2013 Kia Optima Powertrain (other) Problems

the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps

NHTSA ID

11751411

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving the vehicle at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11727508

Incident

Jul 27, 2025

Vehicle: 2013 Kia Optima SXL VIN: [XXX] While driving on a highway at approximately 55–58 mph, the rear driver-side electronic parking brake (EPB) motor housing failed with a loud bang. Immediately after, there was heavy smoke and a strong burning smell. The vehicle became very difficult to drive, and the wheel began screeching and dragging as if the brake had locked. The failure appears to have caused the rear brake caliper to seize while the vehicle was in motion. This created a dangerous driving situation at highway speed and could have caused a crash. The brake system component that failed appears to be the electronic parking brake actuator/motor assembly attached to the rear caliper. This was a sudden mechanical failure, not normal brake wear, and it occurred while driving at speed. Kia care case number: XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11725980

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

The engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with the known bearing wear defect covered under the manufacturer’s safety recall, including knocking noises, loss of power, and engine malfunction. The condition worsened to the point that the vehicle became unsafe to operate due to the risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia dealership, which confirmed engine damage consistent with the recall defect. The engine remains available for inspection. Despite an active, unrepaired safety recall for engine bearing wear that increases the risk of engine seizure and crash, the manufacturer and dealership have refused to perform the recall remedy unless the owner first replaces the engine at personal expense. The manufacturer has stated that the recall cannot be performed due to the current condition of the engine. This refusal leaves the vehicle with an open safety recall and no manufacturer-provided remedy, creating an ongoing safety risk due to potential engine seizure and loss of power while driving.

NHTSA ID

11708860

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

I have had 2 incidents of engine ceasure in my 2013 Kia Optima SX w/ Limited package. Once it ceased on the freeway causing me to have a minor collision with the offramp guide rail and just recenting on 10/18/2025 it happened again on the 405 with loud knocking sounds engine light flashing and no real engine power after ceasing. My engine was previously repaired under warranty with case number XXX which should have extended the warranty along with the existing recall for the GDI engine. I need help to get KIA to repair/replace under warranty as my engine is covered in the Theta II class action settlement. Kia repeatedly tries to dodge responsibility for repairing my car under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11694839

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

Car was in park at our home and not running. I was outside and noticed the car rolling backward. I thought my wife was leaving at first, but then noticed no one was in the driver's seat. I ran after the car got the door open and was pulling on it to stop it when it became stuck in a ditch between my driveway and the neighbor's driveway. After getting the keys and trying to start the car, it would not. The shifter was all the way in the park position but the reverse light was lit up. I used the shift release so I could move the shifter. I moved it out of park down to drive and back into park. I could then start the car, but I could not get the car out of park. There is an active recall on Telluride for a similar issue, and I have found other reports of 2013 kia optimas doing the same thing. This is a major safety issue as the vehicle could start rolling at any time.

NHTSA ID

11687108

Incident

Sep 13, 2025

Bought car 2020, engine failed and was consuming oil like it was fuel after 50-60K miles in 2022, Serra Kia Misdiagnosed and charged me $900 for ignition coil and combustion chamber cleaning that was not needed nor refunded when I was denied replacement due to me NOT letting engine lock up(Service manager basically told me to do so to be approved) or a P1326 code, charged +\-$8,000 for engine to be replaced. Horrible experience, engine was fine at first, then shortly after the SHORT mileage warranty they give, the engine started having minor non catastrophic issues here and there. Finally, around the same amount of time(last October 2024) and almost the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES on the engine, its doing EXACTLY what it was when i took it to KIA for the engine. One random day, on my way to work, i got to a red light and when i went to go at green the engine hesitated and i noticed a MASSIVE smoke cloud behind me and coming from my engine. It was consuming oil yet again the same way. Reached out to KCC(Kia Customer Care) and provided them a 4 page personally written letter by myself explaining the full story and my experience. However they merely closed my case without any explanation or reason for doing so. So as i stated to them i would do if i needed to, I've reached out to the BBB and now you. I'm hoping to get justice, whats right, and what should have happened in the first place. My money back and or my engine repaired and no more charges to me. 2022 first engine failure(Denied and paid for engine) Oct 2024 Engine failure AGAIN. (added copy of letter sent plus proof of service manager influencing me to lock the motor up to get covered the first time)

NHTSA ID

11664564

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

Car stopped accelerating on the highway. Check engine lights and other lights went on. Dealership is refusing to inspect the car without the CEL staying on. My family's life is at risk as long as Kia deems this car safe to drive. The dealer and corporate refuse to inspect it without a check engine light staying on when starting up again.

