2013 KIA OPTIMA Unknown Or Other Problems

179 NHTSA complaints on file

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Unknown Or Other Issues in the 2013 KIA OPTIMA

179 unknown or other complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 KIA OPTIMA. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 3 resulted in injury.

179
Complaints
3
Crashes
14
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Unknown Or Other Complaints

#11703217 |
My vehicle has the factory Snow White pearl paint. It is always parked in a garage. Since may 2025 the paint has been bubbling and cracking causing it to peel completely off of the car.
#11698245 |
While I was driving on this day [XXX] all of a sudden my car started to shut down and I couldn’t give my vehicle any gas really. I got a hybrid system warning, and my red brake light came on, and I got indicator for me to check the brake. My brakes felt like they were grinding and hitting the ground. I managed to get my Kia into the dealership where the service manager, Jose looked at my car briefly. Of a visual inspection he said that the brake pads looked good, but your brakes are hitting the ground. He charged me a diagnosis. I told him to check to see if there are any recalls active, he said I do see a recall, but this doesn’t have anything to do with your car. The next day I heard from the service manager told me I have an update. I...
#11698251 |
The clear coat is delaminating and the Paint is peeling off in multiple areas of the car.
#11679318 |
White paint coming off
#11678894 |
The paint on my car slowly began to peel away on the hood and side panels, eventually exposing almost the entire hood to be bare (Kia was notified and I was denied any sort of help). I had the hood and panels painted out of pocket, shortly after the side rear passenger door has begun with the exact same issue Eventually, my car is going to be missing all paint and just primer. This needs to be addressed in a class action settlement! Otherwise my car is immaculate condition.
#11673283 |
This is a general inquiry on Kia white paint. My paint is chipping off all over my car. They told me it's inherent to white paint. Is this true or are the trying to get away without addressing the problem.
#11667462 |
The white paint on the car is peeling off in many areas of the car.
#11661924 |
The paint on my car is flaking off. We had a very bad storm and after it passed there was lots of paint gone from my car. I filed a claim with state farm and was denied as they state Kia was responsible of the paint because it's a know fact that the snow white pearl paint us defective and kua knows this. I file with Kia care and they say the paint warranty is gone. But they know that the paint is defective and they need to repaint my car. This issue started in 2011 through 2020. My car is a 2013 Kia optima and Kia is responsible for fixing this issue.
#11649761 |
The paint on my Kia optima is coming off.
#11640981 |
My driver's side door lock actuator is stuck in the closed position, and will not allow me to close the door. I searched for a video on what to do, as I need the door to close to drive safely, and found hundreds of videos of people with the same car having this same issue. The fix that a video provided explained to hold the door handle open (the inside or outside handle work just the same) and to take a key or screwdriver and flip the actuator into the correct position, allowing the door to latch properly. I searched the internet to see how difficult it is to replace, and found more people with my car's make/model having issues with their door being stuck in the lock position, while the door is closed. This would be a nightmare in the case of an emergency retrieval. A faulty lock could...
#11636682 |
I purchased a 2013 Kia Optima EX from an on-line auction [XXX] in Memphis, Tn. After the car was delivered I noticed the vehicle engine had a slight engine knock. When I attempted to test drive the vehicle the engine knock grew louder, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was fortunate enough to get the vehicle back to my residence where I was able inspect the engine, and noticed "Metal Dust" on the oil dipstick. Service records showed the vehicle had been serviced at the correct intervals, and the oil had been professionally been changed at correct intervals, and the vehicle appear to be in excellent condition. After doing some research I notice Kia had a recall for the "Theta Engine 2" for a rod bearing recall that was causing engine failure prematurely. I contacted Kia customer services on 11-20-24. I was told the...
#11634500 |
We were driving and then suddenly stopped, thank goodness nothing bad happened to us. and the car never turned on again! I Was told by a mechanic it was the engine. We were told there were several recalls and alot regarding the engine for this year. Why should I have to pay for something we're still paying on and that has been sitting in our driveway for over 2 years! Fix our car!
#11614687 |
In May 2024, I took my 2013 Kia Optima (2.0L T-GDI) to my local dealership to have several recalls completed, including SC284QF (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit). The dealership completed the recalls and I have a receipt showing all three recalls were completed. On Sep 12 2024 I received a recall notice stating the recall SC284QF had NOT been completed and to contact my dealership to schedule this recall repair. I looked up the Kia Safety Recall Campain instruction, detailing the repair step-by-step. I then went to my vehicle fuse panel (where the recall repair was to be performed) and was able to verify the recall has NOT been completed, despite the Kia dealership claiming (and documenting) the recall as being complete. This recall states that the risk of not competing this recall is potential engine fire while being driven or parked. I park this vehicle inside my garage (attached to...
