What 1,371 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Optima Phev

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH when they suddenly heard a loud boom noise and the front end of the vehicle caught on fire. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot and all passengers exited the vehicle. The vehicle was consumed by the fire which was put out by the fire department. The vehicle was towed and totaled. There were no injuries or need for medical assistance. The fire department filed a report. There were no injuries or need for medical assistance. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000.

NHTSA ODI 11648359

When I turned the ignition on the car wouldn't start. But the ABS light and all other lights flickering when trying to start the car. The alarm kept going off. Passenger side front and rear windows won't function. Smell like something was burning. This is the second incident ([XXX]). Fuses had to be removed to silence the alarms on the first incident on [XXX] because the lights were still flickering on and off when car wasn't on. I had my car serviced at the West Broad Kia Dealership in Richmond, Va. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11647455

driving down highway on March 1, 2025 a knocking sound started, the oil light came on, making weird loud tapping, knocking sounds. I just bought vehicle about 4 months ago, it was in mint condition and I NEED my car is my lively hood

NHTSA ODI 11646613

I have notice an ongoing issues with motor oil consumption. Over the past six months, I have added oil every 2,000 miles The Technicians at Oil Changers recently inspected my vehicle and recommended having it evaluated as the issue seems to be occurring more frequently. There are no warning lights displayed on my dashboard, I have not noticed any oil leaks where I park. While my car has been running fine,I want to insure there are no underlying issues. But most important me and my family’s safety and everyone’s when operating the vehicle. Please let me know the next steps for further inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11645710

Vehicle starts to shake above 2000 rpm and shuts down. Went to a mechanic and they said the engine was bad and that there were recalls by Kia for this particular engine. When we asked a Kia Dealer they said they would not warranty due to this being our first visit for a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11643234

After engine replacement from previous recall, engine is making loud revving sound. Since recall repair/replacement the engine has an increasingly high rev with a loud engine noise while idling.

NHTSA ODI 11638181

I have been experiencing my engine consuming oil with my dealerships knowledge Since back in 2023. In my records it is stated that my engine has been consuming oil. I was advised to continue to put oil in it myself until the engine goes out and then it will be covered. My engine light continues to go on and off. I went to the dealership today and was told that because my engine light is not on at the moment that I should come back so they can do a proper diagnosis. I was covered under the warranty to have the engine fixed but now that is over the 10 year warranty, I have no idea how to fix this issue after the diagnosis. I really need some help because I have been putting oil in it and I’m afraid that the engine will go out with it no longer being replaced. Especially when I had the warranty to use when it was initially discovered.

NHTSA ODI 11638161

I purchased a 2013 Kia Optima EX from an on-line auction [XXX] in Memphis, Tn. After the car was delivered I noticed the vehicle engine had a slight engine knock. When I attempted to test drive the vehicle the engine knock grew louder, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was fortunate enough to get the vehicle back to my residence where I was able inspect the engine, and noticed "Metal Dust" on the oil dipstick. Service records showed the vehicle had been serviced at the correct intervals, and the oil had been professionally been changed at correct intervals, and the vehicle appear to be in excellent condition. After doing some research I notice Kia had a recall for the "Theta Engine 2" for a rod bearing recall that was causing engine failure prematurely. I contacted Kia customer services on 11-20-24. I was told the vehicle was in fact under the "rod bearing" recall and it had a lifetime warranty on it. I was instructed to contact a Kia dealership to have the vehicle serviced for possible engine replacement due to rod bearing failure. I contacted Serra Kia of Jackson, TN, and inform them of my conversation with Kia's customer services, and I was told they were pretty sure the engine would have to be replaced, and to have the vehicle towed to their dealership to perform the services. I had the vehicle towed to Serra Kia on 12-2-24. I sent an email to the service department on 1-16-25 for an update on my vehicle. On 1-16-25 I received an email from the dealership's service department stating a case was opened with Kia Tech, and they declined approval of an engine because I bought it from an auction. The dealership did offer to replace the engine for $6003.71 for parts and labor. I contacted Kia customer services on 1-18-25 and they said they wouldn't approve replacing the engine even though it's under recall because I bought the vehicle at an auction. I'm filing this complaint because Kia is refusing to do an active safety recall for my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11636682

My vehicle received a new engine due to a component failure, which there was a recall specifically describing the failure, recall 17v224 (SC147). After the new engine replacement, April 2024, while driving my car I began to notice a faint smell of gas with inside my car. As time passed the smell grew heavier. Drove the car to the Pueblo Colorado Dealership and had the service department take a look to confirm the leak. It was confirmed and one of the service personnel tried to torque the bolt tighter and that did not stop the leak. I was told by one of the service personnel that it was not covered under warranty and the cost would be mine out of pocket to fix. I found out this fuel leak is a recall (SC172), vehicles that received an engine replacement under previous recall 17v224 (SC147). ("Kia Motors America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a Safety Recall Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Pressure Fuel Pipe on certain 2011–2014 MY Kia Optima, 2012-2014 MY Kia Sorento, and 2011-2013 MY Kia Sportage vehicles that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17v224 (SC147). The remedy for the previous recall may not have been properly performed, and in some cases, the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak. Leaking fuel increases the risk of fire."). I have spoken to the Dealership and they do not recognize this recall as it is not showing up in their data system. I have spoken to the Kia Corporation and I have gotten nowhere. This was issued by your department and is recognized by KIA corporation but the Pueblo Colorado KIA dealership states it is not in their system as a recall. My car has been parked after notifying both parties of this issue since December 19, 2024. Your NHTSA: Part 573 Safety Recall Report 18V-907 Manufacturer Recall No. : SC172

NHTSA ODI 11634922

We were driving and then suddenly stopped, thank goodness nothing bad happened to us. and the car never turned on again! I Was told by a mechanic it was the engine. We were told there were several recalls and alot regarding the engine for this year. Why should I have to pay for something we're still paying on and that has been sitting in our driveway for over 2 years! Fix our car!

