146 of the
1,885 complaints about the 2013 KIA Optima are about the
electrical system — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
86,800 miles.
Code : P1777 Transmission- oil pump A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. I believe later down the line the engine will stall out and it should be fixed now while under warranty. However I received no help from the dealership unless I am willing to pay upfront. In addition to this there are electrical issues the front seats aren't moving immediately when the button is pressed. The steering wheel buttons barely work along with the radio. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11734775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car started shutting down while driving. After the engine started seizing the key wouldn't turn in my ignition. Took car to dealership immediately on 10, 2026. Took again in 2024 for recall and other repairs. Found out after requesting previous service incidents they failed to do recall repairs and never notified me of it, or to come back. I've requested current diagnostic report several times in writing and verbally with codes for this current service, with non compliance. My car is still at the dealership needing work and I need current diagnostic report before I pay for repairs. I am attaching a dealership diagnostic e-Report for my 2013 Kia Optima from 2024. While the report lists “No Current DTC” for several systems, it also documents multiple “Communication Fail” errors across critical modules, including Smart Key, Head Lamp, Air Conditioner, Brake, and other systems. These communication failures indicate a broader electrical or network issue within the vehicle, not simply a failed battery. The report also shows that certain diagnostic scans were not properly performed. Additionally, there are historical fault codes related to TPMS and weight classification systems, further supporting that the vehicle has experienced ongoing electrical issues. Despite these findings, the dealership attributed the vehicle failure solely to a bad battery and did not provide a current battery diagnostic test. They also failed to address an open recall related to electrical/fuse issues prior to this failure. Based on this past diagnostic report, I believe the root cause of my vehicle’s failure is an unresolved electrical defect, potentially related to the outstanding recall, rather than normal battery wear. This has resulted in my vehicle becoming inoperable and poses a serious safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11727066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,862 milesTyler, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle eventually stalled on the side of the road. The key, battery, oil, and engine warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The engine failed to turn over. The mechanic had previously performed a routine oil change. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with low voltage. The spark plugs were checked, there were no oil leaks, and the vehicle was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,862.
NHTSA complaint #11723905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gallatin, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car suddenly caught fire in my driveway tonight 2/6/26 roughly around 9:40 PM. Fire department has been dispatched to come out and investigate if the fire has been properly extinguished and it does warrant any further safety hazards until Kia can be notified and resolve this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11716358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Royal Palm Beach, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I received a recall notice for my 2013 Kia Optima, VIN #: [XXX] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the closest safe location at the time. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. No injuries occurred, and the fire department was not called because the fire stopped once the vehicle was turned off. I believe this incident is related to a known safety defect and recall involving Kia Optima engine fires. I have contacted Kia multiple times regarding this issue, and there have been delays in addressing or repairing the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11712399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, MSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11705485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The computer modular or engine control module yes, it is available for inspection. I can be at risk because my lights flicker off and, on my turn, signals do not work, and it will not go into drive I have to start my car 30 minutes before I can leave for work at 5:30am in the morning. I had a security update on my car and ever since that took place, I had this issue. I just had the P1326 code come up on my car last November took it to Vero Beach Kia and had that update done on my car for the engine problems that is going on, and they replaced the last recall which was the knock sensor. I had explained to them the issue my car does when starting it they told me it has nothing to do with the update that would cause it. When looking this issue up there are other people having the same issue, but Kia will not inspect it out so can you please investigate this issue and plus the paint on my car has peeled so bad.
