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2013 Kia Optima engine complaints

Page 13 of 23: complaints 341 to 370 of 652, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Kia Optima engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 28, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 102,000 miles · CO

I was driving on a main road about 50 miles an hour when car lost ability to accelerate, lights and everything were still on. I was able to coast to a side street to pull over and park the car. I shut it off and then when I tried to restart it black smoke with an electrical type smell came from under the hood. Kia dealership said motor was seized and replaced it under a recall. Then they said it needed fuel pump and battery (which battery was only 6 months old), so I had both replaced. I drove for 2 days and had trouble starting the car so I took back to dealership. They said it needed a starter and an electrical assessment for a short, as starter began smoking with the vehicle not even running. Now they are saying it needs a new junction box/fuse box over $2900 and may have been related to other problems but not covered and I will have to pay. I have already paid $900+ dollars for fuel pump, I exchanged the battery where I originally bought it, and $493 for starter. I dont understand why the junction box would randomly fail or short and need replacement, unless it was part of the original black smoke electrical smell that happened when engine seized in the first place.

Filed Sep 26, 2020 · Driver assistance, Engine · 126,000 miles · OH

I was driving down the road doing about 45 when I heard a small pop & all my dash lights came on & I lost everything. Car clicks when trying to restart but does not start. Oil light, battery light, eps light & check engine light stay on now. I was told there is a recall on these cars and would like to get it fixed asap as it's my only transportation.

Filed Sep 25, 2020 · Engine · 95,547 miles · VA

2013 kia optima [xxx] was towed to southern kia lynnhaven of virgina beach. Virginia for a engine failure recall sc147 , upon inspection kia dealer refuses to replace engine starter as subsequent failure saying that starter is not oem part but aftermarket which contradicts service bulletin sc147 and warranty bulletin sc 147 where on page 7 states any subsequent damage particularly starter should be covered under warranty or goodwill. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 16, 2020 · Engine · 105,949 miles · FL

Started vehicle up and it started smoking very badly. Took it to kia dealer. They said it needed a new motor . Price 9400.00. And it was not under any warrenty.

Filed Sep 15, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 84,800 miles · SC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving a long distance on the highway and the vehicle slowed down on its own as all the warning lights flickered. The contact mentioned that he saw smoke and fire through the rear view mirror. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact stated it was difficult to exit the vehicle since all electrical functions failed. The entire front of the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames. It was unknown if a police or fire report filed. The fire department informed the contact there was a electrical failure within the engine. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted yet and contact was unaware if the vehicle had been declared totaled by his insurance. The failure mileage was 84,800.

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Engine · 143,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated while his wife was driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The driver stated that the oil level warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated he arrived and pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2020 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IL

The cars engine light has been on for over a year. The engine is constantly burning oil even though oil changes are done every 2000 to 3000 miles. The vehicle engine sounds louder every month. The car passed two recall tests at a kia dealership, one for which I paid out of pocket. I was told the engine is burning oil by my mechinic and there should be a recall on my car. The kia dealership cannot explain to me why my car is passing the recall even though it's obvious the car has had an engine problem since I bought it. There is a distinctive knocking sound coming from the engine and you can hear the engine hiccup while the car is turned on, as if were about to brake down.

Filed Sep 6, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 150,000 miles · CA

9/5/2020 roughly 10:00 am entering the onramp to get on i10 west. Car lost acceleration, never reached 40 MPH, this has happened multiple times before, took foot off gas, attempted to accelerate, car lost all power and turned off. I was able to pull onto right shoulder and park vehicle. Car was towed to my home. I called all star kia in san bernadino ca, unable to assess vehicle for 7 - 10 days. Called palm springs kia multiple times on extended hold. When we connected, I was informed that my vehicle wouldnt be looked at until 9/18/2020.

Filed Sep 4, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · OK · fire

I noticed the problem while driving roughly 65 MPH. My vehicle pretty much went into limp mode. I was only able to travel at a certain top speed. Over heating then became a very drastic issue. I looked on the nhsta website for any known recalls there were some for my year and model but mine wasn't listed? I called a family mechanic and described in more greater detail about my issue from start to finish, he advised me not to drive the vehicle that it was displaying the exact qualities as the listed recall and I should call kia motor company to have the look into my class of vehicles further. Long story short I was basically left homeless in a city and state pretty much beat on the whole idea of every getting my car back at the time of the incident it dropped below 28 degrees outside. I was approximately 200 miles from home. Because of this corporations negligence. I lost more than a good night sleep I had to start back over again and I'm unfortunately an only child with no parents so it was very mind boggling.. I made repeated attempts to come to some sort of agreement with kia to no avail. Some one went so far as to steal a safe out of my vehicle. Which I had professionally installed and vandalized the inside of my car beyond repair. Thanks kia, for victimizing me to make your millions.

