2013 Kia Optima: fuel pump failure

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 250,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was leaking fuel from the high-pressure pipe leading to the fuel pump. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not included in recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Filed May 2, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

My car was sent to Kia on Covington Pike in Memphis, TN to repair the recalls but further repairs were needed stemming from issues with the recall on the low pressure fuel pump

Filed Jan 6, 2023 · Body, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 22V560000 (Structure) and 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced before servicing the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 94,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stalling despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was a fuel smell and that she repeatedly needed to refill the engine oil. Additionally, the contact stated that on three different occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart, and had to be towed to her residence. The check engine and the engine oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart and the contact stated that there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer where it remained awaiting diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2022 · Fuel system · AL

I was driving to work and smelled fuel. The loud Oder of fuel was coming from under the hood. Called kia and they had the car towed to the Kia place in mobile alabama. Was told that my vin number is not covered under the 3 recalls that they have for this same make and model. Kia place said it has a fuel leak from high pressure fuel pump.

Filed May 17, 2021 · Fuel system · IN

The low pressure fuel hose from the gas tank to the fuel pump located under the engine cover is leaking fuel. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia Dealership to determine the cause of the fuel leak. My safety and the safety of others were put in jeopardy due to the possibility of a fire or explosion from the leaking fuel line. The smell of gasoline was detected prior to the inspection from the Kia dealership

Filed Apr 22, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 71,000 miles · CA

2013 kia optima ex with 71k miles. Car had a very slow start. Trouble light came on. Had left lights on for about 2 hours so thought that was the issue. Seemed okay so drove home. Notices slight gasoline smell in cabin. No more driving that day. Took to local shop. Code reader came back as fuel pump failure. Did some research and noticed many with same issue on this make/model/year and a recall or two as well. Vin check returned no outstanding recalls. Called kia customer service. Was told my VIN was associated with a recall in 2018 (sc 147) but 'passed the test". Sc 172 was issued later for a call back of those vehicles that had engines replaced under sc 147 for a high pressure fuel pipe issue. I honestly think my optima is currently having whatever the issue was under sc 147 but since it tested okay in 2018 - oh well! Since the fuel pump warranty expired in 2018, I guess I'm on my way to an almost $1,000 repair! Seems like kia should allow getting the original service call issue looked at again free of charge to see if it is now an issue. Disappointed.

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 Mar 3, 2020 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · CA

Whenever trying to fuel my vehicle, the pump would click off within seconds. I would have to stand holding the pump and reclick the pump over and over. This process would take 10 to 15 minutes to fuel the vehicle. After several trips to the kia dealer trying to get this fixed. They eventually replaced the whole fuel system. From time to time, while pumping gas, I still have to stand by the pump because the fuel pump will click up as if my tank is full.

Filed Mar 2, 2020 · Fuel system · 170,000 miles · GA

Check engine light came on, took car to local o'reilly auto parts for them to see what the problem was. Gave code p0091 which yeilded part pr536 - fuel pressure regulator. Called rick case kia, duluth, ga (absolute terrible service/customer service, numerous times)...car isn't under warranty, will not cover...immediately said o'reilly's was wrong - it's the entire fuel pump - quoted $800 to change. Called a second time, spoke with someone different, said $600 to change fuel pressure regulator. Car isn't running any different. Check engine light came on about $170k mile mark.

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 27, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 140,000 miles · NH

Check engine light is on code reads high pressure fuel pump. When starting the car it is very sluggish and has fluttering rpms for the first 10 15 minutes when driving the car is jerky and hesitant to accelerate. There is currently a active recall on the high pressure fuel pump but my VIN is not listed under the recall even though it was listed on the engine recall. Was told I did not need a new engine but was given an oil change ABS new oil pan and the problem started shortly after