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Model year record

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls & problems

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 56 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (22 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints56filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 2reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 25, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6520001,730,192 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
EngineDec 2, 2020

Engine

Recall 20V750000294,756 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk9.6%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Optima Hybrid Hybrid

37mpg combined
City / highway35 / 38 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,800/year to fuel

Optima Hybrid EX Hybrid

36mpg combined
City / highway35 / 38 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,850/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemPropulsion system › Hybrid management2210150,521 mi
Engine1400069,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic10000109,397 mi
Unknown or other912164,922 mi
Power train700067,000 mi
Service brakes51014,720 mi
Vehicle speed control50004,200 mi
Hybrid propulsion system500067,000 mi
Steering400070,000 mi
Exterior lighting3000—
Electronic stability control (esc)3000—
Suspension2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations