2013 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 1383 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (612), Steering (213), Unknown Or Other (186).
Key takeaways
- 1383 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 48 involve a crash, 114 a fire, 36 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 612 | 44% |
| Steering | 213 | 15% |
| Unknown Or Other | 186 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 146 | 11% |
| Structure | 127 | 9% |
| Service Brakes | 115 | 8% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 93 | 7% |
| Power Train | 64 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 60 | 4% |
| Hydraulic | 53 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 42 | 3% |
| Exterior Lighting | 39 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-09-18
Gas smell from under the hood. When taken to the dealership it was diagnosed as the high pressure fuel line. NOTE: The high and low fuel lines have recalls that impact this vehicle make, model, and year BUT not this VIN.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic - filed 2026-09-18
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start due to the battery being drained from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) remaining on while the vehicle was turned off. After recharging the battery, the HECU made a buzzing sound while the battery was no longer chargi...
Electrical System,exterior Lighting,unknown Or Other - filed 2026-08-31
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
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More for the 2013 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.