NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 1,387 owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima. Most complaints involve engine (614) and steering (213). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Optima model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 110 |
| 2003 | 144 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 144 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 594 |
| 2012 | 920 |
| 2013 | 1,387 |
| 2014 | 591 |
| 2015 | 1,009 |
| 2016 | 760 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 233 |
| 2019 | 212 |
| 2020 | 151 |
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power but continued to drive under reduced power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's, where three knock sensor codes were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic), 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and 22V560000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 125,055.”
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coupling in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no coverage under the warranty extension for the MDPS flexible coupling. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.”
“Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. Known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. Problem continues to happen. Lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. Anytime the fuse blows”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | $2,400 | 326 |
| Optima Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | $2,400 | 326 |
| Optima Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,450 | 340 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,387 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (614), steering (213), electrical system (146). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Kia Optima at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Kia Optima 5 out of 5 stars overall.