2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 18 Engine complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, 33% of its 54 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 68,000. A related recall (campaign 20V750000) covers engine compartment fire risk from fuel or oil leaks.
- Engine complaints
- 18
- 33% of 54
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 68,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden, unintended acceleration while driving at highway speed or with cruise control engaged, sometimes requiring hard braking to avoid a collision.
- Some drivers report a dangerous hesitation when pressing the accelerator, with delayed response regardless of speed or Eco mode setting.
- Multiple owners report the hybrid system shutting down while driving, displaying a 'Hybrid System Failure: safely stop and do not drive' message, sometimes on the freeway.
- Several complaints describe the engine stalling or losing power unexpectedly, in one case tied to a diagnosed blown head gasket and in another to a thrown rod requiring engine replacement.
- Owners also report the engine revving on its own at idle or after releasing the gas pedal, which some link to the NHTSA recall for this vehicle.
- One owner noted a drop in fuel economy from 38-40 mpg to 30 mpg after a dealer fuel injection service, along with intermittent surges of acceleration on the highway.
When 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid engine complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 10, 2014, latest Aug 26, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 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.
Engine complaints by Optima Hybrid model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 18 Engine complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, which is 33% of the 54 total complaints filed for this model year.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on this model year is 68,000 miles.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid engine?
- Yes. Recall campaign 20V750000 covers 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid vehicles among other Kia models, addressing engine compartment fire risk from fuel and/or oil leaks. The recall does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
- Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries linked to these engine complaints?
- NHTSA data for this component and model year lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported complaints.
- How does the 2013 model compare to other Optima Hybrid years for engine complaints?
- The 2013 model's 18 engine complaints and 33% share are lower than 2012 (76 complaints, 70% share) and 2011 (22 complaints, 65% share), but higher in raw count than most later years like 2015 through 2020.