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2013 Kia Optima: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists nine recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Optima: three for brakes (filed 2020–2023), two for the fuel system (filed 2020 and 2022), two for the engine (filed 2017 and 2018) and two more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,383 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and the steering. For comparison, owners filed 919 for the 2012 and 586 for the 2014 Optima. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall, with a 9.6% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 9campaigns 3 brake · 2 fuel system · 2 engine Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,383filed Owner reports, 2009–2018 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 5★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 36mpg combined $1,814/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.4 L 4-cyl· Automatic 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Optima. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Park outside: fire risk. NHTSA advises parking outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Recall 23V652000 Filed Sep 25, 2023

HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire

Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
32.4% repairedof 1,730,192 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V652000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V560000 Filed Aug 1, 2022

Headliner Plate Detachment

Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
Consequence
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
51% repairedof 257,998 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V560000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V093000 Filed Feb 17, 2022

Low Pressure Fuel Hose May Leak

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
69.7% repairedof 72,848 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V093000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Park outside: fire risk. NHTSA advises parking outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Recall 21V331000 Filed May 10, 2021

Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit May Short

Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
70.5% repairedof 440,370 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V331000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Park outside: fire risk. NHTSA advises parking outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Recall 20V519000 Filed Aug 27, 2020

Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit May Short

Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
45% repairedof 440,370 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V519000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V100000 Filed Feb 21, 2020

Low Pressure Fuel Hose May Crack and Leak

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Consequence
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
76% repairedof 141,774 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V100000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V907000 Filed Dec 19, 2018

High Pressure Fuel Pipe May Leak

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
65.5% repairedof 71,653 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V907000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V363000 Filed Jun 1, 2018

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

Air bags · air bag/restraint control module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
44.5% repairedof 507,587 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V363000
Listed for 2013 Kia Optima. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V224000 Filed Mar 31, 2017

Bearing Wear may result in Engine Seizure

Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Consequence
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
67.5% repairedof 618,160 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V224000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Optima years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Kia OptimaAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,383)

1,383 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

48involved a crash
114involved a fire
36injuries reported
4deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Optima, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,383.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2013 compares with other Optima years

Best and worst Optima years →
116 75 593 919 1,383 586 1,009 756 256 232
2009201020112012201320142015201620172018
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 3★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 9.6%★★★★★
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Kia Optima 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 36 mpg combined

36
mpg combined
35
city
38
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$1,850
CO₂ tailpipe
247 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$1,814per year
$151per month
417gallons a year

Miles ÷ 36 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2013 Kia Optima configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.4 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive35 / 38 / 36$1,850247
2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 27$2,500326
2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 27$2,500326
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26$2,600340

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2013 Optima for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Optima years

Where to next

Which Optima years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2014 Kia Optima report586 complaints · 7 campaigns →2012 Kia Optima report919 complaints · 5 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2013 Kia Optima FAQ

How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 23V652000 (brake), 22V560000 (structure), 22V093000 (fuel system), 21V331000 (brake), 20V519000 (brake), 20V100000 (fuel system), 18V907000 (engine), 18V363000 (air bag), 17V224000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2013 Kia Optima problems?

Owners filed 1,383 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (612), Steering (213), Unknown or other (186) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2013 Kia Optima get?

EPA rates the 2.4 L 4-cyl · Automatic version at 35 city, 38 highway and 36 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2013 Kia Optima get?

NHTSA rated the 2013 Kia Optima 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 5 stars rollover (9.6% rollover risk).

How does the 2013 Optima compare with other years?

Among the 2009–2018 Kia Optima model years at least five years old, the 2010 drew the fewest complaints (75) and the 2013 the most (1,383). The 2013 drew 1,383. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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