general problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

The vehicle is experiencing sudden engine stalling while in motion, a known safety hazard. Despite a documented maintenance history with no issues, the dealer (bayside kia) is attempting to deny a theta ii settlement claim by shifting the narrative to 'engine sludge,' which only appeared as a symptom in June 2025( walmart oil change) alongside engine performance issues. The vehicle has active codes p0014 and p0017, which are secondary symptoms of the internal bearing wear and metallic debris contaminating the oiling system. Kds diagnostic tests showed cylinder 1 at 0. 16mm (approaching the 0. 20mm failure limit). This clearance proves the connecting rod bearings are worn and reaching the failure threshold; this mechanical wear is the root cause of the engine's inability to operate safely. The presence of metallic debris in the oil is the definitive signature of the theta ii manufacturing defect. Furthermore, the dealer acted in bad faith by attempting to charge for airbag repairs (codes b1346/b1481) that are covered under the 15-year clock spring warranty extension (cs1102). The dealer has dismissed my qualifying maintenance documents, claiming they are 'not official,' which is a direct violation of the magnuson-moss warranty act. A manufacturer cannot deny a warranty claim because services were performed at third-party facilities, nor can they deny a claim without proving 'exceptional neglect. ' I am reporting a refusal to honor a court-ordered safety settlement and an attempt to return an unsafe, stalling vehicle to the road. There is no evidence of engine abandonment or exceptional neglect. I’m considered "in compliance" if I can show I didn't go more than 14 months without servicing or a certain mileage between oil changes. The dealer's dismissal of verified third-party receipts and bank statements is a bad-faith attempt to ignore an inherent manufacturing defect documented by a 0. 16mm bct result and metallic debris.

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).

The engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with the known bearing wear defect covered under the manufacturer’s safety recall, including knocking noises, loss of power, and engine malfunction. The condition worsened to the point that the vehicle became unsafe to operate due to the risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a kia dealership, which confirmed engine damage consistent with the recall defect. The engine remains available for inspection. Despite an active, unrepaired safety recall for engine bearing wear that increases the risk of engine seizure and crash, the manufacturer and dealership have refused to perform the recall remedy unless the owner first replaces the engine at personal expense. The manufacturer has stated that the recall cannot be performed due to the current condition of the engine. This refusal leaves the vehicle with an open safety recall and no manufacturer-provided remedy, creating an ongoing safety risk due to potential engine seizure and loss of power while driving.

On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, my 2013 kia Optima ex suffered sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The check engine light was flashing, the car misfired badly, lost complete power, and became unsafe to operate. The vehicle was then towed to wagner kia of shrewsbury, MA. On Monday, September 22nd, kia diagnosed the engine with holes in the intake valves (cylinder 3) and multiple misfire codes (p2191, p0272, p0301, p0304, p0172, p0303). The dealership documented that major engine repairs would be required, including two intake valves, two exhaust valves, valve cover gaskets, hraf bolts, two ignition coils, and a valve job. This sudden engine failure created an immediate safety risk of stalling or losing power while in motion, which could have led to an accident. Despite kia’s history of theta ii engine recalls and settlements, my VIN is not included, leaving this major engine defect unaddressed. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and consider expanding kia’s existing engine recalls to cover this engine failure, as it represents a serious safety issue consistent with kia’s documented engine problems.

My engine locked ,.

I have notice an ongoing issues with motor oil consumption. Over the past six months, I have added oil every 2,000 miles the technicians at oil changers recently inspected my vehicle and recommended having it evaluated as the issue seems to be occurring more frequently. There are no warning lights displayed on my dashboard, I have not noticed any oil leaks where I park. While my car has been running fine,I want to insure there are no underlying issues. But most important me and my family’s safety and everyone’s when operating the vehicle. Please let me know the next steps for further inspection.

