10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,729 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Kia Optima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #80

Jul 242024

Optima

  • miles
Ran out of gas, and added gas for it to start up again only for it to not run after adding fuel.

- Sun Valley, NV, USA

problem #79

Nov 142023

Optima

  • miles
The noted KIA 2013 KIA Optima has had this recall in effect since November 2023. KIA either refuses to say when the recall part is going to be at ANY DEALER, or puts an 'elevator music' soundtrack on the line. I have called numerous dealer's in both Maine, where the KIA is currently registered, and in Ohio / Pennsylvania to find if they know anything. None of the dealer's have any idea when the parts are coming, much less when they can call Owner's to set up a recall appointment. At what point does this end.

- White / Caucasian, OH, USA

problem #78

Nov 222023

Optima

  • miles
Over a year ago I was sent to Kia to fix a recall for a possible fuel leakage problem over my engine that got fixed with mesh tape and one zip chord. Now my engine has gushing fuel leaking on it on daily basis. I called kia a few months back asking for them to remedy this due to another recall and how I needed a rental so I could continue working while they fixed the problem they screwed up and they told me it would be over a month before they could fit me in their schedule. I have been smelling gasoline in my vehicle making me feel nauseous as I drive and the fumes are intense and my I smell it burning. My coworkers tell me daily what is that gasoline smell". Now I get in the mail another recall notice about sparks going off for gaskets or thingsmajigs on my engine just from being idle in a parking spot or driving and how I should park away from others??!?!? Just in case!!! What about my safety?"! I still have gasoline leaking all over my car engine!. My house could blow up! This is outrageous that none of this is taken care of.

- Fleming Island, FL, USA

problem #77

Dec 262022

Optima

  • miles
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

- Cordova , TN, USA

problem #76

Jan 042023

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
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.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

problem #75

Jan 092023

Optima

  • miles
UNKNOWN There are recalls for the vehicle and the Kia dealership hasn-??t sent any letters notifying I had to find out online.

- North Charleston, SC, USA

problem #74

Dec 102022

Optima

  • miles
Recently my vehicle started smelling of raw fuel. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and was advised it was the fuel line issue that KIA had recalled the vehicle for. I contacted my KIA dealer and was advised my particular VIN was not on recall for the fuel line. KIA recalled the 2013 KIA Optima GDI Turbo for the fuel line issues but only certain VIN's. This vehicle was affected by the engine recalls. It initially had a short block engine replacement prior to the engine recall and subsequently that engine failed and the vehicle was replaced with a long block engine in 2018. The new engine has 30,000 miles on it. The VIN number does not have the original engine or potentially the original fuel line. How is KIA determining the current fuel line issue is not on my VIN? This is a 2013 KIA Optima GDI turbo. The vehicle does not have the original engine or likely the original fuel line. The vehicle has been serviced by KIA several times and the engine and fuel lines have been replaced. The vehicle at the time of manufacturing had 1 specific line but no one knows which fuel line is currently in my vehicle. I am requesting KIA contact me and advise they will honor this fuel line repair under the recall and I am questioning why only certain VIN's were recalled. KIA cannot definitively determine which fuel line is in each vehicle because most of the engines were replaced in the 2013 model based on the widespread engine recall/replacement of the engines. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. If the initial recall was done on the manufacturers VIN info, the engine and fuel line data is flawed since these vehicle engines were replaced. There is too much of a coincidence in the fuel line issue on my vehicle and the recall despite what KIA is stating.

- Annandale, NJ, USA

problem #73

Nov 082022

Optima

  • miles
On 1/7/2022 I was driving my 2013 Kia Optima on the freeway heading home and was passing an eighteen wheeler when my car started slowing down even when trying to accelerate, luckily I was far enough ahead and was able to get off the freeway. Had the car towed to the Dealership and was told the engine failed but would be replaced free of charge due to class action suit settlement in 2020. Engine was replaced at 79,319 miles and picked up on 1/22/2022. On 11/08/2022 my son-in-law was driving the car home from work and was on the freeway with heavy traffic at 5:00pm when he first smelled gasoline and then saw smoke from engine compartment. He was in the left hand lane and pulled into the median area and stopped the vehicle and got out when the car caught fire. He called 911 immediately. By the time the police and fire department got there the car was totaled. Luckily no body was injured or killed. I have contacted KIA Consumer Affairs and was given a case number and was assured they would get me a replacement vehicle. I had the car moved from the holding lot and towed to the Dealership where I purchased it and have had it serviced regularly. As of 12/03/2022 we are still without a car and $857 towing fee and waiting on a KIA INSPECTION and decision.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #72

Sep 272022

Optima

  • miles
I was driving on the interstate in rush hour traffic to pick up my kids from school. The engine light came on, and immediately after that, the gas pedal would no longer accelerate the speed of the car. I pulled over on the side of the interstate to call my fiancé, and within minutes the front end started smoking. I grabbed my work belongings and stepped out of the car and the entire car went up in flames on the interstate. The car has been deemed a total loss with Insurance. We filed a claim with Kia and waiting for someone to inspect the vehicle. This car had engine failure back in 2017, and had an entire engine rebuilt inside of it. Part of the Theta ll engine recall. Police would not create report due to not injuring anyone or any other vehicles.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #71

Oct 062022

Optima

  • miles
Started with oil light flashing, then the other lights came on. Started losing speed, then lost all power to the engine, will not start back up with the engine, when trying to start it, the engine started smoking.