NHTSA ODI 11634500

2013 OPTIMA ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO MANUFACTURING ERRORS AND KIA WONT REPLACE STATING IT DIDNT HAVE THE KSDS UPDATE. THE UPDATE DOESNT STOP THE ENGINE FROM SEIXZING ONLY LETS YOU KNOW. WHEN SEARCHING RECALLS AND COMPLAINTS NOTHING SHOWS UP ABOUT THE KSDS UPDATE.BASICALLY TOLD ME THATS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BUY USED VEHICHLES, IN THAT CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE CONTACTED DUE TO RECALLS AND UPDATES

NHTSA ODI 11633309

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined the failure was linked to DTC code: P0445, indicating an issue with the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. The mechanic replaced the fuel canister, and engine cap. The contact stated while driving 77-85 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) where it was determined that the engine was knocking but there were no codes retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11633195

Engine failure while driving. Engine seized in the middle of the road. Contacted Kia, towed car to dealership and claim was denied. Recall has not been taken care of. No symptoms or any indication that the engine was about to give out.

NHTSA ODI 11632780

Oil light is flickering. Kia told me this is a serious issue but won't fix it. I did a research this is a common issue with 2013 Kia optimas. Please help

NHTSA ODI 11630554

Engine failure after a pass sc147 safety recall. Vehicle has a rebuilt title and does not qualify for manufacture warranty. Does this engine not still qualify for the sc147 recall,

NHTSA ODI 11624131

Was driving down the highway with no indication of any problems with my car. It just shuts off completely had to coast to the side of the road get someone to tow me home. While on side of the road opened the hood and saw white smoke come from the engine. Just had an oil change and coolant is fine.

NHTSA ODI 11620840

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under recall, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified recall; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11610964

We took our 2013 KIA Optima 4D EX to the local Kia dealership for diagnosis of what we perceived to be a knock engine sensor issue. We delivered the vehicle at 0920, 5 July 2024. The vehicle sat at the dealership for 4 weeks waiting for the diagnosis which was ultimately that the engine needed to be replaced...under warranty. On 16 August 2024, after so many calls to the dealership (Spradley Kia, Pueblo) and Kia Customer Support, we were informed that the service ticket was closed. No reason for it to be closed...just closed. Warranty work not complete. No offer to complete any of the other recalls on the vehicle. Not only would we like all recalls to be complete we would really like that to be completed in a timely manner.

NHTSA ODI 11609070

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in 2022; however, the recall repair was not completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ODI 11607919

On [XXX] @ approx. 9:30pm while driving south on [XXX] between Pullman, WA and Lewiston, ID. my 2013 Kia Optima SXL turn off with warning, the engine turned off and never started again. no lights, smoke, smells or leaks. there were no noises of any kind come from the car, nothing to alert me there was a problem. at the time there was no music playing. My daughter was sleeping so the only noise was the car, if there were any noises from the engine they were not muffled by conversation or music. I called my wife who came up and I tried to jump it, thinking perhaps the alternator failed. Due to the location, we were not able to fully exit the highway, the car was a half tire width over the white line. This is a rural location not an elevated interstate, as such traffic though moving fast was not bumper to bumper. Next day I drove up and pushed the car about 100yards behind where it was, on the opposite side of the road. Then called a roll back to haul the car to a local shop. They were able to best guess the diagnosis as a seized engine. as the engine was not turning over, and manually turning the crank was not possible. I trailered it to my house, removed the serp. belt and was able to very slightly turn the crank with a 2.5ft long breaker bar. it is currently in my garage. Oil was changed recently; it was not low. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11608075

Ran out of gas ,and added gas for it to start up again only for it to not run after adding fuel .

NHTSA ODI 11606388

On 7/31, we had the HECU Fuse recall fixed at the Federico Kia Dealership. In 8/1, one day later, when driving the vehicle all of the car emergency lights came on, the engine started smoking and eventually caught fire. Fire department and police were called. Vehicle was toed to Kia Dealership. The next morning 8/2 we spoke with the service manager at the dealership, who was no help and gave us a 1-800 number to call Kia directly. Since this fire directly pertains to the part they “fixed” the day before during the recall, we believe the dealership did not fix the issue and believe something they “fixed” caused the issue as we have never had any prior issues with the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11606030

KIA, in Clay New York, refuses to fix the recall on the bearing that caused my engine to cease, i did not know that my car had a recall because i was never notified! My car broke down as i was driving it, i had it towed to Kia, found out there were recalls, but the dealership will not honor the recall and fix my car.

NHTSA ODI 11605786

I've had my car since late 2018. A couple years after having I've noticed it's burning oil. I made an appt at Evansville Kia dealership & was called the day before appt to be told the excessive oil consumption test was not part of the warranty. I asked what am I suppose to do keep spending money on oil? The mechanic told me to keep topping it off til it quits, cause he said it's going to quit. How is this safe? Not knowing when & where you will be when something happens. My car is now using a quart or more of oil every 500 or so miles. This is ALOT of money out of pocket.

NHTSA ODI 11603975

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle, but the failure recurred while the transmission was shifted into drive(D). After several attempts, the vehicle restarted and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where error code P1326 was retrieved. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, who determined that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604032