2013 KIA Optima Air Bags Problems
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about air bags problems on the 2013 KIA Optima, 4% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 85,700 miles. The words owners use most often: “air bag” (32% of reports).
- 62air bags complaints
- 85,700median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 10mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Air bag: mentioned in 20 of 62 complaints (32%)
- Clock spring: mentioned in 7 of 62 complaints (11%)
- Seat belt: mentioned in 7 of 62 complaints (11%)
- Bags deploy: mentioned in 5 of 62 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do air bags problems happen?
Based on 34 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 62 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 10 an injury.
KIA Optima air bags complaints by model year
| Model year | Air Bags complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 7 | 5% | 21,148 |
| 2019 Optima | 12 | 6% | 14,084 |
| 2018 Optima | 9 | 4% | 46,000 |
| 2017 Optima | 5 | 2% | 24,989 |
| 2016 Optima | 23 | 3% | 28,581 |
| 2015 Optima | 26 | 3% | 66,000 |
| 2014 Optima | 16 | 3% | 48,000 |
| 2013 Optima | 62 | 4% | 85,700 |
| 2012 Optima | 48 | 5% | 84,000 |
| 2011 Optima | 31 | 5% | 98,000 |
| 2010 Optima | 17 | 23% | 63,125 |
| 2009 Optima | 28 | 24% | 70,100 |
| 2008 Optima | 57 | 40% | 51,887 |
| 2007 Optima | 65 | 39% | 75,000 |
| 2006 Optima | 46 | 30% | 50,000 |
| 2005 Optima | 22 | 15% | 55,000 |
| 2004 Optima | 26 | 12% | 57,500 |
| 2003 Optima | 17 | 12% | 60,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 19 | 18% | 49,000 |
| 2001 Optima | 27 | 19% | 81,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Air bag light is on the panel & is not enabled & buttons on steering wheel that adjust the volume and stations have stopped working unless the steering wheel is turned all the way to the left. Believe it is a faulty spring in the steering wheel.
I own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL. While the vehicle was parked and there was no collision, crash, impact, or other event that should have caused the airbags to deploy, the airbags unexpectedly deployed on their own. The deployment caused damage to the vehicle, including damage to the windshield. The…
The vehicle is experiencing sudden engine stalling while in motion, a known safety hazard. Despite a documented maintenance history with no issues, the dealer (Bayside Kia) is attempting to deny a Theta II Settlement claim by shifting the narrative to 'engine sludge,' which only appeared as a…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2013 KIA Optimas have air bags problems?
No. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints about air bags for the 2013 KIA Optima (4% of the 1,386 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2013 KIA Optima air bags?
Yes: 1 safety recall list air bags. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do air bags problems start?
The median reported mileage is 85,700 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about air bags problems on the 2013 KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “air bag”, in 20 of 62 complaints, followed by “clock spring” (7).
Other 2013 KIA Optima problems
See all 2013 KIA Optima problems or air bags problems across all Optima years.