MotorDeets

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: 2 recalls, 55 owner complaints and up to 37 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
55owner complaints
1mention a crash
37best combined mpg
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine Vehicle recall #20V750000 · 2020 · 294,756 vehicles

What's wrong: An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the knock sensor detection system (ksds) software,…

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles

What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 borrego, 2014-2016 cadenza, 2010-2013 forte, forte koup, sportage, 2015-2018 k900, 2011-2015 optima, 2011-2013 optima hybrid, soul, 2012-2017 rio, 2011-2014 sorento, and 2010-2011 rondo vehicles. The hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) May experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the hecu fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29,…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical21
Engine13
Brakes (hydraulic)10
Other / unknown9
Transmission & drivetrain7
Brakes5
Speed control / throttle5
Hybrid system5

What owners describe

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has 55 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 9 Optima Hybrid model years for complaints (1.8× the average Optima Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 68,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (109 complaints, 3 recalls), 2014 (31 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cyl hybridAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive353837Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?

Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (21), engine (13), brakes (hydraulic) (10).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid get?

EPA ratings run up to 37 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (AM6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Optima Hybrid years

201120122013201420152016201720182020