#11613770 |
2013 Optima SXL Snow White Pearl Pain Has been peeling since approximately 48,000 miles This has been discussed with Kia Service reps on multiple occasions since it was first noticed. Vehicle is now at 148,000 miles and paint continues to chip away on the hood and pillars of car. It is evident the problem is not isolated to my car. Every snow white pearl car i see driving down the road has similar paint chipping.
#11606241 |
My 2013 Kia optima, 80,000 miles has had a manufacturer paint defect problem for years now. Paint from my car is flying off in large chunks. I’ve seen THOUSANDS of other Kia Hyundai and other like cars with the pearl white color having the EXACT same issue. Google search “Kia pearl white paint defect” and you can see for yourself what everyone else has posted online about the exact same issue I am having. All it takes is the right person to read this message and google search what is happening to thousands of Kia and Hyundai cars to understand the situation for something to be done about it. I’m not looking for a free paint job, I’m looking for the manufacturer to be held accountable for their poor quality workmanship. I’ve called Kia consumer affairs and they are aware of the situation but “are not considering any sort of...
#11605718 |
KIA notified me via letter on 23 April 2024 that Central Kia, Plano TX was able to complete repairs for the recall on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. I made an appointment in May to have the repair done. After waiting over two hours to have the repair completed, the Dealer said they did not have the part to fix the recall and they would contact me when it was available. Almost three months have elapsed with no word from Central Kia
#11604475 |
There is an hybrid warning coming on which causes the brakes to loose it’s ability to stop for some reason. It also slows the car to a hault while the engine is in full rev. It’s a huge safety issue as this occurs intermittently with no warning. Last time I was on the freeway, luckily I was able to pull over to the curb without incident. I hit the bumper a little bit but was able to stop safely.
#11597699 |
The oil feedline is gusting out oil but no where I could find a recall on this but I remember there was a recall. Could you send me the copy of the recall? Thank you.
#11591553 |
The paint on my car is peeling. It’s pearl white.
#11585609 |
The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the car and all of a sudden my car stopped and has not been working since that day. The dealership where I purchased the car refuses to look at it stating it isn’t there problem well there was safety recall and from what I have seen online they were not allowed to sell me a car that a big safety recall on it that has not yet been addressed. My...
#11581987 |
The paint has been peeling for a starting last year. The recent rains caused a large chunk of paint to peel suddenly from the trunk. The car has the snow white pearl paint and is delaminating from the car.
#11580630 |
Burning smell occasionally no warning light...maybe HECU?
#11580159 |
The vehicle is for sale at a dealership in Stafford Virginia at Pohanka Honda. How can this vehicle be for sale with a recall regarding a fire hazard. And then it states no remedy available.
#11578119 |
Manufacturer hasn't provided a remedy to recall notice issued in September 2023. For something that has a chance of catching on fire driving or Parked this should've been taken care of along time ago instead of risking peoples lives dragging this out.
#11577190 |
This car is pearl white and the paint on this car bubbles up and starts peeling. It is missing paint off the hood,passenger side doors and driver side rear quarter panel.
#11575425 | Fire
Electrical issue then engine leading to car going up in flames
#11573983 |
We are afraid to drive this car and have lost use for over 4 months now. Received Safety Recall Notice dated Nov 14, 2023. We have made numerous calls to Doug Smith dealership in American Fork, Ut, and also to KIA Customer Care Center. No information is forthcoming to resolve the issue in getting our car repaired. It is necessary that we park in our garage, so we faithfully unhook the battery cable every single time after driving and parking to be assured that it is safe. This has been going on for 4 months now and is not a comfortable situation for myself and my elderly wife. We would like some answers with respect to a timely repair to make our car safe again.
#11572052 | Fire
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.
#11568407 |
I bought my 2013 Kia optima ex from a private seller about half a year ago. I've had a few problems here and there that we're easily diagnosed and fixed. The radiator, alternator, starter, battery, serpentine belt, headlights, tail lights, licence plate light, tires, cabin air filter, and keyless start key fob have all been replaced. I just recently got my key fob(OEM) programmed by a licensed mechanic. The next day the car was perfectly fine. Ran smoothly and had no problems at all. I parked it and went to bed. Next day I get up early and start the car to warm up before I take my kids to the bus stop for school. It was between 5-7 minutes later and I went outside to the car and smelled an overwhelmingly strong plastic/chemical burning type smell coming from the car. I got in and saw that the air conditioning...
#11568381 |
The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner. There is an urgent safety recall (fire risk when parked). It is currently unsafe and unreliable to drive the car with this recall.
#11562239 |
The car dealership i bought my kia from is fully aware of this safety recall, Should he have sold me the car with out telling me? Can I take this car back and get my money back?
