How many brake complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have?

NHTSA lists 18 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Optima Hybrid, which is 33% of the 54 total complaints filed for the model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Yes. Recall campaign 23V652000 covers the service brakes (hydraulic) on the 2013 Optima Hybrid among other Kia models, and tells owners to park outside away from structures until repaired.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 71,500 miles.

Did the brake problems cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data links this brake complaint area to 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.

Which model years of the Optima Hybrid have the most brake complaints?

The 2013 model year has the highest share, at 33% of complaints, compared to 15% in 2011, 11% in 2012, and lower percentages in later years.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 18 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, 33% of all 54 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 71,500 miles. A related brake recall (23V652000) exists and directs owners to park outside due to fire risk.

Brakes complaints: 18; 33% of 54
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 71,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle at very low speeds, sometimes after the car surges forward unexpectedly.
A 'brake warning' or 'pull over and stop' message appears on the dash, often paired with multiple warning lights and the vehicle losing propulsion.
Owners tied to the Takata-related brake system report the warning message returning repeatedly even in park or at a car wash, with the dealer unable to reproduce the fault.
Several owners who received the 23V652000 recall notice report the replacement part was not yet available, leaving the hydraulic brake defect unrepaired.
One owner reported a burning odor inside the cabin while waiting for the recall part, and another reported a knocking sound from the front end suspected to be related to front strut components.

When 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid brake complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 10, 2014, latest Aug 31, 2026.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2014 to Aug 2026; peak Nov 2023 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

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.

Brakes complaints by Optima Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20115 (15%)
201212 (11%)
201318 (33%)
20142 (6%)
20151 (8%)
20160 (0%)
20174 (15%)
20180 (0%)
20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have?: NHTSA lists 18 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Optima Hybrid, which is 33% of the 54 total complaints filed for the model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?: Yes. Recall campaign 23V652000 covers the service brakes (hydraulic) on the 2013 Optima Hybrid among other Kia models, and tells owners to park outside away from structures until repaired.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 71,500 miles.
Did the brake problems cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data links this brake complaint area to 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
Which model years of the Optima Hybrid have the most brake complaints?: The 2013 model year has the highest share, at 33% of complaints, compared to 15% in 2011, 11% in 2012, and lower percentages in later years.