YearToAvoid

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

88/100

#2 most-complained of 9 Optima Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 88 and ranks 2nd worst of 9 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 54 complaints, 2 recalls, 2 fires, and 1 crash, with Electrical System issues making up 41% of complaints.

Complaints
54
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
36.5
35 city / 38 hwy

Top 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System22 (41%)
  2. Brakes18 (33%)
  3. Engine18 (33%)
  4. Other9 (17%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain7 (13%)
  6. Fuel System5 (9%)
  7. Steering4 (7%)
  8. Airbags1 (2%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)

What owners report

  • Owners report unexpected brake failure or delayed braking response at low speeds, sometimes causing forward surges in parking situations.
  • Some describe receiving an electrical shock when touching exterior metal parts of the vehicle after exiting.
  • Multiple owners report the car failing to recognize its key fob, leaving the vehicle unable to start, especially after exposure to water such as a car wash.
  • Several complaints describe the vehicle stalling at highway speed without warning, sometimes tied to hybrid system failure warnings.
  • Owners describe significant hesitation on acceleration regardless of speed or driving mode, calling it unsafe.
  • One complaint describes unintended acceleration on cruise control that continued despite driver input.
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month6Apr 2014May 2015Jul 2017Mar 2018Jan 2019Apr 2021Feb 2024Mar 2025
85 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2014 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2019 (6).

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles

    Engine

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
35 MPG
Highway
38 MPG
Combined
36.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,775
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other Optima Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016201720182020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Caution6334336
2012Avoid100109336
2013Avoid8854236.5
2014Avoid7531036.5
2015Good3812036.5

All Kia Optima Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Optima Hybrid ranks 2nd worst among 9 model years with a Complaint Index of 88 and an Avoid verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Electrical System complaints make up 41% of reports, followed by Brakes and Engine issues, each at 33%. Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 68,000 miles.
Does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this year: a brake-related recall telling owners to park outside due to fire risk, and an engine compartment fire recall covering fuel or oil leaks. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
Which Kia Optima Hybrid years are better than 2013?
The 2015 model year has a Complaint Index of 38 and a Good verdict, and 2011 carries a Caution verdict with an index of 63, both better than the 2013's index of 88.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.