VehicleVerdict

2013 Kia Optima body & structure problems

The 2013 Kia Optima has 126 body & structure complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

126

Body & Structure complaints

7%

Share of year

5

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Body & Structure complaints by year

Related recalls

22V560000Body & StructureAugust 1, 2022 · 257,998 units

Defect

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.

What owners report

ON SEPTEMBER 28TH MY HUSBAND WAS IN A ACCIDENT WHERE HE TURNED A CORNER AT 8MPH AND HIT THE REAR END OF A BOAT ON A TRAILER. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS CRUNCHED AND THE CAR IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS AND WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF AND IF I WERE IN THE CAR WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN THIS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 28, 2017 · crash

Common questions

How many body & structure complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA has 126 complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima body & structure — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima body & structure?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the body & structure: 22V560000.

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.