NHTSA complaint #11700621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgecrest, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a drive after startup, vehicle flashed the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) error and put the car into limp mode. Car will idle fine, but the issue is intermittent upon acceleration. Error code is p1775 Electric Oil Pump Hall IC Sensor Failure. Took it to a mechanic and they had performed a test on the sensor and pump and found no issues after stress testing and checking cabling. Issue occurred at mechanic when they tried to move the vehicle and suggest replacing the electric oil pump and sensor even though they found no issue the parts themselves without tearing down the mechanism. Car is undrivable because of this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11699955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coconut Creek, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 have attached the diagnosis of my car. This is what they say needs to be repaired in my vehicle. I asked my service advisor questions about how related the recalled part was to the issue. You can see the conversation in the pictures. At this point, I created a case with you all when he started to argue over terminology. I had a conversation on the phone with Jose and my service advisor later where they then told me that there is no recall that is showing up. I said I need to look over this because I saw a recall there. I verified this and messaged the advisor back. There were no further conversation conversations over the phone. Everything was done over messages and you can see them below. I was being threatened to be charged storage fees. And they said that they performed the recall, but the car was not confirmed to be in drivable condition. I did not go by to pick the car up. I called corporate numerous times. I was told on one day any additional information from text messages is not needed. Until Alicia gave me the email and said to please send over the info. I called the corporate office, the corporate office did not do anything to solve the situation. My car is still not drivable condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
NHTSA complaint #11698245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zimmerman, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Kia has the part number that was recalled for the ABS module. But Kia said it’s not included in the recall because of my vin. Appeared 2 months ago. All lights on & potential risk of fire according to the brake fluid leaking. So I have to park outside. Kia inspected & said it was ABS module that needed replacement. For $2,600. Which I can’t afford. I Have already spent $500 for the other problems they said it was at first. But it didn’t fix the problem. Now I am having to borrow cars to get to work.
NHTSA complaint #11669132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zimmerman, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My ABS module is failing with no open recall, even though Kia has issued multiple safety recalls (SC197, SC212, SC284) for this exact issue. My car is showing brake system errors (ABS, EPB, traction control, auto hold) and has stored codes like [insert your codes]. I’m concerned this is a serious safety hazard. If brake fluid has leaked into the module, there’s a known risk of electrical fire, even while parked. Kia has not included my VIN, but I believe it should be. Please investigate expanding the recall to include additional VINs. I’m requesting NHTSA to take this report seriously and hold Kia accountable for known safety defects in affected vehicles that are being ignored due to VIN limitations.
NHTSA complaint #11668762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My engine locked ,
NHTSA complaint #11663844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snellville, GACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car cuts off while driving almost causing a accident. The brakes randomly stop working while driving also. The code says P1777 relating to the transmission/ hybrid system. Kia dealerships are charging customers to diagnosis their vehicles. Eventhough they already know this is a common problem with the hybrid cars. Also the 12v battery and hybrid battery needs to be replaced every 2 years, which is costly. The tech also advised that Hybrids are the worst cars and I should sale my car. This is unfair to customers and a waste of money. Please make this a recall and extend all warranties past 150k. This is a huge safety problem and could cause deaths in the future.
NHTSA complaint #11658778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am leasing the 2013 Kia Optima LX through a 3rd party dealership that apparently stated in their terms and conditions that they are not responsible for doing maintenance on the car before being sold. I was on the road after getting gas when all of the sudden, the car started to slow down and my emergency check oil, engine, battery lights all came on. I was able to safely pull into a parking lot but after that, the car wouldn’t turn on. After trying to jump start the battery with another car, the engine started to smoke. We thought the alternator died. The third party dealership has their own maintenance shop and said it was alternator one day, then said it was engine the next and it manually can’t be turned over. That’s when they said because I didn’t get a software update, I didn’t have a warranty and I need to pay for the engine myself. Kia won’t help and the dealership won’t lend a loaner car for this inconvenience. I was never made aware that there were recalls on the car or a software update that needed to happen.
