general problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

While driving my kia Optima on the interstate the rear subframe suffered catastrophic structural failure, resulting in the steering wheel going out of alignment, the rear passenger side wheel tilting with the bottom of the tire being far out compared to the top. This resulted in the rear of the vehicle swaying side to side and being difficult to maintain in a straight path. This vehicle was previously serviced under kia campaign sc141 (internal subframe corrosion) at griffin kia on April 27, 2017. Despite this safety remedy being performed the subframe rotted through and snapped. This is a remedy failure. The anti-corrosion was applied by the manufacturer failed to prevent the exact structural failure it was designed to mitigate. I have physical evidence (repair order #92144) proving the remedy was performed and photographic/video evidence of the subsequent structural break. The manufacturer (kia) has denied assistance, claiming the failure is "unrelated" to the corrosion campaign despite the part being the exact component covered by the campaign. " sc141 involved the inject of wax into the metal components of the subframe of the vehicle and was kia's response to the nhsta's concerns about the metal components of their vehicles being unable to withstand salt in the rust belt states. The campaign only was for the vehicles in the rust belt states. Kia was very aware this was a safety issue and attempted to avoid a recall by issuing this campaign. The campaign failed and as a result my life was put at risk. I asked kia for a good will repair of the rusted subframe but they refuse indicating the believe the part that clearly broke due to rust is unrelated to the safety campaign. Several of their employees stated it was very clear the part broke due to rust with one indicating he had a list of rusted parts needing replaced. I'd like the NHTSA to review this failed campaign and ensure the safety of all vehicles relying on this failed safety measure.

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.

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.

White paint coming off.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As in may 2025 , I purchased 2013 kia Optima lx sedan with airbag already deployed before bought it. And in June 2025 I took my car to nearest kia dealership , I found out that I had recalls over other things as well. I made kia dealership to look at the airbag and do inspection on it. None of kia employees did not informed me about the airbag, carfax information about previous incident to this car before I purchased.

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 literally be life or death.

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.

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 recourse at this time” if you’re reading this message, do the google search… help out thousands of people who paid extra for this style paint and were given a trainwreck instead.

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.

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.

The white paint on the car is peeling off in many areas of the car.

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 paint on my car is peeling. It’s pearl white.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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. . . .

The paint on my kia Optima is coming off.

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.

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.

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.

In past year replace shock absorbers in the rear($498), thermostate/gasket($454), and now need code p0464 fuel leverl sensor circuit replaced($750).

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.

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, crash 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 the vehicle was parked and unattended, it spontaneously caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated before the failure. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

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.

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.