on the VIN; however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted and was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 2024TX

Car shutdown while driving

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 9, 2024CA

The paint has been peeling for a starting last year. The recent rains caused a large chunk of paint to peel suddenly from the trunk. The car has the snow white pearl paint and is delaminating from the car.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Apr 9, 2024TX

I was rear ended hit so hard it smashed my whole back end in. None of my airbags deployed. We were hit hard into the center medium of the highway. Lucky no rigs were coming through. Other parties insurance totaled out my vehicle.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 5, 2024MO

HECU REPLACEMENY UNTIMELY MANNER TO FIX

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2024CA

I have filed a complaint already with 2 agencies and I am continually being transferred from one site to another ! This is my very last complaint, before I file a complaint with my State Senator. ------------------- September 25, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: [XXX] HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] Manufacturer Kia America, Inc. Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected 1,730,192 Summary 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. 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. Some owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is [XXX]. Notes INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2024TX

There is a dangerous recall on my vehicle put out by the maker of the vehicle and I called to schedule service for the vehicle . However no one is servicing my vehicle and they have no timeline on when they can remedy the issue . But I find it a serious matter that a symptom of this recall is a fire while driving or a fire while parked randomly . I need this remedied or car replaced asap to avoid damages or injuries !

Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2024TX

Something’s wrong with a fuse that can catch fire and kia is taking forever to resolve the issue. my check engine light pops on and off now

Electrical System
Filed Apr 2, 2024MO

Burning smell occasionally no warning light...maybe HECU?

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 2, 2024FL

My concerns is for the safety of my family as well as myself. I feel this recall is dangerous and it can happen at any given time. I believe that the manufactures of this vehicle had plenty of time to have this issue fixed. I really don't feel safe driving it, especially with my family.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 29, 2024VA

The vehicle is for sale at a dealership in Stafford Virginia at Pohanka Honda. How can this vehicle be for sale with a recall regarding a fire hazard. And then it states no remedy available.

Steering
Filed Mar 21, 2024WA

2013 Kia Optima EX 2.4L the issue continues to be problematic when driving at 40 miles an hour and above around turns. The steering wheel gets sticky making it difficult to correct the steering.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 20, 2024160,389 milesMS

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shudder. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a restaurant. The vehicle was then driven to the residence, where the failure reoccurred and there was a burning smell inside the cabin. The MIL warning light had illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,389.

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2024TN

Manufacturer hasn't provided a remedy to recall notice issued in September 2023. For something that has a chance of catching on fire driving or Parked this should've been taken care of along time ago instead of risking peoples lives dragging this out.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 13, 202491,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification 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 contact attempted to start the vehicle when it began clicking fast. The ABS warning lights and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 13, 2024TX

This car is pearl white and the paint on this car bubbles up and starts peeling. It is missing paint off the hood,passenger side doors and driver side rear quarter panel.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 8, 2024MD

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2024150,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was a recall for the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed to start after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle has remained with the dealer since August 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 5, 2024MI

The Steering wheel is making a lot of clicking noise when turning or going over bumpy roads. I have takin my car to several independent car shops only for them to tell me that this has been a common problem for this specific model as they have seen similar Kia optima’s and Hyundai’s with this issue. I was advised that if left alone, the problem can make the steering go bad and become a dangerous safety concern. I have contacted the Kia dealership and they stated they want $150 diagnostic fee to look at it, even though they admitted that they’ve had customers bring their Kia’s in for similar issue.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 4, 2024CA

Electrical issue then engine leading to car going up in flames

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 28, 2024MS

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact smelled a burning odor. In addition, the contact stated that the burning odor was also in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted several times, requesting service of the vehicle but was informed that the dealer was overbooked. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2024166,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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, and it was confirmed that the part was 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 stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 166,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Feb 27, 2024CA

I was driving up the [XXX] north and where [XXX] merges to [XXX] I'm going 65mph on the far left side, and my dash starts beeping and reads WARNING STOP VEHICLE CHECK BRAKES. MY brakes go out, pedal to the floor sounding like grinding gears and doing some major damage, my acceleration stopped working. The [XXX] is merging on the left side so i had to avoid major traffic. I am a driver with skill as i dodge slowed and stopped vehicles, and get to the shoulder before [XXX]. I call for roadside assistance because kia says its free and its not. I was looking around the engine to see what the heck and unplugged the hybrid fuse and battery from back and suddenly it worked again and drive it home and right before I park I made a right turn, and it started beeping again, and this time it stayed this way. I almost lost my life, and I did lose my job because of it. GLENDALE'S CARSPRO KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS THE WORST DEPARTMENT EVER!, they would not help me get a tow, I paid for the tow. THEY CHARGED CLOSE TO 5 GRAND FOR A REPAIR, Hydraulic brake booster module, AND A COUPLE HUNDRED FOR THERE HIGHEST SERVICE OPTION (Changing fluids, wipers, wash, detail, etc) this was a huge mistake and took nearly two months! My car had dust on it THEY DID NOT EVEN CHECK THE PRESSURE I HAD IN MY ALL 4 TIRES (EMPTIED UNTIL 25PSI) I started the vehicle and it started to hiccup as I idle I asked for the manager (a tall husky middle eastern guy with long hair and glasses). He replied "DOES YOUR CAR HAVE

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2024UT

We are afraid to drive this car and have lost use for over 4 months now. Received Safety Recall Notice dated Nov 14, 2023. We have made numerous calls to Doug Smith dealership in American Fork, Ut, and also to KIA Customer Care Center. No information is forthcoming to resolve the issue in getting our car repaired. It is necessary that we park in our garage, so we faithfully unhook the battery cable every single time after driving and parking to be assured that it is safe. This has been going on for 4 months now and is not a comfortable situation for myself and my elderly wife. We would like some answers with respect to a timely repair to make our car safe again.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 23, 2024216,401 milesFL

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of a burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,401. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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.

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