VehicleVerdict

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 80 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.9× the Optima Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Optima Hybrid years to avoid.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

80

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

7

Investigations · 1 open

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Optima Hybrid years?

Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted151 complaints2011: 47 complaints2012: 151 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 51 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 38 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2126%
Engine1316%
Brakes1316%
Other911%
Transmission79%
Speed Control56%
Fuel System56%
Steering34%
Lighting23%
Suspension11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OF 5-10 MPH APPROXIMATELY. HAS DONE THIS ON OCCASION AT HIGHWAY SPEED A SUDDEN SURGE SO A BRAKING WOULD RELIEVE PROBLEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 19, 2017 · crash

“UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE (THANKFULLY PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY), VEHICLE WAS IN EV MODE, WITH JUST CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AFTER ENTERING GAS MODE BATTERY AND MAINTENANCE LIGHT APPEARED IN ADDITION TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE GREEN "READY" LIGHT ON THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN FLASHING AND A WARNING MESSAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 28, 2017

“VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OF 5-10 MPH APPROXIMATELY. HAS DONE THIS ON OCCASION AT HIGHWAY SPEED A SUDDEN SURGE SO A BRAKING WOULD RELIEVE PROBLEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 19, 2017 · crash

“VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE IN MOTION TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OF 5-10 MPH APPROXIMATELY. HAS DONE THIS ON OCCASION AT HIGHWAY SPEED A SUDDEN SURGE SO A BRAKING WOULD RELIEVE PROBLEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 19, 2017 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL: CAR AT 35K MILEAGE AND DISPLAYS 'HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING, SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'. HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF DEALERSHIPS WHO STILL CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS. ALSO, SEEMS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DISCHARGING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE!!…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 15, 2017

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 80 complaints put the 2013 model at #2 of 10 Optima Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Optima Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Optima Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), engine (13 complaints).

Does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Optima Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima Hybrid years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.