Filed Sep 2, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 128,000 miles · CO

When istart my vehicle, sometimes the radio does not come on, so I have to pull the fuse and place it back in. Also, I cannot excel past 40mph, otherwise it stalls. The dealership stated I needed a new engine. I was stranded in wyoming, so I had to lease a new kia. I still owe on my 2013 optima, which is not drivable. I did not want a new vehicle. I'm very frustrated.

Filed Sep 2, 2020 · Engine · 113,000 miles · VA

From the beginning this car journey has been completely devastating on me I bought a car for college right before graduating high school during covid saved up $5000 to purchase this vehicle I went to vinton auto sales in roanoke virginia the man approaches me I tell him what car I like we test drive it then I'm like well I'll come back tomorrow with my final decision he was like basically forcing me to buy the car that day promising a 3 month warranty I mean let's be real who goes to dealership and buys a car without doing research unless there's a warranty involved on it so 3 weeks into my having the car I decided to make a trip to maryland from virginia to see him for my graduation I'm on a one way highway close to almost harrison burg my car just stops being able to accelerate and the engine light starts flashing meanwhile there's on coming traffic behind me and tractor trailers going 80+ MPH I was finally able to pull over after almost dying I call my dealership the guy hangs up on me in the most rudest way telling me it's not his problem anymore there's not a warranty I need to fix it my self in the most rudest way while I'm stranded on a one highway alone with a broken car 2 hours from home so I end up paying $500 tow back take it to a mechanic he fixes it I pick it up on the way home from picking it up it misfired again on a highway I engine light flashing unable to accelerate but luckily able to make it to a gas station mind you I paid the guy $500 to replace the knock sensor he said was messed up I tow it back to the mechanic he tells me today he can't do nothing it's the engine so I'm out of a car out of college and out of thousands of dollars due to the car this is my last resort I don't know what else to do I'm supposed to be a college student this fall but I can't be due to this shady dealership who ruined my life I have a 2013 kia optima to be exact

Filed Aug 31, 2020 · Engine · 116,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The VIN was associated with the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v100000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 143,000 miles · AZ

I have a kia 2013 optimum sxl, yesterday aug 30 my kia out of nowhere check engine light came on then it proceeds to stop on the freeway in traffic!! While I'm going 65 now it won't start at all the check engine light come on but my engine knocks and then cuts off. Yes I did have oil in my car in fact it's on the full line so I don't understand wats going on the engine knocking really hard not leaks on my car at all even when I apply pressure to accelerate it stays on 0 then engine knocks agin and then back off I tried 3 times and had to ende up pushing my car out of traffic

Filed Aug 26, 2020 · Engine · 155,000 miles · PA

Car shut off while on the highway causing me to breakdown in a tunnel with no break down lane, car will no longer start. Dealership said the recall for the motor was ok on my vechile but I keep up with maintenance

Filed Aug 25, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · ID

I was driving then the car shutoff almost causing an accident. It stated hybrid system warning do not drive. The car will not start and gets a few gauge lights.

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 160,000 miles · AR

My car quits while driving. Warning lights flash often on dashboard even after

Filed Aug 12, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 90,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal nosie when started. The contact stated that the key was in her hand and the car was off but still was hearing the noise. When she opened the hood to disconnect the battery and walk away with the keys in her hand, there was a loud pop and smoke started to come from the engine. The fire department arrived and informed the contact that it looked like the ABS brake module caught fire and they extinguished the smoke. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to serra kia (12304 30 mile rd, washington, mi 48095) and was diagnosed that the ABS brake module and harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired yet due to part needed to be order. The contact stated that the vehicle was under an investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2020 · Engine · 97,000 miles · IN

My 2013 kia optima started making a ticking noise at idle and the engine light came on. I took it into my dealership, after they got me for about $800 for odds and ends, they said my timing needs inspected. I said do it. Then later got a call from the service advisor saying "nevermind, my certified tech doesn't think it needs checked". Certified tech? So, a asc certified tech hasn't been working on and diagnosing my car until now? I left the dealership with the same tick and the engine light still on. I also have proof of "deferred service" by the service advisor, for timing inspection. I was also told on the phone the whole engine should be pulled apart to really diagnose the issue. What?

