2013 Kia Optima Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the vehicle had needed an oil change frequently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by the dealer and confirmed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was a recall for the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed to start after the recall repair was completed. The vehicle has remained with the dealer since August 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

My car simply “just quit” leaving me stranded on the road. I called my nearest Kia dealer who said it would be at least 6 weeks until they could see it. Apparently according to a quick search, these cars are blowing engines rather regularly. Why wasn’t there a recall before engines were blown? Since my car is no longer covered under warranty, I’m expecting a hefty bill even though there’s an obvious defect. Kia will not return my calls.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. There was smoke detected, and the vehicle burst into flames and exploded. There were no reported injuries, crashes, or air bag deployments. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The DOT was on the scene. Another motorist assisted the occupants with exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a police department tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. Several attempts to restart the vehicle failed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after parking in the garage and turning the vehicle off, approximately six hours later it was discovered that a fire had started in the garage area and had begun to spread inside the townhome. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the fire, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. Also, a second vehicle parked inside the garage was destroyed and a third vehicle parked outside in the driveway sustained fire damage. The garage was destroyed and the townhome sustained significant fire damage. A fire report was taken at the scene but the cause of the fire was not determined. The contact later received a recall notice for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 170,000.

MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING has failed. We hear a clunking sound whenever we turn the steering wheel. The wheel heavily vibrates while driving when hitting a slight bump, pothole, or when turning. Worried that this will affect the steering and won't be able to control the vehicle now that the coupling has failed. Dealership and a separate car repair place has confirmed and reproduced the issue. No warning messages or lights. Kia is refusing the replace this since it has been more than 10 years since the vehicle was first serviced. Was never notified about this issue when they first reported the TSB in mid-2016. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10109834-9999.pdf

My 2013 KIA Optima caught fire about three weeks ago I don't know what caused it, but it started under the hood of the car where the motor is. Initially the car stopped when I had an oil change and I thought it was the starter. I had a new one put on and it started. I drove it and it caught fire. Now it is sitting at my home and the fuse compartment have been stolen out of the car. If someone will let me know what to do about the situation and what caused the fire, I would really appreciate it. Also, if someone could let me know if the fire was caused by one of the recalls for that car. Thank you, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

airbag light wont go off

Hello, I had my vehicle's engine replaced by a dealership (Reason - recall on engine and failure on freeway that has me traumatized!!!) and due to the labor done at Kia Tullahoma, TN my transmission has failed causing a near mishap crash on the freeway due to transmission slip. Noticed transmission fluid leaking. After taking it to another dealership (Kia Anderson, SC) they inspected and said that the labor performed by previous dealership had caused the malfunction. Today (7-24-23) Kia Tullahoma, TN refuses to cover the new transmission that now I have to replace due to their negligence. Due to separation of the transmission to engine the output seals started leaking and causing the incident. May I add that the engine might be at risk due to this also. Please post or let Kia corporate. I will also make claim. Thank you!!

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, it spontaneously caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There were no reported injuries. No police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

The car shut off on me while driving

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel vibrated briefly before returning to normal functionality, which had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to TSB: CHA-060, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and fastening his seat belt, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. After unfastening the seat belt, the seat belt warning light turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt buckle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 187,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds or while parked, the electric windows, seats, sunroof, and radio failed to operate as needed. Additionally, when coolant was added to the coolant reservoir, the A/C unit blew warm air for 15 minutes before cooling down. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a car stereo store where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I am concerned about my 2013 Kia Optima SX smoking at a mechanic shop. Mechanics identified smoke from the ABS Control Module or HECU. This raises serious safety concerns. I urge thorough investigation and prompt resolution. Clear communication is expected throughout the process to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

The front of the car rattles the engine, rattles and makes noise, my engine already blew up and it had to be replaced, I don’t think the dealer put the engine back in the right way with all the mounts, I’ve also brought the car in for service several times, and I’ve mentioned the rattling and they’ve done nothing about it, I believe it’s gonna cause a car fire because it’s not properly secure from when they replace the engine under recall

I was driving to work and started hearing a very loud knocking noise. I got to a stop light and my car just shut off. When I restarted the car it was making the noise and shut off again. Sounds louder as you push on gas paddle.

