2013 Kia Optima reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2013 Kia Optima — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,870
- 807 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- ENGINE
- 609 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 9
- see below
- Reported harm
- 76 reported crashes · 55 injuries · 7 deaths · 167 fires
What owners report fails — 2013 Kia Optima
- ENGINE 609
- STEERING 210
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 184
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 142
- STRUCTURE:BODY 118
9 recalls on record for the 2013 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 23V652000 · 2024 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACT An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- NHTSA 22V560000 · 2022 · STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
- NHTSA 22V093000 · 2022 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LI A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
- NHTSA 21V331000 · 2021 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACT An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- NHTSA 20V100000 · 2020 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LI If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2013 Kia Optima
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2013 Kia Optima units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA has 1,870 consumer complaints on record for the 2013 Kia Optima and 9 recalls. The most-reported problem area is engine (609 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2013 Kia Optima units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Optima?
Owners most often report problems with: engine (609), steering (210), unknown or other (184), electrical system (142). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2013 Kia Optima?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.