Filed Aug 9, 2020 · Engine · 143,000 miles · IN

Even though kia suggests oil change intervals of 7500 I've been getting mine changed every 3000 miles. I still had 100 miles to go and I noticed my car was running a little rough and their was a change in its performance. I checked my engine oil as a precaution and the dip stick barely showed any oil on the tip. This problem started after I took my kia in for a recall, they updated some sort of software and a some hose that was recalled for deterioration. There are no leaks, never had any and now my car is burning 4 quarts of oil between oil change intervals of jus 3000. I've seen many complaints on forums by owners who are having the same issue. .

Filed Aug 9, 2020 · Engine · AR

While going 70 MPH down the interstate my engine shut off without warning thankfully I got it pulled over to the side of the road. It started back up and made it the short distance to my house this is the second time in a week it has done this.

Filed Aug 9, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 710,000 miles · FL

I was riding down the road car just stopped after stopped try to crank again wouldn't crank when it did crank it had no power sputtered

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Engine · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to concord kia (2199 meridian park blvd, concord, ca 94520) where the contact was unaware of the diagnosis. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall. The vehicle was repaired under the unknown recall. The contact mentioned that a year later the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 22, 2020 · Engine · 112,000 miles · FL

While driving my car at an average speed, the car suddenly started to jerk and would not accelerate, then next thing I know I heard a knocking noise in the engine.

Filed Jul 20, 2020 · Engine · 98,191 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,191. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 17, 2020 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MT

This is my second complaint, it been over 6 weeks since my kia broke down because of a recall. Kia is not doing anything about it. I was in contact with a lady by the name of [xxx] but she has stopped responding to my emails. I dont know what to do I can't get my car fixed by anyone except kia and they won't do it. The closest kia dealer is over 100 mile away from my home and they want me to pay the tow expenses.[xxx] did say she could athorize a tow but has since stopped responding to me. I need to get my car fixed and kia is not doing so in a timely manner. I need help to get kia to fix my car and dont know who to contact. Even contacting dealers they tell me I have to go through kia information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 6, 2020 · Engine · 112,194 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 112,194.

Filed Jun 27, 2020 · Engine · 50,000 miles · CA

I was driving the car and suddenly as I was coasting through an intersection the car stalled I coasted to the side of the road and stopped then attempted to start it and nothing happened wouldn't turn over all light on dash were on ,it never started after that the mechanic said the engine seized then the starter went bad now need a new engine and starter .kia is refusing to honor the engine recall because of a salvage title.

Filed Jun 26, 2020 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MT

About 3 weeks ago my 2013 kia optima started smoking really bad. Contacted kia through there web site to file a claim for a recall on the long engine block that causes piston rings to fail. I contacted kia twice through there web site. With no response. I then called a dealer and they told me I would have to pay the cost for towing my vehicle to them for repair. I then called kia and they also told me that I would have to pay the cost. My vehicle is not operational because of manufacturing mistake. I am under the understanding that kia is to cover all cost to fix any recalls, but they are telling me I have to cover part of the cost. The closets kia dealer is 140 moles away they closed the one that I bought my kia from.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 137,000 miles · GA · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle before suddenly smoke and flames were scene coming from under the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the owner sustained an injured right finger while attempting to open the hood. No medical treatment was required. The vehicle was towed away as it was destroyed by the fire. The local dealer alm kia south (4310 jonesboro rd. Union city, ga) was notified of the failure as wells the manufacturer were a case was opened. The contact stated he had received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v100000 (fuel system. Gasoline), however, when he contact the dealer he was unable to schedule a recall repair appointment for several months. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · PA

While driving on the turnpike the car completely shut off. Prior to shutting off, the battery, oil and transmission icon appeared on the dashboard. Thankfully I was able to merge over into the side lane safely because the breaks along with the steering suddenly became difficult to control. After placing the car into park and removing the keys from the ignition, I attempted to restart it. It started, so I continued heading home. Approximately driving another 12 miles, the same thing happened again. The only difference this time was upon restarting it, a weird knocking noise came from underneath the hood, so I shut the car off. I waited about 5 minutes to restart it and it started right up, so I continued heading home. Today, once again while driving, the car shut off. Same knocking, and dashboard lights. After waiting about 5 minutes, I restarted it, only to continuously hear a loud knocking noise and a vibration coming from under the hood. While accelerating, it barely moved and the noises became louder along with the vibration.this time the car was incapable of being driven. I had to get it towed directly to a kia dealership. Good thing my car was still covered with easy care or else I wouldn't have been to get it towed. I don't even know how I am going to be able to afford whatever needs repaired. I did receive a recall notice and will attach it below.

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