NHTSA complaint #11651431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was stolen. The vehicle had been repaired by the dealer for an unknown recall for the anti-theft system. The vehicle was stolen, and the anti-theft feature failed to function as designed. A Police report was filed; however, the police report was not available. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11647615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I turned the ignition on the car wouldn't start. But the ABS light and all other lights flickering when trying to start the car. The alarm kept going off. Passenger side front and rear windows won't function. Smell like something was burning. This is the second incident ([XXX]). Fuses had to be removed to silence the alarms on the first incident on [XXX] because the lights were still flickering on and off when car wasn't on. I had my car serviced at the West Broad Kia Dealership in Richmond, Va. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11647455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dyersburg, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 vehicle was in fact under the "rod bearing" recall and it had a lifetime warranty on it. I was instructed to contact a Kia dealership to have the vehicle serviced for possible engine replacement due to rod bearing failure. I contacted Serra Kia of Jackson, TN, and inform them of my conversation with Kia's customer services, and I was told they were pretty sure the engine would have to be replaced, and to have the vehicle towed to their dealership to perform the services. I had the vehicle towed to Serra Kia on 12-2-24. I sent an email to the service department on 1-16-25 for an update on my vehicle. On 1-16-25 I received an email from the dealership's service department stating a case was opened with Kia Tech, and they declined approval of an engine because I bought it from an auction. The dealership did offer to replace the engine for $6003.71 for parts and labor. I contacted Kia customer services on 1-18-25 and they said they wouldn't approve replacing the engine even though it's under recall because I bought the vehicle at an auction. I'm filing this complaint because Kia is refusing to do an active safety recall for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF
NHTSA complaint #11636682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesIndianapolis, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his husband was driving approximately 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as the driver was pulling to the side of the road, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several drivers alerted the driver that the vehicle was on fire, and the driver immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the driver saw flames, and the front end of the vehicle became engulfed in fire. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle burned to the ground, and the front doors and the front windows sustained fire damage. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The contact's husband did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V100000(Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patterson, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was driving down the highway with no indication of any problems with my car. It just shuts off completely had to coast to the side of the road get someone to tow me home. While on side of the road opened the hood and saw white smoke come from the engine. Just had an oil change and coolant is fine.
NHTSA complaint #11620840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fleming Island, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 my house) and this could have caused a fire which could have endangered the lives of my family. I have attached the Kia Safety Recall Campain instructions as well as a photo of the affected fuse.
NHTSA complaint #11614687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UTCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL
The car as a fire hazard
NHTSA complaint #11607140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sun Valley, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ran out of gas ,and added gas for it to start up again only for it to not run after adding fuel .
NHTSA complaint #11606388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edwardsville, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 7/31, we had the HECU Fuse recall fixed at the Federico Kia Dealership. In 8/1, one day later, when driving the vehicle all of the car emergency lights came on, the engine started smoking and eventually caught fire. Fire department and police were called. Vehicle was toed to Kia Dealership. The next morning 8/2 we spoke with the service manager at the dealership, who was no help and gave us a 1-800 number to call Kia directly. Since this fire directly pertains to the part they “fixed” the day before during the recall, we believe the dealership did not fix the issue and believe something they “fixed” caused the issue as we have never had any prior issues with the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11606030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, New York, 13209, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KIA, in Clay New York, refuses to fix the recall on the bearing that caused my engine to cease, i did not know that my car had a recall because i was never notified! My car broke down as i was driving it, i had it towed to Kia, found out there were recalls, but the dealership will not honor the recall and fix my car.
NHTSA complaint #11605786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on the freeway I noticed my car wasnt going as I was pushing the gas and noticed all my dash lights were on like I was in accessory mode. I coasted to the edge of the freeway and decided to pop my hood and see if it was my battery cable that came loose. While waiting for traffic to break I noticed my hood looked alittle hazy like it was hot. When I was able to get out of my car I noticed black smoke coming from under the hood so I backed off and called 911.
NHTSA complaint #11602382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSpring, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking noise was detected. The window failed to roll down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned of the vehicle catching on fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11587155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bishopville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11586406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garden Grove, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 problems first started April 24th, 2024. Recall #23V652000
NHTSA complaint #11585609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Recall since September 2023 and Kia as of this date does not have the part even though recalls states that is urgent
NHTSA complaint #11585151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White / Caucasian, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11581854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.