2013 Model Year

Kia Optima

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
1,342
Recalls
2
Crashes
47
Severe
186

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

22V560000 Aug 2022

Other

No consequence data available

18V363000 Jun 2018

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the speedometer started malfunctioning, and the check engine warning...

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Fire
Sep 2026

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his niece was driving the vehicle at 65 MPH, a strong fuel odor began to emit from...

Engine
Aug 2026

The engine on my 2013 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] ) failed catastrophically less than one mile after purchase. This vehicle is subject to Kia Safety Recall...

Engine
Jul 2026

My 2013 Kia Optima SXL experienced engine knock and shutdown after completion of recall SC147 (KSDS software update). The recall did not repair the kn...

Engine
Jul 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–35 MPH, the engine started knocking. The check engine warni...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE Fire
Jun 2026

My car suddenly caught fire in my driveway tonight 2/6/26 roughly around 9:40 PM. Fire department has been dispatched to come out and investigate if t...

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 2026

The engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with the known bearing wear defect covered under the manufacturer’s safety recall, including knocking...

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 2026

As in May 2025 , I purchased 2013 Kia Optima LX sedan with airbag already deployed before bought it. And in June 2025 I took my car to nearest Kia dea...

Air Bags
Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the air bag deployed unexpectedly...

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE Fire
Feb 2026

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the contact became aware of black smoke coming from the floorb...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2013 Kia Optima has 1342 complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 47 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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