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parked, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and went to open the hood but could not because the latch had melted. The contact went to get an extinguisher but the flames were too aggressive. The vehicle had exploded twice while waiting for the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. No police report was filed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

My Kia has a weird sound coming from the engine when it is on parked on when I'm driving and I have the break on. I took it to 2 mechanics, and they both told me that it was the bearings wearing of from the engine and that the motor is working harder than it should and using the motor oil more than it should. Both mechanics told me that it would need a new motor soon but to make it last longer to monitor the motor oil to ensure it always has some. Both mechanics also say that my kia should have a recall, but when I look at my vin, there is no recall for the bearing wear of the engine. It is unacceptable that my kia has a recall for the bearing wear of the engine but not specified for my car and now I have to be worried that my car will break down or worse cause an accident. The recall is 17v224000 SC147

I was driving the car and my engine shut off completely it will no start back up.

In March 2023 car stopped in the middle of an intersection with no warning. “Hybrid system warning” on dashboard lit up as well as all other lights. Dealer said repair was under warranty because of faulty spark plugs which were a safety recall. Prior to this all safety recalls were taken to dealer yet the problem still occurred. On July 2, 2023, the car stopped on the freeway. All lights lit up and the “Hybrid system warning” came up. The car began to smoke. The car was towed to Kia dealer they said the water pump needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced with a certified Kia part. The car still would not turn on. Kia replaced the battery and said the engine needed to be replaced for $9000. They said we were out of warranty (10 years by 2 months). This engine failure seems to be related to the safety recalls that Kia “fixed.” I also have documentation that the warranty should be extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles but the delay refuse to make repairs under the warranty.

Snow white pearl paint on my 2013 Kia optima isn't sticking to the primer. Started to flake off in 2019 on the metal that goes around the top of the side windows, both sides. Also flaked off on truck. I've repainted spots several times but it continues to peel off in the above areas and on the passenger rear door. I've seen many Kia snow white pearls -different models with the same issue.

Car stopped at a light and didn’t want to turn back on. Tried to have it jumped with no luck. The car turns on but the engine won’t turn over at all.

Unknown

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. Additionally, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that there were metal fragments inside the engine and that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

My 2013 Kia Optima caught fire while my [XXX] son and his friends were driving it. The car burnt up. Some truck drivers flagged my son down to let him know the car was on fire. They could have been killed if it wasn’t for the truck drivers warning him that the car was on fire while driving down the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

recall is extremely dangerous and I was informed very late. Was not given a rental for the time being. Difficult to find service immediately. Do not feel safe driving.

The ESC kight keeps turning on . The brake lights wont turn off, it wont let me accelerate while im driving at different speeds or it will decelerate abruptly. Yes its available for inspection. My safety and the safety of my two young children were at risk multiple times. This is my daily driver. And i was driving them to school when the car would not let me accelerate and someone almost hit me from the back. Also it happened to us on the freeway a few times as we are driving 65 mph the car decelerates abruptly almost causing major accidents while my children are in the vehicle with me. Not yet , i called the nearest kia dealer and they didnt have appointment ls until july - august. There were no warning lights at all. At first we didnt know what was the problem. After the few times it happened then the ESC light turned on and it stays on. Also the brake light wont turn off even when the car is off.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle from the dealer and driving 40 MPH to the residence, she heard abnormal gurgitation sounds coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle at the residence, she noticed that a significant amount of gasoline was leaking out of the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a nearby independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and needed to be repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and currently remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,753.

My sunroof exploded as I was driving my car down the road. It made a noise that sounded like a gunshot and I pulled into a parking lot and the whole thing was shattered. The sun roof is less than a year and a half old and there was no chips or cracks in it and nothing had fallen on top or damaged it.

