2013 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-652 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
56
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Recall 20V-750: Engine

Reported Dec 2, 2020 · 294,756 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System22
Engine14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic10
Unknown or Other9
Power Train7
Service Brakes5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Hybrid Propulsion System5
Steering4
Exterior Lighting3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3
Suspension2

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Electrical System › Propulsion System › Hybrid Management — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Sep 25, 2026
I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a recall job on the he cu but he only put a fuse in and press complete on your system to let you all know that he completed the job but he did not complete the job he patched it up and I almost lost my life the Brits gave out on me I pressed the brakes down to the floor I pressed the the parking brake and I…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 31, 2026
Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on " Check brake system " then the car slows down to 10mph immediately. While pressing on the brakes they squeaking, very badly. I have to turn the car off and back on until the flashing " Check brake system" turns off. This happens every 5 to 10 minutes while driving multiple times a day, everyday. This could have caused an accident on multiple occasions. When…
Electrical System · reported Aug 26, 2026
I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google the recall again and now its gone.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 180,000 miles · reported Aug 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. In addition, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that an unknown software update was completed, and the brake line was bled; however, the failure…
Exterior Lighting · reported Jul 15, 2026
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…

Other Kia Optima Hybrid years

Compare all Kia Optima Hybrid years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-750 (engine). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (22 reports), followed by engine (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.