- Ramseur, NC, USA

problem #70

Jul 072022

Optima

  • miles
Driving on the highway of about 65 mph, a semitruck was moving into the shoulder. I accelerator to pass it. The car pulled forward, then all power was off. I coasted pass the truck heading for the shoulder also. The semi was stilling moving on the shoulder. The driver blowing the horn but there was nothing I could do. The semi was able to get back on the highway without crashing into us. An appt. has been made but the dealership says the part necessary to repair the recall service is unavailable. When the car died all service lights were on. After a 15 min. wait, I started it up and the check engine light was on and a slight smell of gasoline.

- Ridgecrest, CA, USA

problem #69

Sep 222021

Optima

  • miles
My car has been having a check engine light on for over 9 months now and it cannot pass the smog test and when connected to the scanner it gives the code 0449 and B1347. I have tried to fix the EVap leak and the code still comes out and the airbag light is always on now.

- San Francisco , CA, USA

problem #68

Jun 302022

Optima

  • miles
When the fuel smell occurred i contacted my dealer and was told about a recall i have been complaining about the smell before i received my second recall paper the car was smoking and stopped working eventually and i've been without a car and unable to use my vehicle while having to maintain payments on it im am not sure why i have to pay for a problem that was spotted early on but due to neglect and unclear solutions i have wasted money on rentals and been left with no answers my check engine light was flashing i was unable to get a inspection sticker and was told it was due to the gas smell

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #67

Feb 012022

Optima

  • miles
Low pressure fuel line began to give off a fuel odor over the last 10k miles, did not realize it was a fuel leak until recently when the car was parked and was leaking fuel under the mid section. The car has not been examined by any person yet. No cabin warning lights/indicators were present. Date given for date of incident is the first incident where a gasoline odor was detected.

- Newark, NY, USA

problem #66

Feb 282022

Optima

  • miles
I was driving to work and smelled fuel. The loud Oder of fuel was coming from under the hood. Called kia and they had the car towed to the Kia place in mobile alabama. Was told that my vin number is not covered under the 3 recalls that they have for this same make and model. Kia place said it has a fuel leak from high pressure fuel pump.

- Brewton, AL, USA

problem #65

Feb 212022

Optima

  • miles
I was in the fast lane doing about 70 MPH an all of a sudden my car turned off no power at all no warning lights nothing thank God there was no cars on side of me I went over 3 lanes of traffic an got to side of road the engine light was blinking. I had to tow to dealership an they told me that it might be minimum 2 weeks till they can look at my car. So now I have no car an have to be at work in morning. But still making car payments with broken car. I bought car from kia thinking I would not have problem with car specially for the dealership to have for 2 weeks or more so I guess I have to rent a car on top of car payment.

- Anaheim , CA, USA

problem #64

Nov 022021

Optima

  • miles
The fuel gauge in the dashboard indicates the car still has gas (approx. 1/4 tank) when in reality the tank is empty. This cause to be stranded on the street, freeway, going up the hill in the freeway. This can cost an accident while random stoppage of the car. It happend 4 times already

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #63

Feb 142022

Optima

  • miles
Smell like gas everyday I don-??t want my car get in fire

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #62

May 202021

Optima

  • miles
My 2013 Kia optima caught fire while I sitting idle in the vehicle in a parking lot outside of an establishment in May of 2021. I started my vehicle, and was finishing up a phone call when I noticed smoke coming from my hood. When I opened the hood to investigate flames shot up from my engine. I called 911 and fortunately the fire department was close and we're able to put out the fire quickly and no one was hurt. If it hadn't been for the phone conversation keeping my attention, I would have taken off normally and the outcome could of been seriously different. I'm not sure what happens when you are actively driving a car that engulfs in flames but I imagine it's not pretty. There was a open recall on my car for a low pressure fuel tube malfunction that was thought to cause fires. The Kia dealership denied I had an open recall asked me to remove car from facility or they would tow it. They were low on space.. They said that they wouldn't cover my car for any reason anyway because it doesn't have the original engine it came with. The engine was replaced by Kia because of engine defect and recall but the local dealership could not see this car history. Eventually I was able to get a case opened with the corporate office and an inspection was done. They still denied me and no one was on the same page as far as car history. Was given the run around. The inspection report and estimate I have contradict one another. They spent 6 to tell me my cars problem is not there fault. They are unable and willing to answer my questions about inconsistencies.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #61

Oct 212021

Optima

  • miles
KIA replaced the low fuel line under campaign number 20V100 November of 2020 and the replacement part has now cracked causing gas to spray out onto my engine less than a year later. KIA is refusing to warranty the part. This is a huge life safety issue for myself and my family that travel in this vehicle. I feel these replacement parts need to be checked and replaced before someone gets seriously hurt.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »