2013 Kia Optima complaints

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a nearby independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and needed to be repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and currently remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,753.

I have a white 2013 Kia Optima the paint is chipping, coming off in chunks. After it falls off seeing the panel below is smooth and does not appear to have been roughed up prior to painting to allow the paint to properly adhere. I know of thousands of other Kia owners to have paint issues exactly like this.

Engine light on camshaft position chain sensor is reading on scanner an is not common for kia I believe kia had a recall for Engine I would like a whole new motor

The ESC kight keeps turning on . The brake lights wont turn off, it wont let me accelerate while im driving at different speeds or it will decelerate abruptly. Yes its available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my two young children were at risk multiple times. This is my daily driver. And i was driving them to school when the car would not let me accelerate and someone almost hit me from the back. Also it happened to us on the freeway a few times as we are driving 65 mph the car decelerates abruptly almost causing major accidents while my children are in the vehicle with me. Not yet , i called the nearest kia dealer and they didnt have appointment ls until july - august. There were no warning lights at all. At first we didnt know what was the problem. After the few times it happened then the ESC light turned on and it stays on. Also the brake light wont turn off even when the car is off.

Peeling paint from delamination on pillars, around windshield and hood. This stated 1.5 years ago and continues to get worse. The dealership said they are aware of this problem in the pearl white paint in this year and model but the paint warranty is only 3 years and no remedies have been made. This is devaluing my car with every paint bubble and peeling. Kia should make it right.

On June 12th myself and two friends were traveling on a rural two-way traffic hwy. As I was attempting to pass another vehicle, the car lost all power. I was barely able to avoid a head on collision. I pulled over to the side of the road which had only enough shoulder to fit my car and there was white smoke coming from under the hood. All the dashboard lights were lite after I pulled over, but nothing prior to the car losing power. I was on a curve in a dead zone for our cell phones. After opening the hood, white smoke was billowing out, and I could smell what smelled like burnt rubber. Once the car cooled off, I was going to attempt to start it, but I could not depress the brakes. The brake pedal was stuck. We managed to get a ride to an area where I could call to have the car towed to a private mechanic, who told me the motor had seized. I just purchased this car in March 2022. Nothing was ever mentioned to me by the dealer of any recalls or any other issues with the car. They made me sign a paper stating I was buying the car as is, which I see now should have been a red flag. The Dealer was San Jose Kia in California, and I'm very angry that they would knowingly sell me a defective car, risking not only my self but my family and friends.

My sunroof exploded as I was driving my car down the road. It made a noise that sounded like a gunshot and I pulled into a parking lot and the whole thing was shattered. The sun roof is less than a year and a half old and there was no chips or cracks in it and nothing had fallen on top or damaged it.

Peeling paint

The center console power supply is faulty, does not charge or hold usb port. The white paint on my car began to chip in large amounts.

Hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive with some kind of brake warning and then the brakes were basically non existent. Could not brake had to coast to a stop in a neighborhood very scary

My car is a total lost. Car caught fire while I was driving with my 2 Daughters. Brakes went out had to jump out of car.

Vehicle body damage. Vehicle car parts damage.

Paint peeling off all over vehicle

My engine locked up for no reason

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 22V560000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake lights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle also experienced phantom braking while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing; however, he continued driving the vehicle. The contact stated that she later took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor and an unknown component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, 6 hours later while her son was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed back to the independent mechanic. The independent mechanic then informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer who confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced by the local dealer approximately in October of 2021. The contact then stated that on March 13, 2023, while her son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle crossed the center line and crashed into a tree on the other side of the road. The contact stated that the air bags deployed; however, her son was pronounced deceased at the scene. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that the Police Officer informed her that the speedometer was reading 90 MPH at the time of the crash and that the Event Data Recorder (EDR) was destroyed. The contact stated that the engine and transmission dislodged from the vehicle approximately 30-feet. The contact was concerned that the crash might have been caused by unin

Flexible coupler in the MDPS (p/n 56315) is failing and it is causing clicking and clunking when the steering wheel is turned to the left and right. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. No warning lamps or messages are visible indicating this failure.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. However, the dealer declined the engine replacement because the contact did not have an unknown engine recall repair performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had not received the unknown engine recall notification. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

My car was sent to Kia on Covington Pike in Memphis, TN to repair the recalls but further repairs were needed stemming from issues with the recall on the low pressure fuel pump

Engine seized and went out while driving a normal road. Normal driving conditions and all of my scheduled maintenance is up to date. The car lost all power and would not accelerate. The engine started smoking