NHTSA ID

11594891

Incident

Jun 15, 2024

In March 2023 car stopped in the middle of an intersection with no warning. “Hybrid system warning” on dashboard lit up as well as all other lights. Dealer said repair was under warranty because of faulty spark plugs which were a safety recall. Prior to this all safety recalls were taken to dealer yet the problem still occurred. On July 2, 2023, the car stopped on the freeway. All lights lit up and the “Hybrid system warning” came up. The car began to smoke. The car was towed to Kia dealer they said the water pump needed to be replaced. The water pump was replaced with a certified Kia part. The car still would not turn on. Kia replaced the battery and said the engine needed to be replaced for $9000. They said we were out of warranty (10 years by 2 months). This engine failure seems to be related to the safety recalls that Kia “fixed.” I also have documentation that the warranty should be extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles but the delay refuse to make repairs under the warranty.

NHTSA ID

11546157

Incident

Jul 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. Several attempts to restart the vehicle failed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ID

11537916

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

Mileage

57,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted the vehicle into drive and then shifted back to park and the contact was able to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while pulling out the driveway the brakes applied unintendedly with the brake light remaining illuminated. The traction control warning light, the ABS warning light, the auto lock warning light illuminated and the code “EPB auto hold” was displayed. The contact shut off the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

NHTSA ID

11534449

Incident

Jun 25, 2022

Mileage

155,000 mi

Hello, I had my vehicle's engine replaced by a dealership (Reason - recall on engine and failure on freeway that has me traumatized!!!) and due to the labor done at Kia Tullahoma, TN my transmission has failed causing a near mishap crash on the freeway due to transmission slip. Noticed transmission fluid leaking. After taking it to another dealership (Kia Anderson, SC) they inspected and said that the labor performed by previous dealership had caused the malfunction. Today (7-24-23) Kia Tullahoma, TN refuses to cover the new transmission that now I have to replace due to their negligence. Due to separation of the transmission to engine the output seals started leaking and causing the incident. May I add that the engine might be at risk due to this also. Please post or let Kia corporate. I will also make claim. Thank you!!

NHTSA ID

11534042

Incident

Jul 18, 2023

I purchased a Kia 2013 from a used car lot driving it home it cut out on me numerous times and then all the sudden it lost power I was almost struck by a truck luckily I got off and out of the way as I drove all the way home it did the same thing it cut out and lose power I called the dealership where I bought it and he won't return my calls can you help me

NHTSA ID

11503629

Incident

Jan 23, 2023

Our engine has been replaced twice. Engine stalled while driving 65mph. Transmission pulled hard almost causing accident. Twice. First engine was @ 60,000. Second @ 90,000. Now they want us to pay our $250 deductible again, to add transmission fluid because it’s completely almost empty. We told them that it has been pulling hard from the first replacement of engine. They did nothing. Engine has been heating up all other components like radiator causing it to over heat. We paid to replace it before it cause a fire. Fuel line. We payed to get it fixed before it cause a fire. Now they want us to pay again, to add fluid to transmission before it causes a pull and we crash. Please help us. They have had the car for 2 months at Garden Grove Kia in California.

NHTSA ID

11450579

Incident

Dec 20, 2021

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle accelerated to a speed which caused the vehicle to go over a medium and crash into a tree. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights illuminated on the vehicle. The contact was the only person in the vehicle, and sustain injuries to their chest and lower back. There was medical treatment at the scene however the contact did not go to the hospital for further evaluation. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ID

11448899

Incident

Jan 20, 2022

Mileage

31,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle then lost motive power and stalled. The contact slowly pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. Several days later the vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. Due to the dealer being short staffed, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,581.

NHTSA ID

11432743

Incident

Jul 4, 2021

Mileage

100,581 mi

CAR SMELLS LIKE IT IS CONSTANTLY LEAKING OIL. THE SMELL IS VERY NOTICEABLE. I WILL BE TAKING IT IN ON 1/8/2021

NHTSA ID

11387028

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

97,000 mi

EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE ENGINE USES 1 FULL QUART OF OIL EACH 500 MILES. IT IS A POLLUTION ISSUE AS WELL AS AN ENGINE ISSUES. CAR ONLY HAS 113,000 MILES. I CALLED KIA AND THE DEALER REPAIR DEPT. SAID THE RECALLS FOR ENGINE FAILURE ONLY COVERS BEARING WEAR AND NOT EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. PLEASE HELP ME.

NHTSA ID

11363950

Incident

Oct 12, 2020

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE STREET WHEN I BEGAN TO SEE WHITE SMOKE CLOUDS COMING FROM MY EXHAUST. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR HOME, WAS NEARLY HIT ON THE WAY HOME (LOW POWER TO VEHICLE) AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT KIA. I HAD APPROXIMATELY 120000 MILES ON THE CAR. HAD ENGINE AND TURBO CHARGER REPLACED AT 74000 MILES. TOOK CAR TO KIA CLAIMS THE TURBO CHARGER IS OUT AGAIN. THIS YEAR HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS AS IT IS. I DO NOT RECOMMEND KIA...

NHTSA ID

11362405

Incident

Sep 29, 2020

Mileage

120,000 mi

I STOPPED IN A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR IT STARTED ROLLING. I JUMPED BACK ON THE CAR AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. THE LEVER WAS IN PARK BUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN DRIVE OR NEUTRAL. I COULD HAVE BEEN RUN OVER. THE LINKAGE THAT CONNECTS THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 64,000 MILES ON IT. THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IF A CHILD WAS BEHIND THE PARKED CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE KIA DEALER. THE PART WAS LESS THAN A DOLLAR BUT THE LABOR WAS ALMOST $300.

NHTSA ID

11361522

Incident

Sep 21, 2020

Mileage

63,528 mi

MY CAR IS GETTING A P2562 CODE WHICH IS FOR THE TURBOCHARGER BOOST CONTROL POSITION SENSOR. I'M HAVING A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN ENGINE POWER AND FUEL ECONOMY.

NHTSA ID

11359972

Incident

Jul 16, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED MORITZ KIA HURST (110 NE LOOP 820, HURST, TX 76053) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,592.

NHTSA ID

11355216

Incident

Sep 15, 2020

Mileage

175,592 mi

9/5/2020 ROUGHLY 10:00 AM ENTERING THE ONRAMP TO GET ON I10 WEST. CAR LOST ACCELERATION, NEVER REACHED 40 MPH, THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE, TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, CAR LOST ALL POWER AND TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO PULL ONTO RIGHT SHOULDER AND PARK VEHICLE. CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. I CALLED ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNADINO CA, UNABLE TO ASSESS VEHICLE FOR 7 - 10 DAYS. CALLED PALM SPRINGS KIA MULTIPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED HOLD. WHEN WE CONNECTED, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WOULDNT BE LOOKED AT UNTIL 9/18/2020.

NHTSA ID

11353406

Incident

Sep 5, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING ROUGHLY 65 MPH. MY VEHICLE PRETTY MUCH WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO TRAVEL AT A CERTAIN TOP SPEED. OVER HEATING THEN BECAME A VERY DRASTIC ISSUE. I LOOKED ON THE NHSTA WEBSITE FOR ANY KNOWN RECALLS THERE WERE SOME FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL BUT MINE WASN'T LISTED? I CALLED A FAMILY MECHANIC AND DESCRIBED IN MORE GREATER DETAIL ABOUT MY ISSUE FROM START TO FINISH, HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THAT IT WAS DISPLAYING THE EXACT QUALITIES AS THE LISTED RECALL AND I SHOULD CALL KIA MOTOR COMPANY TO HAVE THE LOOK INTO MY CLASS OF VEHICLES FURTHER. LONG STORY SHORT I WAS BASICALLY LEFT HOMELESS IN A CITY AND STATE PRETTY MUCH BEAT ON THE WHOLE IDEA OF EVERY GETTING MY CAR BACK AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT IT DROPPED BELOW 28 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 200 MILES FROM HOME. BECAUSE OF THIS CORPORATIONS NEGLIGENCE. I LOST MORE THAN A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP I HAD TO START BACK OVER AGAIN AND I'M UNFORTUNATELY AN ONLY CHILD WITH NO PARENTS SO IT WAS VERY MIND BOGGLING.. I MADE REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO COME TO SOME SORT OF AGREEMENT WITH KIA TO NO AVAIL. SOME ONE WENT SO FAR AS TO STEAL A SAFE OUT OF MY VEHICLE. WHICH I HAD PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED AND VANDALIZED THE INSIDE OF MY CAR BEYOND REPAIR. THANKS KIA, FOR VICTIMIZING ME TO MAKE YOUR MILLIONS.

NHTSA ID

11353252

Incident

Dec 18, 2019

I WAS DRIVING THEN THE CAR SHUTOFF ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT STATED HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING DO NOT DRIVE. THE CAR WILL NOT START AND GETS A FEW GAUGE LIGHTS.

NHTSA ID

11351208

Incident

Aug 24, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi