2013 Kia Optima Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 670 engine complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima, 48% of all complaints filed for this model year, with a median failure mileage of 99,061. Two related engine recalls exist, covering bearing wear and fuel pipe issues.
- Engine complaints
- 670
- 48% of 1,383
- Crashes reported
- 14
- Fires reported
- 89
- Injuries reported
- 16
- Median mileage
- 99,062 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls suddenly at highway speeds, sometimes followed by smoke or fire under the hood.
- Vehicle catches fire while parked or shortly after shutdown, with flames coming from the hood or undercarriage.
- A knocking or clinking noise from the engine precedes hesitation to accelerate and eventual stalling.
- Engine loses power and all warning lights illuminate on the instrument panel before the vehicle stalls.
- Stalling occurs in traffic and leads to being rear-ended or losing control of the vehicle.
When 2013 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 19, 2012, latest Aug 20, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
- NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Engine complaints by Optima 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 have?
- NHTSA lists 670 engine complaints for the 2013 Optima, which is 48% of the 1,383 total complaints filed for the model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Optima engine?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 17V224000 covers 2011-2014 Optima vehicles for engine bearing wear from machining errors, and recall 18V907000 covers a fuel pipe inspection/replacement related to prior engine replacements.
- At what mileage do 2013 Optima engine problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on this model year is 99,061 miles.
- Do 2013 Optima engine failures involve fires?
- NHTSA data shows 89 fire incidents and 14 crashes linked to complaints in this area for the 2013 Optima, with 16 injuries reported.