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

My car suddenly caught fire in my driveway tonight 2/6/26 roughly around 9:40 PM. Fire department has been dispatched to come out and investigate if the fire has been properly extinguished and it does warrant any further safety hazards until Kia can be notified and resolve this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11716358

I received a recall notice for my 2013 Kia Optima, VIN #: [XXX] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the closest safe location at the time. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. No injuries occurred, and the fire department was not called because the fire stopped once the vehicle was turned off. I believe this incident is related to a known safety defect and recall involving Kia Optima engine fires. I have contacted Kia multiple times regarding this issue, and there have been delays in addressing or repairing the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11712399

My 2013 Kia Optima caught fire while my [XXX] son and his friends were driving it. The car burnt up. Some truck drivers flagged my son down to let him know the car was on fire. They could have been killed if it wasn’t for the truck drivers warning him that the car was on fire while driving down the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11705485

Car cuts off while driving almost causing a accident. The brakes randomly stop working while driving also. The code says P1777 relating to the transmission/ hybrid system. Kia dealerships are charging customers to diagnosis their vehicles. Eventhough they already know this is a common problem with the hybrid cars. Also the 12v battery and hybrid battery needs to be replaced every 2 years, which is costly. The tech also advised that Hybrids are the worst cars and I should sale my car. This is unfair to customers and a waste of money. Please make this a recall and extend all warranties past 150k. This is a huge safety problem and could cause deaths in the future.

NHTSA ODI 11658778

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his husband was driving approximately 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as the driver was pulling to the side of the road, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several drivers alerted the driver that the vehicle was on fire, and the driver immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the driver saw flames, and the front end of the vehicle became engulfed in fire. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle burned to the ground, and the front doors and the front windows sustained fire damage. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The contact's husband did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V100000(Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11628600

The car as a fire hazard

NHTSA ODI 11607140

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

While driving on the freeway I noticed my car wasnt going as I was pushing the gas and noticed all my dash lights were on like I was in accessory mode. I coasted to the edge of the freeway and decided to pop my hood and see if it was my battery cable that came loose. While waiting for traffic to break I noticed my hood looked alittle hazy like it was hot. When I was able to get out of my car I noticed black smoke coming from under the hood so I backed off and called 911.

NHTSA ODI 11602382

Electrical issue then engine leading to car going up in flames

NHTSA ODI 11575425

I was driving up the [XXX] north and where [XXX] merges to [XXX] I'm going 65mph on the far left side, and my dash starts beeping and reads WARNING STOP VEHICLE CHECK BRAKES. MY brakes go out, pedal to the floor sounding like grinding gears and doing some major damage, my acceleration stopped working. The [XXX] is merging on the left side so i had to avoid major traffic. I am a driver with skill as i dodge slowed and stopped vehicles, and get to the shoulder before [XXX]. I call for roadside assistance because kia says its free and its not. I was looking around the engine to see what the heck and unplugged the hybrid fuse and battery from back and suddenly it worked again and drive it home and right before I park I made a right turn, and it started beeping again, and this time it stayed this way. I almost lost my life, and I did lose my job because of it. GLENDALE'S CARSPRO KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS THE WORST DEPARTMENT EVER!, they would not help me get a tow, I paid for the tow. THEY CHARGED CLOSE TO 5 GRAND FOR A REPAIR, Hydraulic brake booster module, AND A COUPLE HUNDRED FOR THERE HIGHEST SERVICE OPTION (Changing fluids, wipers, wash, detail, etc) this was a huge mistake and took nearly two months! My car had dust on it THEY DID NOT EVEN CHECK THE PRESSURE I HAD IN MY ALL 4 TIRES (EMPTIED UNTIL 25PSI) I started the vehicle and it started to hiccup as I idle I asked for the manager (a tall husky middle eastern guy with long hair and glasses). He replied "DOES YOUR CAR HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON" I said "no" he said "comeback when it does." I have received paper work from KIA corp stating that i could be reimbursed. I sent that document in and never herd from them again. I call customer service i even went to the Service dept and THEY ERASED MY SERVICE RECORD! Finally happened, with my car still Hiccuping, Rare ShutoffAlarm. I exit fw on green Light, made left; Alarm, No brakes, No gas, Hit curb, Near PEDESTRIANS, Trans Leaks, Part Recalled, No Results, New problem! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11574150

I am concerned about my 2013 Kia Optima SX smoking at a mechanic shop. Mechanics identified smoke from the ABS Control Module or HECU. This raises serious safety concerns. I urge thorough investigation and prompt resolution. Clear communication is expected throughout the process to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

NHTSA ODI 11571820

car stopped mid freeway 3 times engine light turned on engine started smoking took too dealer per the recall notice and they took 3 months could not fix and wanted to charge me 600 for changing a battery but car still will not run so they want payment for a car I must tow and has had over 5 recall notices ..at this point the car is unsafe I need remedy

NHTSA ODI 11568540

My car is a total lost. Car caught fire while I was driving with my 2 Daughters. Brakes went out had to jump out of car.