On June 12th myself and two friends were traveling on a rural two-way traffic hwy. As I was attempting to pass another vehicle, the car lost all power. I was barely able to avoid a head on collision. I pulled over to the side of the road which had only enough shoulder to fit my car and there was white smoke coming from under the hood. All the dashboard lights were lite after I pulled over, but nothing prior to the car losing power. I was on a curve in a dead zone for our cell phones. After opening the hood, white smoke was billowing out, and I could smell what smelled like burnt rubber. Once the car cooled off, I was going to attempt to start it, but I could not depress the brakes. The brake pedal was stuck. We managed to get a ride to an area where I could call to have the car towed to a private mechanic, who told me the motor had seized. I just purchased this car in March 2022. Nothing was ever mentioned to me by the dealer of any recalls or any other issues with the car. They made me sign a paper stating I was buying the car as is, which I see now should have been a red flag. The Dealer was San Jose Kia in California, and I'm very angry that they would knowingly sell me a defective car, risking not only my self but my family and friends.

Engine light on camshaft position chain sensor is reading on scanner an is not common for kia I believe kia had a recall for Engine I would like a whole new motor

PAINT ON MY KIA OPTIMA HAS BEEN PEAL LIKE THE PAINT JOB WAS BAD IT WAS NEVER PAINT IT HAS ORGINAL PAINT FROM WHEN IT WAS FIRST OPERATED.

The car started doing big noises and problems for running correctly, so my mechanic found out this recall and told me to start the process but the dealer don't answer my requests.

The clear coat is delaminating and the Paint is peeling off in multiple areas of the car.

My car is a total lost. Car caught fire while I was driving with my 2 Daughters. Brakes went out had to jump out of car.

My engine locked up for no reason

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake lights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle also experienced phantom braking while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

I have been experiencing my engine consuming oil with my dealerships knowledge Since back in 2023. In my records it is stated that my engine has been consuming oil. I was advised to continue to put oil in it myself until the engine goes out and then it will be covered. My engine light continues to go on and off. I went to the dealership today and was told that because my engine light is not on at the moment that I should come back so they can do a proper diagnosis. I was covered under the warranty to have the engine fixed but now that is over the 10 year warranty, I have no idea how to fix this issue after the diagnosis. I really need some help because I have been putting oil in it and I’m afraid that the engine will go out with it no longer being replaced. Especially when I had the warranty to use when it was initially discovered.

hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive with some kind of brake warning and then the brakes were basically non existent. Could not brake had to coast to a stop in a neighborhood very scary

The following information was stated in the repair report to the Kia Dealership Service Dept.: 09:49 10NOV23 12:18 10NOV23 LINE OPCODE TECH TYPE HOURS LIST NET TOTAL A CUSTOMER STATES CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING WHEEL, STEERING DOES NOT SEEM AS RESPONSIVE SINCE NOISE STARTED...CLIENT INFORMED OF 200.00 STARTING DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE...CLIENT OUT OF WARRANTY FOR WTY006 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR FLEX COUPLER.... IF IT IS POSSIBLE FLEX COUPLER CAUSING STEERING WHEEL ISSUE, CLIENT HAS PART ON PASSENGER FRONT SEAT KI REPLACED FLEX COUPLER 2046 CKI 400.00 400.00 PARTS: 0.00 LABOR: 400.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE A: 400.00

Bearings are worn it in the engine.

Engine seized and went out while driving a normal road. Normal driving conditions and all of my scheduled maintenance is up to date. The car lost all power and would not accelerate. The engine started smoking

Apparent engine seizure. Vehicle has been towed to Peak KIA dealership located in Littleton CO. Have been informed by dealership it will take approximately one week before they can diagnose/confirm the engine seizure. Vehicle has LESS than 50,000 miles on it.

I own a 2013 Kia optima with 70k miles. I have searches so many forums regarding the defect with the PEARL WHITE paint. The paint began to peel all over my car as soon as I bought it with 16k miles a few years back. I’m concerned for myself and hundreds of other people with the same problems. The issue I am concerned with is when the paint begins to peel on my hood I would be concerned it could possibly block my vision while driving. Not to mention the hundreds of other people I’ve read about with the same problem, and now we are supposed to incure the costs of a complete paint job on a car which could cost thousands of dollars when this white Pearl paint is clearly the issue.

Steering coupler went bad. Steering wheel rattles, badly

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. However, the dealer declined the engine replacement because the contact did not have an unknown engine recall repair performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had not received the unknown engine recall notification. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.