2013 Kia Optima: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine · 140,000 miles · VA · fire

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the hood before the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that moments later there were flames coming from the underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and flames quickly engulfed the vehicle. The Fire Department was called to the scene and arrived and extinguished the fire. During the fire the vehicle was destroyed and was later towed to a nearby storage facility. While attempting to quickly exit the vehicle the contact fell to the ground and sustained an injured left leg and left side. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the engine was recently installed related to a recall repair. No additional information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2021 · Engine · 130,009 miles · CA

During a commute to worksite the car was driving normally for the first 10 miles. No sounds, no dash lights illuminated. No signal that anything was wrong. As I drove normally through the route, I entered the highway and accelerated to nearly 65 MPH. After a moment or so of driving the car suddenly felt as if the engine had no power. I pulled my foot off the gas, then I checked the dash lights, I made sure the vehicle was in the proper automatics mode and not manual (it felt like it was thrown into neutral or a lower gear), I also verified cruise control was off. Everything seemed fine. I pressed the gas to accelerate back up to speed and the car began shaking very vigorously. Then the engine light came on. Because I was not in a safe area to stop, I tried to coast to the nearest exit. I imagine I was coasting and accelerating intermittently (for only a few seconds at a time) for anywhere from one-half to two miles before the next exit. It is hard to guess the distance because it was dark during the incident. Once I made it to the exit, the engine was no longer providing power at all - meaning I would press the gas and nothing would happen. The car would not move, the engine would not even rev. I called a tow truck and had it towed to the dealership. The dealer said that because the car did not have a code of p1326 that the issue was not covered under kia's extended engine warranty. I am trying to fight for them to honor the warranty. No luck so far. They quoted a $7500 repair. Car is perfectly maintained. I just put new spark plus and a new serpentine belt on 9 weeks ago (at the kia dealership of course- only place I do maintenance at).

Filed Dec 30, 2019 · Fuel system · 156,000 miles · LA

I was driving down the highway with cruise control set on 75 with 67 miles to empty when all sudden the car start slowing speed I looked cruise control had shut off check engine light came on the just went dead on the side of road the will turn on turn over to wanna crank but won't catch to crank I called the dealer ship and explained he she said she sure it's fuel pump because they just installed 2 this week on the same car

Filed Mar 21, 2019 · Airbags · 65,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and the horn failed to sound. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000. Also, since the airbag warning indicator illuminated the following no longer works: horn, cruise control, eco, reset and trip, electric windows are speratic; meaning when you go to roll windows up they start to roll up 1/4 of the way than they roll down. *bf..

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Airbags, Electrical · 120,000 miles · NC

When turning left or right, the steering wheel makes a noise, seems to get stuck. " when stationary or in motion the horn does not work. When in motion the cruise control does not work. When stationary or in motion, the steering wheel heater does not work and the radio volume control does not work. Airbag light is on.

Filed Sep 22, 2018 · Airbags · 86,400 miles · MS

Air bag light came on with vehicle at approximately 86,400 miles, vehicle was stationary. Vehicle sensing device indicates on passenger whether weight is enough to turn air bag on or off. Dealer showed air bag clock spring needed to be replaced indicated only air bag that was affected was passenger side. Not sure if this is correct, that clock spring failure only affects deployment of one air bag. Subsequent problems thus far in two weeks since taking to dealer: cruise control buttons not working, trip computer and eco controls also failed all controls are located on steering wheel. Contacted kia customer service and they denied covering replacement of part as vehicle is no longer under warranty that covered this failure and claim their are no recalls on this part for VIN number.

Filed Sep 17, 2018 · Airbags · 96,000 miles · NC

My airbag warning light came on and has stayed illuminated for several weeks and my horn isn't working as well cruise control and other steering wheel buttons not working.

Filed Mar 22, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 3,400 miles · FL

Regarding to the previous complaint, veh was taken to dealer on 3/15/2013 to adjust the alignment under warranty due to the alignment issue starting after the engine was replaced at 3,400 by the dealer. Left the dealer and immediately noticed that the steering wheel was now turned to the left and the vehicle was pulling to the right. The car pulled to the right significantly. The same dealer was contacted on 3/18/13 regarding the issue. Due to the recent engine replacement, one alignment trip and a distance of roughly 50 miles to the shop, the dealer authorized a loaner to be brought to my place of employment so that the driver could take the veh to he shop. Veh was picked up that evening at the dealer and steering wheel seems to be level. There is still a left to right constant handling issue and vehicle seems to have a vibration under 35 MPH. Veh has now spent 11 days in the shop (9 days for engine replacement and 2 days for two alignments) and has been owned for just under 12 weeks. Veh is also slow/sluggish leaving a stopped position and mpg's on cruise control set at 60mph have fallen from 33mpg to 29.5mpg since engine replacement. Date complaint filed: 03/13/2013 component(s): engine and engine cooling date of incident: 03/11/2013 the federal safety agency id number: 10502730 manufacturer: kia motors corporation vehicle identification no. (VIN): 5xxgn4a70dg... Summary: driving under normal conditions on a slow 35mph roadway and noticed optima pulls toward the crown (center) of the road (which is against slope). Drove vehicle on 45mph and 60mph roadway and same situation. Engine was replaced at 3,400 miles due to piston #3 failing. Based on current issues to date, I would not purchase another optima.