With 6 recalls and 1,363 complaints, the 2013 Kia Optima rates as high on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

1,363

Complaints

Crashes

111

Fires

Recall Findings

18V3630002018-01-06

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

View at NHTSA

20V1000002020-21-02

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

20V5190002020-27-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

View at NHTSA

View all 6 recalls

21V3310002021-10-05

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

View at NHTSA

22V0930002022-17-02

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.

A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

22V5600002022-01-08

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2013 Kia Optima's biggest weak point? ENGINE. It leads 1,363 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Engine387

02Steering155

03Unknown Or Other99

04Structure80

05Electrical System,engine36

1,363 total across 1 model years (2013–2013)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia Optima Fuel Economy

26–37mpg combined

22-35city

33-38hwy

$1,200-$1,700/yr

Fuel economy for the 2013 Kia Optima ranges from 26 to 37 MPG combined across 5 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Optima Hybrid - Automatic (AM6)

37mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

35 city38 hwy~$1,200/yr9/10 Clean

Optima Hybrid EX - Automatic (AM6)

36mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

35 city38 hwy~$1,200/yr9/10 Clean

Optima - Automatic 6-spd

27mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city34 hwy~$1,600/yr7/10 Clean

Optima - Manual 6-spd

27mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city34 hwy~$1,600/yr7/10 Clean

Optima - Automatic 6-spd

26mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city33 hwy~$1,700/yr7/10 Clean

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2013 Kia Optima

37States

29%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Florida (12%), but the remaining listings are spread across 36 other states nationwide.

FLFlorida

17412%

TXTexas

1188%

CACalifornia

1078%

GAGeorgia

675%

NCNorth Carolina

665%

AZArizona

594%

PAPennsylvania

574%

OHOhio

534%

MOMissouri

504%

ILIllinois

483%

DCWashington DC

423%

NYNew York

353%

MIMichigan

353%

DEDelaware

332%

NJNew Jersey

332%

UTUtah

302%

INIndiana

282%

WAWashington

282%

MDMaryland

262%

OR26

TN24

MN22

OK22

VA20

CO15

ID14

RI14

NV14

AL13

SC12

KY12

NE11

NH11

KS11

NM9

MA8

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2013.

Buying a 2013 Kia Optima?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2013 Kia Optima a good car to buy?

The 2013 Kia Optima has 6 recalls on record. There are 6 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is engine, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2013 Kia Optima?

There are 6 documented recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2013 Kia Optima?

Fuel economy ranges from 26 to 37 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $600 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2013 Kia Optima?

ENGINE is the number-one complaint area for the 2013 Kia Optima, based on 1,363 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.