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2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
51
Latest Jul 15, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Hybrid battery system warning - Pull over -Do Not Drive" was displayed, prompting the contact to pull over and discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The ABS and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA ID 11646856 · filed Mar 6, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IT COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EARNHARDT KIA (2121 E BELL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85022, 602-346-5400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE SPECIFICS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.

NHTSA ID 11257689 · filed Sep 24, 2019
All 18 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and engine warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was not related to the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 43,494.

NHTSA ID 11622889 · filed Oct 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, an unknown warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,223.

NHTSA ID 11558780 · filed Dec 6, 2023
All 13 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the brake pedal was pumped to slow the vehicle as needed. Additionally, the "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" and "Check Brake" messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) after the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA ID 11626607 · filed Nov 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and engine warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was not related to the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 43,494.

NHTSA ID 11622889 · filed Oct 31, 2024
All 13 reports naming brakes

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ELECTRICAL INTERIOR LIGHT TURN ON WHEN YOU LEAN ON THE ARM REST ALSO GOT A OIL CHANGE AND THE OIL LIGHT WILL NOT RESET CAUSE THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE OIL PRESSURE

NHTSA ID 11209961 · filed May 25, 2019

I WAS AT A STOP AND WHEN THEIGHT TURNED GREEN I LET OFF MY BRAKE PEDAL AND LIGHTLY PUT PRESSURE ON MY GAS PEDAL WHEN THE CAR QUICKLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND I HAD TO APPLY MY BRAKES AS TO NOT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE A FEW OTHER TIMES BUT ALWAYS ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL. IT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN DUPLICATE FOR A SHOP TO SEE AS IT'S COMPLETELY RANDOM WHEN IT HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID 11171662 · filed Jan 23, 2019
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing the vehicle, the Hybrid Propulsion System message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 159,636.

NHTSA ID 11489787 · filed Oct 18, 2022

HYBRID WARNING LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON INDICATING THAT I SHOULD PULL OVER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I IMMEDIATELY VEERED TO MY LEFT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER, AS THE CAR HAD ALREADY DIED, AND I WAS MOVING ONLY ON MOMENTUM. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. I WAITED A WHILE, AND THE CAR RESTARTED. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT AWAY LATER THAT DAY. THIS WAS A SATURDAY, AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE SAME SCENARIO AND ALSO ALMOST GOT HIT BY A CAR AS I WAS TRYING TO GET TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. MY CAR DID NOT START IN THAT INCIDENT, AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THE SECOND TIME WAS AGAIN THE SAME SCENARIO, AND IT DID RESTART. EACH TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THEY MADE ANCILLARY UPDATES, WHICH DIDN'T HELP. THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS ADAMANT THAT THEY FIX IT BECAUSE THEY WERE AT RISK OF SERIOUS LIABILITY BECAUSE I WAS BEING PLACED IN EXTREME DANGER. FURTHER, IT BROUGHT ABOUT MUCH ANXIETY KNOWING THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. MY CAR IS STILL WITHIN THE 100K WARRANTY. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REFUSED TO ADDRESS IT UNDER WARRANTY, AND THEY ARGUED WITH ME ABOUT IT ONLY TO CONCEDE LATER THAT, IN FACT, IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID 11210065 · filed May 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine, ABS, service vehicle, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the warning message "Hybrid System Failure" message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.

NHTSA ID 11556960 · filed Nov 27, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND "CHECK HYBRID BATTERY AND DO NOT RUN" WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ROMEO KIA OF KINGSTON (111 SCHENK DR, KINGSTON, NY), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA ID 11218849 · filed Jun 10, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car lights have dimmed tremendously, I replaced lights by myself with no luck over the years. It has just come to my attention, they knew and addressed reported problems but never sent a recall or safety notice that the reflective material designates. My car is at the dealer and confirmed this is the problem, your help would be great. Also, a steering recall and the part was replaced with the same material, it now needs to be changed again and they want me to pay. I thought all safety recalls never expire. Thanks in advance, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11750567 · filed Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally with a sound coming from the steering rack. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID 11423946 · filed Jul 8, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car lights have dimmed tremendously, I replaced lights by myself with no luck over the years. It has just come to my attention, they knew and addressed reported problems but never sent a recall or safety notice that the reflective material designates. My car is at the dealer and confirmed this is the problem, your help would be great. Also, a steering recall and the part was replaced with the same material, it now needs to be changed again and they want me to pay. I thought all safety recalls never expire. Thanks in advance, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11750567 · filed Jul 15, 2026

I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID WITH FAULTY HEADLIGHTS THAT HAVE COMPLETELY GONE OUT/FAILED OVER 10 TIMES STARTING 3 MOS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. AFTER 1/2 YEARS AND 4 FIXES, INCLUDING COMPLETELY REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT PACKAGE, I FILED THE LEMON LAW PAPERWORK (I PURCHASED IN APRIL 2013.) IN NOV OF 2014. I WAS TOLD THEY GET A FINAL FIX. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM AGAIN. THEN, IN DEC 2015, MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN & HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AGAIN. KIA CORPORATE HAS BEEN RUDE TO ME AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD COMPLETED THE FINAL FIX A YEAR BEFORE. I HAVE PHONE VIDEOS (WITH WITNESSES) FROM YEARS AGO, 11/18/14, 1/25/16, 3/18/17, 3/27/17, 4/8/17 AND 12/10/17. MOST OF THE TIMES I HAVE BEEN OUT AND HAVE HAD TO DRIVE HOME IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. I LOVE MY CAR BUT HATE THE DANGEROUS ISSUES. KIA HAS MADE ME FEEL AS THOUGH I'M NOT IMPORTANT, MY SAFETY IS A NON-ISSUE AND THAT THEY FIX IT EVERY TIME, BUT IT IS NOT TRULY FIXED IF I HAVE HAD 6 MAJOR REPAIRS OVER 4 YEARS. I'VE BEEN AT THE POINT OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN OVER THE STRESS AND FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND OF LETTING KIA BULLY & CONVINCE ME I DO NOT QUALIFY TO GET MY CAR REPLACED. I AM PUTTING MY SAFETY FIRST NOT TO MENTION THE EMOTIONAL STRESS, INTERFERENCE WITH MY WORK, PUTTING FAMILY & FRIEND'S SAFETY AT RISK. NEVER KNOWING IF AND WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN & HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT MANY TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I'VE BEEN TOLD TOO MANY TIMES THIS IS THE LAST FIX! I DON'T LIKE CONFLICT AND HAVE PUT MY FAITH IN KIA TOO MANY TIMES AND PUT MY FAITH IN THEM OVER MYSELF. I'M DONE BEING THE NICE PERSON. I HAVE HAD MELTDOWNS OVER THIS, ARGUMENTS WITH MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER OVER THIS, INTERFERENCE WITH MY WORK, BEEN STRANDED OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE OF THIS! KIA TOLD ME TODAY THEY WILL NOT REPLACE MY CAR AT THIS TIME. I CANNOT GO ON LIKE THIS ANY LONGER. I NEED YOUR HELP. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11055932 · filed Dec 21, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that the front-end of the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the front struts. The front driver's side axle was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11559549 · filed Dec 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID AIRBAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON INDICATED PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. DIAGNOSIS IS AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT FAILURE. WE HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH. I NOTICED THERE ARE RECALLS FOR 2011 - 2012 OPTIMA HYBRID AND 2011 - 2013 OPTIMA VEHICLES, AMONG MANY OTHERS BY HYUNDAI AND KIA. 2013 OPTIMA HYBRID MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED.

NHTSA ID 11190560 · filed Mar 21, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .