Does the 2013 Kia Optima have a fuel system recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls, campaign 20V100000 and campaign 22V093000, both covering a low pressure fuel hose that can deteriorate, crack, or be missing heat-protective tape, leading to leaks or fire risk.

How many fuel system complaints does the 2013 Optima have?

NHTSA lists 123 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Optima, accounting for 9% of all 1,383 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2013 Optima is 88,700 miles.

Are fuel system fires common on the 2013 Optima?

NHTSA records 14 fires and 1 injury among the fuel system complaints for the 2013 Optima, along with 1 crash.

Is the fuel system a bigger issue on the 2013 Optima than other years?

The 2013 model year shows 123 Fuel System complaints at a 9% share, higher in raw count than most other Optima years listed, such as 2012 with 54 complaints and 2015 with 56 complaints.

2013 Kia Optima Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 123 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima, 9% of all complaints filed for the year, with 14 fires and 1 injury reported. Two Kia recalls (20V100000 and 22V093000) cover a low pressure fuel hose that can deteriorate, crack, or lack heat-protective tape. Median mileage at failure is 88,700.

Fuel System complaints: 123; 9% of 1,383
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 14
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 88,700 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report fuel odor inside the cabin followed by smoke and flames from under the vehicle while driving at highway speed.
Several owners describe the vehicle stalling or losing power and then catching fire near the front of the car, sometimes at a stoplight or in traffic.
Some complaints describe fire starting in the front driver-side tire well while the vehicle was stopped, spotted first by bystanders.
Owners report smoke coming from the hood while the vehicle was parked, with fire spreading to the front of the car before occupants could exit safely.
One complaint describes the accelerator failing to respond at highway speed along with illuminated warning lights just before smoke appeared.

When 2013 Kia Optima fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 22, 2014, latest Sep 18, 2026.

123 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2014 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2020 Q2 (10).

Fuel System recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima

NHTSA 22V093000Feb 17, 2022Fuel System72,848 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
NHTSA 20V100000Feb 21, 2020Fuel System141,774 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.

Fuel System complaints by Optima model year

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

200510 (7%)
20069 (6%)
20073 (2%)
20085 (3%)
20091 (1%)
20101 (1%)
201127 (5%)
201254 (6%)
2013123 (9%)
201449 (8%)
201556 (6%)
201662 (8%)
201723 (9%)
201813 (6%)
201917 (8%)
202012 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Kia Optima have a fuel system recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls, campaign 20V100000 and campaign 22V093000, both covering a low pressure fuel hose that can deteriorate, crack, or be missing heat-protective tape, leading to leaks or fire risk.
How many fuel system complaints does the 2013 Optima have?: NHTSA lists 123 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Optima, accounting for 9% of all 1,383 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2013 Optima is 88,700 miles.
Are fuel system fires common on the 2013 Optima?: NHTSA records 14 fires and 1 injury among the fuel system complaints for the 2013 Optima, along with 1 crash.
Is the fuel system a bigger issue on the 2013 Optima than other years?: The 2013 model year shows 123 Fuel System complaints at a 9% share, higher in raw count than most other Optima years listed, such as 2012 with 54 complaints and 2015 with 56 complaints.