general problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

While I was driving on this day oct 22 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.

My engine locked ,.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

I purchased a 2013 kia Optima ex from an on-line auction 11-15-24 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 dearlership 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 recieved 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ran out of gas ,and added gas for it to start up again only for it to not run after adding fuel .

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.

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.

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.

Car shutdown while driving.

Hecu replacemeny untimely manner to fix.

There is a dangerous recall on my vehicle put out by the maker of the vehicle and I called to schedule service for the vehicle . However no one is servicing my vehicle and they have no timeline on when they can remedy the issue . But I find it a serious matter that a symptom of this recall is a fire while driving or a fire while parked randomly . I need this remedied or car replaced ASAP to avoid damages or injuries !.

My concerns is for the safety of my family as well as myself. I feel this recall is dangerous and it can happen at any given time. I believe that the manufactures of this vehicle had plenty of time to have this issue fixed. I really don't feel safe driving it, especially with my family.

Burning smell occasionally no warning light. . . Maybe hecu?.

Electrical issue then engine leading to car going up in flames.

The engine stop ruanning I got the code p1b96, p1b74, poa4c.

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 was on low and I turned it off, thinking the smell was because it was cold and the air needed to be off to stop the smell. . . I drove my son to the bus stop one block away and there was no dash light on but the smell was still there so I turned the car off and we got out of the car. After the bus got my son, I got in the car and could still smell the burning smell but tried to start it to take it home and the dash lights came on like normal then all turned off except the check engine light, oil light, battery light, key light, eps light. The car made one click noise under the hood and did not start or make any noises indicating an attempt to start. The key light the turned off but the oil, battery, engine lights remained. I turned the car back off and downloaded an app called justask to ask a mechanic about the problem and he said to call the master lube where I had gotten an oil change a few weeks prior and ask them what to do because of the oil light being on and the possibility that they overfilled it which could cause problems. I called. The oil was fine, no leaks, he has no idea why it isn't starting. So I call the mechanic. No idea what is wrong still. . . .

I was driving up the 101fw north and where 405 north merges to 101 im vannuys CA. I'm going 65mph on the far left side, and my dash starts beeping and reads warning stop vehicle check brakes. My brakes go out, pedal to the floor sounding like grinding gears and doing some major damage, my acceleration stopped working. The 405 is merging on the left side so I had to avoid major traffic. I am a driver with skill as I Dodge slowed and stopped vehicles, and get to the shoulder before balboa blvd. I call for roadside assistance because kia says its free and its not. I was looking around the engine to see what the heck and unplugged the hybrid fuse and battery from back and suddenly it worked again and drive it home and right before I park I made a right turn, and it started beeping again, and this time it stayed this way. I almost lost my life, and I did lose my job because of it. Glendale's carspro kia service department is the worst department ever!, they would not help me get a tow, I paid for the tow. They charged close to 5 grand for a repair, hydraulic brake booster module, and a couple hundred for there highest service option (changing fluids, wipers, wash, detail, etc) this was a huge mistake amd took nearly two months! my car had dust on it they did not even check the pressure I had in my all 4 tires (emptied until 25psi) I started the vehicle and it started to hiccup as I idle I asked for the manager (a tall husky middle eastern guy with long hair and glasses). He replied"does your car have a check engine light on" I said "no" he said "comeback when it does. " I have received paper work from kia corp stating that I could be reimbursed. I sent that document in and never herd from them again. I call customer service I even went totheservicedpt and they erased my service record!finallyhappened, with my car still hiccuping,rareshutoffalarm. I exit fw ongreenlight, made left;alarm,nobrakes,nogas,hitcurb,nearpedestrians,transleaks,partrecalled,noresults,newproblem!.

My vehicles check engine light came on and I started feeling a lack of power in my car. Sluggish to accelerate. When the car was plugged in and diagnosed, it came up as the knock sensors. We had those replaced and the car ran fine for a few days but then it died out of nowhere. Check engine light came on again and it came up as knock sensors again. We had those replaced again and also had an oil change. Again… it was fine for a few days than started to knock… as I was driving the vehicle is completely seized on me. I almost went off a bridge because it didn’t allow me to press the breaks or anything. Brough it to the shop and they are saying the knock sensor popped up again but the engine is seized/blown. I was told this was not the first vehicle with my year make and model to do this and in this order.

Nine recalls from kia and very dangerous. Right when I think kia cant get any more dangerous with 2013 kia Optima and being unlucky enough to own the white pearl model with paint that is down to the metal, last recall airbags, seatbelts ect. This letter takes the cake. Our records show your vechicle is affected with part we do not have yet but “ park your vechicle outdoors and away from structurs and other vechicles car engine can catch fire driving or parked. Shoot forget about us it goes on to say if you burning melting smell while driving pull over and remove key exit car to safe location. . Well kia thanks for the heads-up hope we make it out of car and wow you will send letter when part comes in. . Terrifying letter but, love that you care more about parking away from strutures, other vechicles outdoors until you can get the part. Bad enough paint is all over the road chipping off. Guessing don't have to worry about that right now knowing I can catch on fire even when it is parked. Nothing telling us not to drive just make sure if we catch fire to get out! you were clear about protecting structures and other vehicles. Worst company and dangerous company. Tell your neighbors coworkers friends do not buy a kia. Until new ceo and accoutability this company cares little about life or loss. Many of us are joining class action suit. Nhtsa gov do your job how are you letting this company be so careless are you not paying attention to the 1000 of complaints and fear on this model and company? eventually, this will all blow up and life will be lost more than should be already.

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.