YearToAvoid

2013 Kia Optima Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 43 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima, about 3% of all complaints filed for that model year. The median mileage at failure was 25,800 miles, and no related recalls are on file for this problem area.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints
43
3% of 1,383
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
25,800 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the car darting or wandering left and right at highway speeds, requiring constant steering correction.
  • Some describe the steering as sluggish with play or dead spots, making the initial part of a turn feel sticky.
  • Several owners say the vehicle sways back and forth in lane even when the steering wheel is held straight.
  • One owner reported a fire that started near the front driver's side wheel area while driving.
  • One owner reported a tire pressure warning light and a tire that needed replacing shortly after purchase, noting the car had no spare tire, only a mobility kit.

When 2013 Kia Optima suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 19, 2012, latest Apr 23, 2026.

2013 Kia Optima suspension, wheels & tires complaints: complaints filed per month4Sep 2012May 2013May 2014Jun 2017Aug 2018May 2020Feb 2021
43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2012 to Apr 2026; peak Mar 2014 (4).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Optima model year

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

  1. 20102 (3%)
  2. 201129 (5%)
  3. 201231 (3%)
  4. 201343 (3%)
  5. 201414 (2%)
  6. 201514 (1%)
  7. 20168 (1%)
  8. 20174 (2%)
  9. 20183 (1%)
  10. 20195 (2%)
  11. 20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheels and tires complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 43 complaints in this area for the 2013 Optima, which is about 3% of the 1,383 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Optima suspension or wheels?
No. NHTSA shows no related recalls listed for this problem area on the 2013 Optima.
At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2013 Optima?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 25,800 miles.
What kind of suspension issues do owners describe most?
Owners most often describe instability or wandering at highway speed, requiring frequent steering correction, along with steering that feels sluggish or has play in it.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to this problem area?
NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries associated with Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints on the 2013 Optima.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.