My vehicle received a new engine due to a component failure, which there was a recall specifically describing the failure, recall 17v224 (sc147). After the new engine replacement, April 2024, while driving my car I began to notice a faint smell of gas with inside my car. As time passed the smell grew heavier. Drove the car to the pueblo colorado dealership and had the service department take a look to confirm the leak. It was confirmed and one of the service personnel tried to torque the bolt tighter and that did not stop the leak. I was told by one of the service personnel that it was not covered under warranty and the cost would be mine out of pocket to fix. I found out this fuel leak is a recall (sc172), vehicles that received an engine replacement under previous recall 17v224 (sc147). ("kia motors America, inc. , pursuant to the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act, is conducting a safety recall campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the high pressure fuel pipe on certain 2011–2014 my kia Optima, 2012-2014 my kia sorento, and 2011-2013 my kia sportage vehicles that received an engine replacement under recall no. 17v224 (sc147). The remedy for the previous recall may not have been properly performed, and in some cases, the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak. Leaking fuel increases the risk of fire. "). I have spoken to the dealership and they do not recognize this recall as it is not showing up in their data system. I have spoken to the kia corporation and I have gotten nowhere. This was issued by your department and is recognized by kia corporation but the pueblo colorado kia dealership states it is not in their system as a recall. My car has been parked after notifying both parties of this issue since December 19, 2024. Your NHTSA: part 573 safety recall report 18v-907 manufacturer recall no. : sc172.

Bought car 2020, engine failed and was consuming oil like it was fuel after 50-60k miles in 2022, serra kia misdiagnosed and charged me $900 for ignition coil and combustion chamber cleaning that was not needed nor refunded when I was denied replacement due to me not letting engine lock up(service manager basically told me to do so to be approved) or a p1326 code, charged +\-$8,000 for engine to be replaced. Horrible experience, engine was fine at first, then shortly after the short mileage warranty they give, the engine started having minor non catastrophic issues here and there. Finally, around the same amount of time(last October 2024) and almost the same amount of miles on the engine, its doing exactly what it was when I took it to kia for the engine. One random day, on my way to work, I got to a red light and when I went to go at green the engine hesitated and I noticed a massive smoke cloud behind me and coming from my engine. It was consuming oil yet again the same way. Reached out to kcc(kia customer care) and provided them a 4 page personally written letter by myself explaining the full story and my experience. However they merely closed my case without any explanation or reason for doing so. So as I stated to them I would do if I needed to, I've reached out to the bbb and now you. I'm hoping to get justice, whats right, and what should have happened in the first place. My money back and or my engine repaired and no more charges to me. 2022 first engine failure(denied and paid for engine) oct 2024 engine failure again. (added copy of letter sent plus proof of service manager influencing me to lock the motor up to get covered the first time).

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.

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

Over a year ago I was sent to kia to fix a recall for a possible fuel leakage problem over my engine that got fixed with mesh tape and one zip chord. Now my engine has gushing fuel leaking on it on daily basis. I called kia a few months back asking for them to remedy this due to another recall and how I needed a rental so I could continue working while they fixed the problem they screwed up and they told me it would be over a month before they could fit me in their schedule. I have been smelling gasoline in my vehicle making me feel nauseous as I drive and the fumes are intense and my I smell it burning. My coworkers tell me daily what is that gasoline smell?. Now I get in the mail another recall notice about sparks going off for gaskets or thingsmajigs on my engine just from being idle in a parking spot or driving and how I should park away from others??!?!? just in case!!! what about my safety??! I still have gasoline leaking all over my car engine!. My house could blow up! this is outrageous that none of this is taken care of.

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.

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).

Unknown there are recalls for the vehicle and the kia dealership hasn’t sent any letters notifying I had to find out online.

Issue 1: I did not receive a recall notice for sc172. (NHTSA campaign 18v907000. ) the recall began in January 2019. In July 2019 my car broke down with the exact same issue stated in the recall notice. I had to pay $1031. 75 for the dealership to repair it. On April 13, 2023 I called kia corporate and requested reimbursement for my expense. They said that since the VIN wasn't on their recall list it was my responsibility to pay. I would like NHTSA's assistance in being reimbursed by kia. I have the original repair documentation. Issue 2: I didn't receive recall notice my car's engine completely seized on 1/4/2023. All of the indicator lights on the dashboard lit up. This occurred on the highway during a heavy rainstorm. This could have caused a major accident, but was able to maneuver car off the highway. I never received any recalls (sc228, sc212, sc200, sc197, sc187, sc147, etc. ) anyone of which could be the cause of the seizing. I will upload documents later.

