Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system21
- Engine13
- Service brakes, hydraulic10
- Unknown or other9
- Power train7
- Service brakes5
- Hybrid propulsion system5
- Vehicle speed control5
- Steering4
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.6 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 6.2–6.4 L/100 km (about 37–38 mpg US), CO₂ 143–147 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| Optima Hybrid EX · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.7 | 6.0 | 6.4 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic25 Sept 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
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.
20V750000 · Engine2 Dec 2020 · 294,756 vehicles
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010507 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the su |
| 11006546 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY PLUG FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SC269) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Voltage Battery (HVB) Safety Plug Fuse Assembly or Main Fuse on 2013-2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles produced from September 27, 2012 through July 22, 2015. The high-voltage fuse in the subject vehicles may have been replaced w |
| 11006367 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC269) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the high-voltage fuse in 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles. |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10239736 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY PLUG FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SC269) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Voltage Battery (HVB) Safety Plug Fuse Assembly or Main Fuse on 2013-2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles produced from September 27, 2012 through July 22, 2015. The high-voltage fuse in the subject vehicles may have been replaced with an improper aftermarket fuse by third-party repair facilities. A fuse of incorrect capacity may experience a shortened service life, which may result in illumination of the Hybr |
| 10239735 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC269). |
| 10239734 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to ensure that the proper high-voltage fuse is installed on 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles manufactured from September 27, 2012 through July 22, 2015. |
| 10239733 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to ensure that the proper high-voltage fuse is installed on 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles manufactured from September 27, 2012 through July 22, 2015. |
| 10239732 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to ensure that the proper high-voltage fuse is installed on 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles manufactured from September 27, 2012 through July 22, 2015. |
| 10238225 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima Hybrid (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV), 2015MY~ Soul EV (PS EV), 2017MY~ Niro (DE HEV/PHEV/EV), 2022MY~ EV6 (CV), 2021MY~ Sorento (MQ4 HEV/PHEV), 2023MY~ Sportage (NQ5 HEV/PHEV), and 2023MY~ Niro (SG2 EV/HEV/PHEV) vehicles. |
| 10230486 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY PLUG FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the "Hybrid System Warranty Extension Program" (WTY029) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Voltage Battery (HVB) Safety Plug Fuse Assembly or Main Fuse on 2013-2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles produced from September 27, 2012 through July 22, 2015. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10222379 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the Hybrid System Warranty coverage for the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse in 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles from 10 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension addresses, at no cost to you, certain concerns related to the potential failure of the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse. |
| 10222377 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch. |
| 10222376 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the warranty extension (WTY029). |
| 10222374 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia America, Inc., is extending the Hybrid System Warranty coverage for the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse in 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles from 10 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address certain concerns related to the potential failure of the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse. |
| 10222373 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia America, Inc., is extending the Hybrid System Warranty coverage for the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse in 2013-2016 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles from 10 years / 100,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address certain concerns related to the potential failure of the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse. |
| 10210264 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines the ordering and return procedure for high-voltage Lithium-ion batteries equipped on EV/hybrid vehicles (hereafter referred to as "high-voltage batteries" or HVBs). |
| 10202226 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia m |
| 10201615 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return t |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10200535 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines the ordering and return procedure for high-voltage Lithium-ion batteries equipped on EV/hybrid vehicles (hereafter referred to as "high-voltage batteries" or HVBs). |
| 10200431 | SC208_OWNR: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an auxiliary evaporative canister in their vehicle to ensure the evaporative canister is not releasing excessive pollutants into the air on some 2011-2016 MY Kia Optima Hybrid vehicles. |
| 10200420 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: AUXILIARY CANISTER KIT INSTALLATION (SC208) - This bulletin provides the procedure for the installation of an add-on auxiliary canister on some 2011-2016MY Optima (TF HEV) vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engine, produced from February 15, 2011 through July 22, 2015. This is to improve evaporative system performance and ensure compliance with Federal and California emission regulation standards. |
| 10200416 | SC208_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
AQ23002 · Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module opened 17 Nov 2023
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
DP22005 · Electrical system:propulsion systemopened 27 Jan 2023 · closed 7 Aug 2023
Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22003 · Engineopened 12 Sept 2022 · closed 12 Dec 2023
Loss of Motive Power
EA21003 · Engineopened 22 Dec 2021 · closed 5 Feb 2024
Engine Fires
EA19001 · Air bags: air bag/restraint control moduleopened 19 Apr 2019 · closed 19 Sept 2024
Electrical overstress
PE19004 · Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablesopened 29 Mar 2019 · closed 22 Dec 2021
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
DP18003 · Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablesopened 21 Aug 2018 · closed 10 May 2019
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation