Are Structure & Body problems common on the 2013 Kia Optima?

Yes. NHTSA lists 134 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Optima, which is 10% of all 1,383 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the years listed.

Do 2013 Kia Optima structure and body complaints involve fires?

Yes. NHTSA records 11 fires and 7 crashes tied to Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Optima, with 7 reported injuries.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Optima related to structure and body?

Yes. Recall 22V560000, reported August 1, 2022, covers 2012-2013 Optima vehicles where the headliner plates may not be secured properly and can detach during side curtain airbag deployment.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems tend to show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 miles at the time these Structure & Body complaints were filed.

2013 Kia Optima Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 134 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima, 10% of all complaints for the year, including 11 fires and 7 crashes. Median mileage at failure was 70,000. One related recall (22V560000) covers headliner plates that may detach.

Structure & Body complaints: 134; 10% of 1,383
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 11
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 70,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle catching fire in the engine area, sometimes while parked or shortly after stopping, with flames spreading to the front of the car.
Several owners describe the car stalling or losing power at low speed or at a stoplight just before smoke or fire appeared.
Some report being unable to get out of the car right away because the electric door locks shorted out during the fire.
A few owners mention no dashboard warning lights before the fire started, describing the car as having no prior mechanical issues.
One owner linked the fire to a stall shortly after visiting the dealer for other recall work.

When 2013 Kia Optima body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 3, 2013, latest Jul 20, 2026.

134 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q1 (10).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima

NHTSA 22V560000Aug 1, 2022Structure & Body257,998 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
Risk: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.

Structure & Body complaints by Optima model year

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

20105 (7%)
201123 (4%)
201248 (5%)
2013134 (10%)
201453 (9%)
201578 (8%)
201651 (7%)
20176 (2%)
20188 (3%)
201916 (8%)
20202 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

Are Structure & Body problems common on the 2013 Kia Optima?: Yes. NHTSA lists 134 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Optima, which is 10% of all 1,383 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the years listed.
Do 2013 Kia Optima structure and body complaints involve fires?: Yes. NHTSA records 11 fires and 7 crashes tied to Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Optima, with 7 reported injuries.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Optima related to structure and body?: Yes. Recall 22V560000, reported August 1, 2022, covers 2012-2013 Optima vehicles where the headliner plates may not be secured properly and can detach during side curtain airbag deployment.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems tend to show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 miles at the time these Structure & Body complaints were filed.