My car was sent to kia on covington pike in memphis, TN to repair the recalls but further repairs were needed stemming from issues with the recall on the low pressure fuel pump.

Recently my vehicle started smelling of raw fuel. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and was advised it was the fuel line issue that kia had recalled the vehicle for. I contacted my kia dealer and was advised my particular VIN was not on recall for the fuel line. Kia recalled the 2013 kia Optima gdi turbo for the fuel line issues but only certain VIN's. This vehicle was affected by the engine recalls. It initially had a short block engine replacement prior to the engine recall and subsequently that engine failed and the vehicle was replaced with a long block engine in 2018. The new engine has 30,000 miles on it. The VIN number does not have the original engine or potentially the original fuel line. How is kia determining the current fuel line issue is not on my VIN? this is a 2013 kia Optima gdi turbo. The vehicle does not have the original engine or likely the original fuel line. The vehicle has been serviced by kia several times and the engine and fuel lines have been replaced. The vehicle at the time of manufacturing had 1 specific line but no one knows which fuel line is currently in my vehicle. I am requesting kia contact me and advise they will honor this fuel line repair under the recall and I am questioning why only certain VIN's were recalled. Kia cannot definitively determine which fuel line is in each vehicle because most of the engines were replaced in the 2013 model based on the widespread engine recall/replacement of the engines. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. If the initial recall was done on the manufacturers VIN info, the engine and fuel line data is flawed since these vehicle engines were replaced. There is too much of a coincidence in the fuel line issue on my vehicle and the recall despite what kia is stating.

On 1/7/2022 I was driving my 2013 kia Optima on the freeway heading home and was passing an eighteen wheeler when my car started slowing down even when trying to accelerate, luckily I was far enough ahead and was able to get off the freeway. Had the car towed to the dealership and was told the engine failed but would be replaced free of charge due to class action suit settlement in 2020. Engine was replaced at 79,319 miles and picked up on 1/22/2022. On 11/08/2022 my son-in-law was driving the car home from work and was on the freeway with heavy traffic at 5:00pm when he first smelled gasoline and then saw smoke from engine compartment. He was in the left hand lane and pulled into the median area and stopped the vehicle and got out when the car caught fire. He called 911 immediately. By the time the police and fire department got there the car was totaled. Luckily no body was injured or killed. I have contacted kia consumer affairs and was given a case number and was assured they would get me a replacement vehicle. I had the car moved from the holding lot and towed to the dealership where I purchased it and have had it serviced regularly. As of 12/03/2022 we are still without a car and $857 towing fee and waiting on a kia inspection and decision.

Started with oil light flashing, then the other lights came on. Started losing speed, then lost all power to the engine, will not start back up with the engine, when trying to start it, the engine started smoking.

I was driving on the interstate in rush hour traffic to pick up my kids from school. The engine light came on, and immediately after that, the gas pedal would no longer accelerate the speed of the car. I pulled over on the side of the interstate to call my fiancé, and within minutes the front end started smoking. I grabbed my work belongings and stepped out of the car and the entire car went up in flames on the interstate. The car has been deemed a total loss with insurance. We filed a claim with kia and waiting for someone to inspect the vehicle. This car had engine failure back in 2017, and had an entire engine rebuilt inside of it. Part of the theta ll engine recall. Police would not create report due to not injuring anyone or any other vehicles.

Driving on the highway of about 65 mph, a semitruck was moving into the shoulder. I accelerator to pass it. The car pulled forward, then all power was off. I coasted pass the truck heading for the shoulder also. The semi was stilling moving on the shoulder. The driver blowing the horn but there was nothing I could do. The semi was able to get back on the highway without crashing into us. An appt. Has been made but the dealership says the part necessary to repair the recall service is unavailable. When the car died all service lights were on. After a 15 min. Wait, I started it up and the check engine light was on and a slight smell of gasoline.

