2013 Kia Optima: recalls and complaints

NHTSA advisory: park outsideCampaign 23V652000. NHTSA received the report on 25 Sep 2023. 1,730,192 units. Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

Remedy of campaign 23V652000, in the NHTSA record

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.

NHTSA advisory: park outsideCampaign 21V331000. NHTSA received the report on 10 May 2021. 440,370 units. Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

Remedy of campaign 21V331000, in the NHTSA record

Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

1 more campaign has an NHTSA advisory. The recall campaigns section shows each one.

Park-outside advisory: A mark on a recall campaign in the NHTSA recall file. This site shows the mark as NHTSA sets it.

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Optima. The newest campaign is 23V652000. NHTSA received the report on 25 Sep 2023. The NHTSA record gives the component Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module. NHTSA has no complaint on file for this model year. 8 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on 1 Oct 2026. Complaint file through 29 Mar 2018. Recall file through 29 Sep 2026.

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

9 campaigns, newest first. 4,280,952 units in total.

23V65200025 Sep 2023Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/ModuleAdvisory
22V5600001 Aug 2022Structure / Body / Roof and Pillars
22V09300017 Feb 2022Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
21V33100010 May 2021Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/ModuleAdvisory
20V51900027 Aug 2020Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/ModuleAdvisory
20V10000021 Feb 2020Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
18V90700019 Dec 2018Engine
18V3630001 Jun 2018Air Bags / Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
17V22400031 Mar 2017Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine

23V652000Received 25 Sep 2023. 1,730,192 units.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/ModulePark-outside advisory
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Kia America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SC284. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Mar 2024.
22V560000Received 1 Aug 2022. 257,998 units.
Structure / Body / Roof and Pillars
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC245. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 26 Sep 2022.
22V093000Received 17 Feb 2022. 72,848 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC228. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 2 Aug 2022.
21V331000Received 10 May 2021. 440,370 units.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/ModulePark-outside advisory
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC212. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 2 Jul 2021.
20V519000Received 27 Aug 2020. 440,370 units.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/ModulePark-outside advisory
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC197. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 20 Oct 2020.
20V100000Received 21 Feb 2020. 141,774 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC187. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Jun 2020.
18V907000Received 19 Dec 2018. 71,653 units.
Engine
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC172. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 Jan 2019.
18V363000Received 1 Jun 2018. 507,587 units.
Air Bags / Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC165. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 28 Sep 2018.
17V224000Received 31 Mar 2017. 618,160 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Report filed by Kia Motors America. Manufacturer campaign number SC147. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 20 Jun 2017.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

The NHTSA complaint file has no complaint for this model year.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2013 Kia Optima
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
AQ23002	Audit query	Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires	Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module	17 Nov 2023	Open
DP22003	Defect petition	Loss of Motive Power	Engine	12 Sep 2022	12 Dec 2023
EA21003	Engineering analysis	Engine Fires	Engine	22 Dec 2021	5 Feb 2024	23V877
DP21003	Defect petition	Throttle control system vulnerabilities	Vehicle Speed Control / Throttle	12 Nov 2021	20 Jun 2023
EA19001	Engineering analysis	Electrical overstress	Air Bags / Air Bag/Restraint Control Module	19 Apr 2019	19 Sep 2024	20V024
PE19004	Preliminary evaluation	Non-crash Vehicle Fires	Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery / Cables	29 Mar 2019	22 Dec 2021	20V088000
DP18003	Defect petition	Non-crash Vehicle Fires	Electrical System / 12v/24v/48v Battery / Cables	21 Aug 2018	10 May 2019	18V907000
RQ17003	Recall query	Scope and Timeliness	Engine	18 May 2017	22 Dec 2021	17V224000

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

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Official channels

NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
NHTSA page of the 2013 Kia OptimaThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2013 Kia Optima: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/kia/optima/2013/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through 29 Sep 2026.

Sources

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence: US government work, public domain
Recall file through: 29 Sep 2026
Complaint file through: 29 Mar 2018
First complaint in the file: 1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file: Kia America, Inc.

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Optima?: 4,280,952 units in 9 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Kia Optima have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the Kia Optima, model years 2001 to 2019. 9 of them name the 2013 model year.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2013 Kia Optima open?: 1 investigation has no closing date in the NHTSA file, of 8 that name this model year.