2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Optima Hybrid years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 10 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 KIA Optima Hybrid. That ranks 2nd out of 10 Optima Hybrid model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (21 complaints, 38%), typically at around 50,521 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 7 defect investigations involving it.
- 55owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 7NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2013 KIA Optima Hybrid problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 21 | 38% | 50,521 | — | — |
| Engine | 13 | 24% | 69,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 10 | 18% | 109,398 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 9 | 16% | 64,922 | — | — |
| Power Train | 7 | 13% | 67,000 | — | — |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 5 | 9% | 67,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 9% | 4,720 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 9% | 4,200 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 7% | 70,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 5% | 68,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 5% | 69,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 2% | 85,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 2% | 94,223 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 2% | 100,200 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | 65,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outside
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Engine
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires (AQ23002) — opened Nov 17, 2023, still open.
- Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
- Loss of Motive Power (DP22003) — opened Sep 12, 2022, closed Dec 12, 2023.
- Engine Fires (EA21003) — opened Dec 22, 2021, closed Feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V877.
- Electrical overstress (EA19001) — opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V024.
- Non-crash Vehicle Fires (PE19004) — opened Mar 29, 2019, closed Dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V088000.
- Non-crash Vehicle Fires (DP18003) — opened Aug 21, 2018, closed May 10, 2019, led to recall 18V907000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a…
Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on " Check brake system " then the car slows down to 10mph…
I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google the recall again and now its gone.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to…
The car lights have dimmed tremendously, I replaced lights by myself with no luck over the years. It has just come to my attention, they knew and addressed reported problems but never sent a recall or safety notice that the reflective material designates. My car is at the dealer and confirmed this…
Other KIA Optima Hybrid years
← 2012 Optima Hybrid · 2014 Optima Hybrid →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima Hybrid | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 Optima Hybrid | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Optima Hybrid | 3 | 2 |
| 2017 Optima Hybrid | 26 | 2 |
| 2016 Optima Hybrid | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 Optima Hybrid | 12 | 0 |
| 2014 Optima Hybrid | 31 | 0 |
| 2013 | 55 | 2 |
| 2012 Optima Hybrid | 109 | 3 |
| 2011 Optima Hybrid | 34 | 3 |
See all KIA Optima Hybrid problems by year, every KIA model, or the KIA VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 KIA Optima Hybrid?
Owners most often report electrical system, engine, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 21 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2013 KIA Optima Hybrid?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2013 KIA Optima Hybrid a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Optima Hybrid model years, the 2013 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.