How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 64 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2013 Kia Optima, which is 5% of the 1,383 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2013 Kia Optima?

No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for this component on the 2013 Kia Optima.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2013 Kia Optima?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 64,837 miles for this component.

Have transmission issues on the 2013 Kia Optima caused crashes or injuries?

Yes, NHTSA data tied to this component area for the 2013 Optima shows 3 crashes and 3 injuries reported, with 1 fire also noted.

2013 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 64 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima, 5% of its 1,383 total complaints. No related recall is listed for this component. Median mileage at failure was 64,837 miles, with 3 crashes and 3 injuries reported.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 64; 5% of 1,383
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 64,837 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report unexpected acceleration or a surge of power after depressing the accelerator at low speed, in one case leading to a crash into a tree.
Drivers describe hesitation or stalling when pulling away from a stop, with the traction control system sometimes engaging on its own and cutting power.
Several owners report the transmission shuddering and failing to accelerate smoothly from a standstill, which one dealer described as normal operation.
Owners report the transmission shifting from automatic to manual mode on its own while driving, sometimes happening repeatedly.
Some owners report the vehicle struggling for traction and getting stuck in snow or ice, requiring towing.

When 2013 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 19, 2012, latest Jul 19, 2026.

64 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2012 to Jul 2026; peak Sep 2020 (5).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

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

20053 (2%)
200614 (9%)
200713 (8%)
200818 (13%)
200933 (28%)
201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 64 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2013 Kia Optima, which is 5% of the 1,383 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2013 Kia Optima?: No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for this component on the 2013 Kia Optima.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2013 Kia Optima?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 64,837 miles for this component.
Have transmission issues on the 2013 Kia Optima caused crashes or injuries?: Yes, NHTSA data tied to this component area for the 2013 Optima shows 3 crashes and 3 injuries reported, with 1 fire also noted.