When the fuel smell occurred I contacted my dealer and was told about a recall I have been complaining about the smell before I received my second recall paper the car was smoking and stopped working eventually and I've been without a car and unable to use my vehicle while having to maintain payments on it im am not sure why I have to pay for a problem that was spotted early on but due to neglect and unclear solutions I have wasted money on rentals and been left with no answers my check engine light was flashing I was unable to get a inspection sticker and was told it was due to the gas smell.

After accelerating from a stop and releasing my foot from the gas petal the car will start to accelerate on its own and speed up.

I was driving to work and smelled fuel. The loud oder of fuel was coming from under the hood. Called kia and they had the car towed to the kia place in mobile alabama. Was told that my VIN number is not covered under the 3 recalls that they have for this same make and model. Kia place said it has a fuel leak from high pressure fuel pump.

I was in the fast lane doing about 70 mph an all of a sudden my car turned off no power at all no warning lights nothing thank god there was no cars on side of me I went over 3 lanes of traffic an got to side of road the engine light was blinking . I had to tow to dealership an they told me that it might be minimum 2 weeks till they can look at my car . So now I have no car an have to be at work in morning . But still making car payments with broken car . I bought car from kia thinking I would not have problem with car specially for the dealership to have for 2 weeks or more so I guess I have to rent a car on top of car payment.

Smell like gas everyday I don’t want my car get in fire.

Low pressure fuel line began to give off a fuel odor over the last 10k miles, did not realize it was a fuel leak until recently when the car was parked and was leaking fuel under the mid section. The car has not been examined by any person yet. No cabin warning lights/indicators were present. Date given for date of incident is the first incident where a gasoline odor was detected.

The fuel gauge in the dashboard indicates the car still has gas (approx. 1/4 tank) when in reality the tank is empty. This cause to be stranded on the street, freeway, going up the hill in the freeway. This can cost an accident while random stoppage of the car. It happend 4 times already.

Kia replaced the low fuel line under campaign number 20v100 November of 2020 and the replacement part has now cracked causing gas to spray out onto my engine less than a year later. Kia is refusing to warranty the part. This is a huge life safety issue for myself and my family that travel in this vehicle. I feel these replacement parts need to be checked and replaced before someone gets seriously hurt.

Low pressure fuel tube leak. Gas leak through quick connect clamp, factory defect on part. Recall was done and still has same problem.

My Optima has a crack in the low-pressure fuel line. I detected a very strong gas odor last week and immediately notified the dealer but due to needing the knock detection sensor from a recall being installed, I had to wait until one of the lead techs was available to inspect it yesterday. The dealer has ordered the part needed but they said that it might be weeks before they get the part in because it is on backorder and due to the safety risk, my car is undriveable. They will not release my vehicle to me without signing a waiver releasing them of liability. Kia recalled 2013-2014 Optimas with the same turbo engine last year, for this exact reason but the dealer said my vehicle was not included in the recall and this repair will be nearly $600 out of pocket even though this is a known issue. I absolutely cannot and will not sign a waiver when I know my vehicle is dangerous to drive. I have systemic mastocytosis and that alone can cause anaphylaxis to be triggered by the gas odors. There were no warning lamps, no other signs or symptoms until I smelled gas last week.

My car has been having a check engine light on for over 9 months now and it cannot pass the smog test and when connected to the scanner it gives the code 0449 and b1347. I have tried to fix the evap leak and the code still comes out and the airbag light is always on now.

My oil light has been coming on and blinking then disappearing. Current on oil change and oil level is full on dipstick. Noticed little oil stain on driveway but oil level remains good and full. A couple times now my car has lost acceleration. One time on the highway and once in my neighborhood. When I press the gas it does not accelerate. It will lose speed and after a few times of stepping on the gas will eventually get to speed.

There is a strong gas smell from the car when I am driving. There is an open recall for certain cars of this year, make, and model, but my VIN specifically does not qualify for the recall. The recall is for a possible fuel line leak, which sounds exactly like what I have right now.

The low pressure fuel hose from the gas tank to the fuel pump located under the engine cover is leaking fuel. The vehicle was inspected by a kia dealership to determine the cause of the fuel leak. My safety and the safety of others were put in jeopardy due to the possibility of a fire or explosion from the leaking fuel line. The smell of gasoline was detected prior to the inspection from the kia dealership.