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2013 Kia Optima: engine overheating

6 of the 1,387 complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima describe engine overheating.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
0%
typical mileage
133,997
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 63 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    3
  • 2017
    4
  • 2016
    9
  • 2015
    8
  • 2014
    6
  • 2013
    6
  • 2012
    4
  • 2011
    3
  • 2010
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2002
    1

What owners say

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine · 133,997 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was replaced four years ago. The contact stated that the engine had not been running correctly since the engine was replaced. The contact stated that the engine was overheating, and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that most recently the head gasket failed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the same dealer several times. The contact stated that the dealer had the vehicle towed back to the residence and declined perform any further repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,997.

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Engine · 128,000 miles · TX

The contact's son owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his son was driving 50-60 MPH, the engine started overheating. The driver pulled to the side of the road and added coolant to the vehicle. The driver then drove to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start the following day. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and drove to a nearby independent mechanic, where the engine started to overheat. The mechanic provided an unknown diagnosis and referred the contact to the dealer for an Extended Warranty repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and damaged water pump. The dealer informed the contact the vehicle could not be covered under the Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Aug 8, 2024 · Body, Brakes · 145,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 22V560000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power and the engine started overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the product improvement campaign for knock sensor software update had not been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they were not legally required to complete the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Seats · 120,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side seat heater was overheating. The contact stated that he attempted to set the heater to the lowest setting; however, the seat continued to overheat to the point that the contact pulled off the roadway and exited the vehicle. The contact turned off the seat heater. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was no electrical issue found with the seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 181,000 miles · PA

Turner kia diagnosis my vehicle of overheating condition revealed combustion gasses getting into coolant. Internal issue allowing combustion pressure to get into cooling system which is hampering cooling efficiency as well as causing areaction off coolant. When I drove the car half way on the highway it started to smoke after I just got it back from turner kia after fixing what they said was the problem after that I took it back to turner kia and they diagnosis it as needing a new engine.

Filed Dec 26, 2018 · Engine, Steering · 119,000 miles · FL

I was driving the vehicle when the battery light came on and then the car started to overheat and then just cut off. I tried to start the vehicle but would not start. Had it towed to kia wich told me it was the pulleys froze up and shredded the belt. Now kia just replaced my engine from the recall. Now I always have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and I take it to the same place everytime now when they changed the engine they said I would need a new alternator but that was it. Not to mention I just had it at kia for a oil change and a free inspection. Which the inspection stated nothing about the belts or pulleys which are supposed to be inspected. So that is twice they missed a worn out idler pulley. Now the mechanic I had looking at it told me it was so worn that it broke off and that there is no way they missed it.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported December 19, 2018 · 71,653 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V‑224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Recall number 18V907000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported March 31, 2017 · 618,160 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Recall number 17V224000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2013 Kia Optima overheating

Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2013 Kia Optima?

6 of 1,387 owner complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima (0%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Kia Optima?

There are 2 recalls and 63 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2013 Kia Optima

Engine failure 185Stalling 158Check engine light 155Knocking 132Fire or smoke 125Loss of power 63Won't start 51Steering noise 43Warning lights 36Headlights 33Oil consumption 31Airbag light 28Fuel smell 28Pulling 25ABS 23Jerking 23Sunroof shattered 18Grinding brakes 17Fuel pump 17Fuel leak 15Hesitation 15Won't shift 15Harsh shifting 13No deployment 12Backup camera 10Misfire 10Shudder 9Steering lock-up 9Adaptive cruise 8Brake failure 8Power steering loss 8Seat belt 7Key fob 6Slipping 5Sudden acceleration 5

All model years of the Kia Optima

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