The issue with the car first occurred in 2021 when the vehicle had 109,000 miles. I was driving on the interstate returning from visiting my family when the car began to behave erratically. It started to seize, stall, and accelerated on its own. All of the lights illuminated on the dashboard with the error message hybrid engine, air pull over immediately. This was a serious event because my life as well as others were impacted. The car had just enough power to make it off of the shoulder when it died completely and had to be towed to the nearest dealership. They recommended I have the hybrid battery replaced which I did. That did not correct the issue because less than a year later in 2022 I was once again returning home and the car begin to do the same thing. Stalls, seizes, accelerates on its own and the same lights, the same warning message, and completely loses power when you’re driving! It was again towed to a dealership and this time they recommended I have the spark plugs replaced. The spark plugs were replaced and the day that the car was repaired and picked up it had to then be towed back just a few miles down the road with the same strange behavior, and the same issues. Clearly the recommended repairs are not fixing the root cause problem. And now three times my life as well as other motorists’ lives have been put in danger! I am tired of paying for recommended repairs that are not fixing the root issue when there are several hundred other persons who have been expe

Paint defects. Kia admitted about 5-6 years ago that the Snow White Pearl paint on some of their models had issues. Since then they have painted parts of our vehicle 4 or more times. Current issues started in December 2022

Bearings are worn it in the engine.

The reflectors on the low beam headlights have degraded to the point it has failed Virginia state inspection. The safety of myself and others is impacted by reduced nighttime visibility. Distance of vision at night is reduced to only as much distance as the parking lights provide. The dealer has inspected and rejected the vehicle from passing Virginia State inspection and is now not lawfully allowed to be driven. There were no warning lamps to indicate a failure.

Apparent engine seizure. Vehicle has been towed to Peak KIA dealership located in Littleton CO. Have been informed by dealership it will take approximately one week before they can diagnose/confirm the engine seizure. Vehicle has LESS than 50,000 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering column experienced excessive shaking and vibration making the vehicle difficult to steer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Issue 1: I did not receive a recall notice for SC172. (NHTSA campaign 18V907000.) The recall began in January 2019. In July 2019 my car broke down with the exact same issue stated in the recall notice. I had to pay $1031.75 for the dealership to repair it. On April 13, 2023 I called Kia Corporate and requested reimbursement for my expense. They said that since the VIN wasn't on their recall list it was my responsibility to pay. I would like NHTSA's assistance in being reimbursed by KIA. I have the original repair documentation. Issue 2: I didn't receive recall notice my car's engine completely seized on 1/4/2023. All of the indicator lights on the dashboard lit up. This occurred on the highway during a heavy rainstorm. This could have caused a major accident, but was able to maneuver car off the highway. I never received any recalls (SC228, SC212, SC200, SC197, SC187, SC147, etc.) anyone of which could be the cause of the seizing. I will upload documents later.

I own a 2013 Kia optima with 70k miles. I have searches so many forums regarding the defect with the PEARL WHITE paint. The paint began to peel all over my car as soon as I bought it with 16k miles a few years back. I’m concerned for myself and hundreds of other people with the same problems. The issue I am concerned with is when the paint begins to peel on my hood I would be concerned it could possibly block my vision while driving. Not to mention the hundreds of other people I’ve read about with the same problem, and now we are supposed to incure the costs of a complete paint job on a car which could cost thousands of dollars when this white Pearl paint is clearly the issue.

Steering coupler went bad. Steering wheel rattles, badly

Chipped paint around my windshield and other areas of the car, such as the trunk and various other areas of the vehicle

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, the check engine warning light illuminated then several other unknown warning lights started to illuminate. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, 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 and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.

While driving my 2013 KIA Optima at 65+ mph steering wheel shakes & has a loud clicking noise. The problem has worsened. I have reported this prior. Now it has caused the need to have a frontend alignment.

I have had this vehicle for 10 years. The paint started to peel in or around 2017. I was in a hail storm and within the last year and now it looks like my car was 100 years old. I put in a claim to my insurance and they denied coverage due to kia having a paint issue. Peal white specifically. I also took the car in December 2022 for all the recalls on the engine. Since then it's literally falling apart. When I took it to the dealership they told me I had a bad valve cover, bad Sway bars, bad passenger side mirror among other things. When I told them I had no issues prior to taking it in they pretty much said it's their word against mine. Oh and they found a "oil shop rag" hanging from the bottom of my car. They said I must have picked it up on the road. Im driving a car I paid top dollar for with no complaints over years and would suggest to others. Now I wouldn't recommend kia to anyone. They brag about their warranty but it's all garbage. I still love my car hit I'd like it to look nice still along with how it used to drive before I took it in.