#11546157 |
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...
#11545497 |
Own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL with snow white paint. It is peeling horribly around the windshield pillars, and the roof. There are a few other smaller spots starting to chip away as well. This vehicle has been almost exclusivly garage kept. I have read this is a common issue experience by Kia owners with this paint specifically. Please investigate and issue a proper recall for these vehicle owners.
#11544344 |
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.
#11542717 |
In past year replace Shock Absorbers in the rear($498), Thermostate/gasket($454), and now need code P0464 Fuel leverl Sensor circuit replaced($750)
#11539971 |
My car paint as been chipping off. I see a lot of cars like mine in the street with the same isssue , specially Perales white kias . They look like junk cars . Paint was not good
#11539796 | Crash
I was turning into some parking spots so i could put my car in reverse and park closer to building i needed. I did not get a chance to putin reverse, the vehicle surged forward and was accelerating. My foot was not on the gas pedal. I was trying to brake. I turned steering wheel so I didn't hit brick building. I swiped the building and 2 vehiles on my right AND still did not stop right away. I kept on the brake and the plants, rocks, landscaping I think helped it to stop. I can get police report in few days.
#11532903 | Fire
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.
#11531132 |
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.
#11530188 |
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.
#11530251 |
I have problem for the color white pearl is pealing the car front car side an doors
#11529924 |
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.
#11529481 |
For the last 2 years, my pearl white paint has been chipping away. Over the last 6 months there are actual chunks of paint missing. I’ve never seen anything like this before.
#11528842 |
I have a white 2013 Kia Optima the paint is chipping, coming off in chunks. After it falls off seeing the panel below is smooth and does not appear to have been roughed up prior to painting to allow the paint to properly adhere. I know of thousands of other Kia owners to have paint issues exactly like this.
#11527517 |
Peeling paint from delamination on pillars, around windshield and hood. This stated 1.5 years ago and continues to get worse. The dealership said they are aware of this problem in the pearl white paint in this year and model but the paint warranty is only 3 years and no remedies have been made. This is devaluing my car with every paint bubble and peeling. Kia should make it right.
#11526723 |
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.
#11525668 |
Peeling paint
#11525324 |
The center console power supply is faulty, does not charge or hold usb port. The white paint on my car began to chip in large amounts.
#11519608 |
The issue with the car first occurred in 2021 when the vehicle had 109,000 miles. I was driving on the interstate returning from visiting my family when the car began to behave erratically. It started to seize, stall, and accelerated on its own. All of the lights illuminated on the dashboard with the error message hybrid engine, air pull over immediately. This was a serious event because my life as well as others were impacted. The car had just enough power to make it off of the shoulder when it died completely and had to be towed to the nearest dealership. They recommended I have the hybrid battery replaced which I did. That did not correct the issue because less than a year later in 2022 I was once again returning home and the car begin to do the same thing. Stalls, seizes, accelerates on its own and the same...
#11516384 |
Chipped paint around my windshield and other areas of the car, such as the trunk and various other areas of the vehicle

Other 2013 KIA OPTIMA Problem Areas

Engine 595 complaints Steering 207 complaints Electrical System 139 complaints Structurebody 117 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 89 complaints Power Train 61 complaints Air Bags 57 complaints Service Brakes 54 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 50 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 38 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 32 complaints Exterior Lighting 31 complaints Suspension 25 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 24 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 19 complaints Wheels 17 complaints Seat Belts 16 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 12 complaints Structure 8 complaints Visibilitywiper 8 complaints Seats 5 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 3 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 3 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 3 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 2 complaints Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule 2 complaints Chest Clip Buckle Harness 1 complaint Electrical Systemhorn 1 complaint Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module 1 complaint Electrical Systemignitioncoil 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiring 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosuperchargerintercooler 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 1 complaint Firerelated 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 1 complaint Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister 1 complaint Hybrid Propulsion System 1 complaint Interior Lighting 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkages 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint Tirestreadbelt 1 complaint Traction Control System 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint
Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report