2013 Kia Optima engine problems
654 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2013 Kia Optima, which is 34% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 654 35% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 100,000 miles 397 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 12 and 89
- Injuries and deaths
- 15 and 2
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 24 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 18 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 27 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 47 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 79 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 69 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 60 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 35 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 17 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 11 |
| 200k+ miles | 10 |
What the data shows
Of the 397 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 100,000 miles, and 17% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 12 crashes, 89 fires, 15 injuries, 2 deaths.
What owners wrote
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the contact became aware of black smoke coming from the floorboard with a burning plastic odor, and the battery warning light illuminated. The contact called her husband and was informed to exit the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and seconds later the vehicle exploded. The front of the vehicle blew up onto the windshield and the steering wheel detached and struck the driver’s side seat.
My 2013 kia optima engine shut off while I was driving and luckily I didnt get into accident and was able to park nearby to wait for a towed truck. This is very scary and dangerous. Not sure what to do
Other problems reported for the 2013 Kia Optima
- Steering 213 complaints
- Electrical system 147 complaints
- Body & structure 127 complaints
- Fuel system 123 complaints
- Brakes 115 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 64 complaints
- Air bags 63 complaints
- Lighting 41 complaints