Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Kia Optima problems

Owners filed 1,387 complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima with NHTSA between Sep 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (614).

Complaints
1,387
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
48
Reported by owners
Fires
114
Reported by owners
Injuries
37
People reported injured
Deaths
4
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine614
  2. Steering213
  3. Electrical system146
  4. Structure127
  5. Fuel/propulsion system94
  6. Power train64
  7. Air bags62
  8. Service brakes59
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic53
  10. Engine and engine cooling42
  11. Exterior lighting40
  12. Vehicle speed control39
  13. Fuel system, gasoline28
  14. Suspension26

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20125
201336
201445
201553
201655
201790
201895
2019165
2020162
2021147
2022128
2023134
2024129
202582
202661

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

614 reports12 crashes88 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026EngineODI 11772904

Steering

213 reports6 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2026SteeringODI 11756253

Electrical system

146 reports5 crashes21 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11760844

Structure

127 reports5 crashes11 fires1 related recall
“The computer modular or engine control module yes, it is available for inspection. I can be at risk because my lights flicker off and, on my turn, signals do not work, and it will not go into drive I have to start my car 30 minutes before I can leave for work at 5:30am in the morning. I had a security update on my car and ever since that took place, I had this issue. I just had the P1326 code come up on my car last November took it to Vero Beach Kia and had that update done on my car for the engine problems that is going on, and they replaced the last recall which was the knock sensor. I had explained to them the issue my car does when starting it they told me it has nothing to do with the update that would cause it. When looking this issue up there are other people having the same issue, but Kia will not inspect it out so can you please investigate this issue and plus the paint on my car has peeled so bad.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 20, 2025Electrical system, StructureODI 11700621

Fuel/propulsion system

94 reports1 crash10 fires
“Despite documenting this catastrophic internal mechanical destruction, the authorized franchise dealer has issued a written directive instructing the driver to operate this structurally compromised vehicle on public roads for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test with explicit instructions not to add, check, or have anyone service the engine oil level. Operating an engine running dry with verified cylinder wall gouging and unstable timing chains creates an imminent, severe safety hazard for the occupants and other motorists, including sudden highway engine lockup, loss of power steering, or vehicle fires. The vehicle underwent Safety Recall Campaign SC147 in 2017, which carries a court-mandated Lifetime Warranty Extension on the block for core failures. The dealership is forcing an unsafe vehicle modification and dangerous roadway test to evade standard warranty coverage processing. A complete 11-invoice history proves this defect originally manifested and was logged by a technician at 96,738 miles while fully inside the standard factory coverage window.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Exterior lighting, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769671

Power train

64 reports3 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving the vehicle at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11727508
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.