Took my vehicle for the knocking sensor recall servicing. Before taking it to the dealership there was no knocking at all. I left the dealership and went home. Parked the car and got out... immediately there was knocking coming from my car. Recorded the knocking noise and called the dealership. They sent someone to my home and all he did was turn on my vehicle and there was no knocking. I explained he had to drive it and then park it and turn it off and he could hear the knocking. But he left and there was no other communication from the dealership. I contacted Kia's global customer service and explained everything but still nothing more has been done. The knocking sound has intensified. I received an email last year from Becken Masten Kia in August of 2022 from the Service Assistant Susan asking me about bringing my vehicle in for a regular servicing appointment. Nothing about free servicing for causing the knocking issue. I have the recording of the knocking from the servicing date.

I have a 2013kia optima sx 2.0 turbo my engine need to b replace I never had it replace I have engine problems white smoke n black smoke come out of my hood smoke like it's going to burn up I always have to turn off my car every 15 minutes of driving it overhead n smoke start coming out I been dealing with this for 2 years now can I get a new engine replace

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her husband was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred the following day. The contact's husband was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine and the battery needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,570.

Car went into limp mode on a busy highway losing acceleration while next to & in front of semi trucks. Towed into closest Kia dealer and confirmed spun rod bearing with 58,848 miles on the car. Upon them checking for the issue, the engine was also knocking. Car has been at dealer since Jan 11th and still waiting to hear about engine replacement under warranty. There was no warning signs of a major engine problem before the engine light started flashing and loss of acceleration. Oil change recently done & wasn't low when changed, gas mileage still normal, no weird idling or higher rpms. It was driving normal until the engine light & limp mode happened.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was advised by the mechanic to check a site called Bumpers and it produced codes: SC228, SC212, SC197, SC187, SC172, SC142. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

2013 KIA optima stalls out if over 2500 rpm reached. loses all power. Shutdown on highway and barely made it to pull off. Was able to start and pull off next exit only going at minimum speed, shut down again on state road with no pull off location and to drift with no power steering or brakes. Took to the Dealer and they have had it for over a week as they are so backed up with failing engine problems. Told by Dealer KIA is not covering all engine failures, opened case with KIA and they said I will just have to wait and see,

2013 Kia Optima EX 2.4L, the problem started at 100,000 miles. The vehicle now has 150,000 miles and the steering has become increasingly more resistant (sticking/glitchy) on turns. Kia corporation is well aware of the problem, due to onboard computer issues.

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle t-boned her passenger's side. Only the passenger's side air bag deployed and exploded, causing the contact to sustain coughing spasms. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a police department lot. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and emailed the contact notification for NHTSA Campaign Number 22V560000 (Structure) associated with the VIN. The manufacturer also opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Headlights are dangerously dim. Won’t pass inspection and I’ve changed bulbs multiple times

When going over bumpy roads, turning right or leaning on the driver side door the car thinks it’s open and lights come on

I purchased a Kia 2013 from a used car lot driving it home it cut out on me numerous times and then all the sudden it lost power I was almost struck by a truck luckily I got off and out of the way as I drove all the way home it did the same thing it cut out and lose power I called the dealership where I bought it and he won't return my calls can you help me

The engine froze with absolutely no warning while driving on the highway. I'd just had general maintenance and the front brakes replaced five days prior. Got it to a safe area; fortunately there were no cars in other lanes. It's been at the Kia dealership/repair facility for a week now. I called Kia Corporate; they provided a case number to me and the dealership prior to having it towed there. I've done research on this site and there have been other owners (same car, year, etc) having the same extremely dangerous issue occurring lately, say late 2021- present. Additionally, Kia sent recall #SC245 regarding headliner plate defects. When I called to have my repair done, they didn't have the appropriate tape. Tape?! Good lord. Asked them to contact me when they had the tape. This was 4-5 months ago. Haven't been contacted.

While driving the EPS light comes on and after that the dash board stops working to wear you're not able to see the speed limit anymore. It also declines the car of any speed. And if you put it in park it won't allow you to shift out of that gear. Dealership said its the HECU.

Fuel hose attached to high pressure pump failed, same part and repair as NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000. Expensive repair, not cover by KIA dealers will not cover repair cost due to different dash number on part. Part number required 31312-3Q100-DS.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a driving hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made several unknown local dealers aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

My pearl white has been chipping since 2017 in multiple locations. Kia needs to be held responsible and rectify the situation.