NHTSA ODI 11524191

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 40 - 45 mph, the "Safely Stop And Do Not Drive" warning message was displayed and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. This was the third recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with electrical system failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11440827

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH WHEN MY ENGINE LOSES POWER AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD TURN ON. I PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TRY TO TURN IT BACK ON UNSUCCESSFULLY. SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE HOOD AND I OPENED IT UP TO SEE THE ISSUE. THE SMOKE BEGINS TO INCREASE AND IN A COUPLE IF MINUTES A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH/AROUND THE ENGINE

NHTSA ODI 11413112

I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD,THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THINKS IT WAS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL. IT WAS IN PARK WHILE I WAS DROPPING SOMEONE OFF WHO WAS GETTING OUT OF MY CAR

NHTSA ODI 11374627

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A LONG DISTANCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ON ITS OWN AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SINCE ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS QUICKLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS A ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET AND CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DECLARED TOTALED BY HIS INSURANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,800.

NHTSA ODI 11355142

MY CAR RANDOMLY CAUGHT FIRE AT 10:30 PM WHILE IT WAS ALREADY SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY SINCE 7 PM. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR IS NOW MELTED ON MY DRIVEWAY PAVEMENT. PUTTING MY FAMILY AND MY HOUSE AT DANGER.

NHTSA ODI 11186541

WHILE ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES PER HOUR MY VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING OUT THE REAR END AND LOST ALL POWER. WHEN I PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED, FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. ONCE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE CAPTAIN SAID IN HIS EXPERIENCE THIS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. KIA ALSO HAS CLAIMS ABOUT SPONTANEOUS FIRES IN SEVERAL MODELS INCLUDING MINE DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS FROM THE FACTORY IN THE OIL CAUSING A FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 11144208

MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE JUST SHORT OF DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT 15-20 MIN ON 9/23/18. WE GOT NO WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD WE HEARD A LIGHT POP NOISE, THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHEN WE GOT OFF THERE WAS FIRE COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD THAT FASTLY SPREAD THROUGHT OUT UP TO THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR DESTROYING THE WHOLE ENGINE. THE CAR NEVER HAD ANY MECHANICAL ISSUES. WE HAD JUST DRIVEN FROM AZ TO CA THE NIGHT BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. I STILL HAVE NO EXPLANATION WHY MY 5 YEAR OLD CAR WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 86K MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 11139133

WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, I STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, AND REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE ELECTRICAL SHORTED OUT AND I WAS LOCKED IN THE CAR, I HAD TO MANUALLY HOLD THE ELECTRIC LOCK TO BE ABLE TO ESCAPE FROM THE CAR. IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI 11090295

I HAVE HAD TWO HEAD ON COLLISIONS WITH MY 2013 KIA OPTIMA, NEITHER WERE MAJOR BUT IMPACT WAS ABOVE 30MPH IN BOTH CASES. DURING BOTH INCIDENTS NEITHER TIME DID AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOY. ONE WOULD THINK AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THOSE SITUATIONS, BUT THEY DID NOT. ADDITIONALLY SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIX. AFTER HEARING ABOUT AIRBAGS AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES RELATING TO THE KIA FORTE AND HYUNDAI SONATAS I BELIEVE THIS AIRBAG ISSUE COULD BE EFFECTING A WIDER RANGE OF VEHICLES POSSIBLY INCLUDING 2011 KIA SORRENTOS AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI 11079917

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AFTER LOSING FUNCTIONALITY OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY HI KIA (14673 CIVIC DR, VICTORVILLE, CA), BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED UNTIL THE SECOND TIME IT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR DRIVING ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, MOTOR MOUNT, AND TRANSMISSION WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER BANNED THE CONTACT FROM RETURNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA OF ORANGE (210 W KATELLA AVE, ORANGE, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE. THE RECALL WAS REMEDIED, BUT NO OTHER REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED LOWER BACK, HIP, AND HEAD INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11046243

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED BLACK SMOKE AND VARIOUS ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CARMAX AND THEN TOWED TO KIA SOUTHSIDE (9401 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ASKED WHY A NOTIFICATION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12476138 AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA WAS SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY THE CONTACT OF THE DEFECTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11022903

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FULLER KIA (540 AUTO PARK DR, CHULA VISTA, CA 91911) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN THE NEXT WEEK. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE AND THEN TO FULLER KIA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER FAILED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. BOTH COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE); THEREFORE, THE DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STARTER FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE CONTACT ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE STARTER FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, SO THE CONTACT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE STARTER REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11004929