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.

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.
What owners describe
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), warning light on (7), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine (13): the most common themes are warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (10): the most common themes are warning light on (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Other / unknown (9): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 38 | 37 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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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.