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2013 Kia Optima lights problems

40 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
40
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Headlights
    3
  • Brake lights
    3

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Optima lights problems in other years

20012005201020152020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Kia Optima lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 33

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2013 Kia Optima owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

Despite documenting this catastrophic internal mechanical destruction, the authorized franchise dealer has issued a written directive instructing the driver to operate this structurally compromised vehicle on public roads for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test with explicit instructions not to add, check, or have anyone service the engine oil level. Operating an engine running dry with verified cylinder wall gouging and unstable timing chains creates an imminent, severe safety hazard for the occupants and other motorists, including sudden highway engine lockup, loss of power steering, or vehicle fires. The vehicle underwent Safety Recall Campaign SC147 in 2017, which carries a court-mandated Lifetime Warranty Extension on the block for core failures. The dealership is forcing an unsafe vehicle modification and dangerous roadway test to evade standard warranty coverage processing. A complete 11-invoice history proves this defect originally manifested and was logged by a technician at 96,738 miles while fully inside the standard factory coverage window.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · VA

Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. Known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. Problem continues to happen. Lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. Anytime the fuse blows

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Body, Lights · CA

Paint on car is coming off from hood and doors headlights are not bright had to change to aftermarket to make it brighter

Filed Mar 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA

When I turned the ignition on the car wouldn't start. But the ABS light and all other lights flickering when trying to start the car. The alarm kept going off. Passenger side front and rear windows won't function. Smell like something was burning. This is the second incident ([XXX]). Fuses had to be removed to silence the alarms on the first incident on [XXX] because the lights were still flickering on and off when car wasn't on. I had my car serviced at the West Broad Kia Dealership in Richmond, Va. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Body, Lights · LA

THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIM. I have changed the bulbs and you can not see out of this vehicle at night. I have checked to see if there is a recall or something. A lot of people have issue with this year make and model of this vehicle. The other problem I am having is the paint peeling with the Snow white color of my vehicle. Large spots of paint is coming off and missing. this vehicle is kept under the carport. Yet, large spots of paint comes off.

Filed Jul 25, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · 155,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted the vehicle into drive and then shifted back to park and the contact was able to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while pulling out the driveway the brakes applied unintendedly with the brake light remaining illuminated. The traction control warning light, the ABS warning light, the auto lock warning light illuminated and the code “EPB auto hold” was displayed. The contact shut off the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Lights · CA

The hid headlights. Specifically low beams go dim.They are so dim you can not drive safely at night. Change the bulbs and still the same issue.My understanding the reflector housing on the projector gets worn out and does reduce the light output of low beams. This is a driving hazard at night.this issue affecting the sx and sxl models with hid projector headlights.

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Lights · CA

The center console power supply is faulty, does not charge or hold usb port. The white paint on my car began to chip in large amounts.

Filed May 27, 2023 · Body, Lights · CA · crash

Vehicle body damage. Vehicle car parts damage.

Filed May 17, 2023 · Driver assistance, Engine · 117,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake lights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle also experienced phantom braking while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Questions about the 2013 Kia Optima lights

Does the 2013 Kia Optima have lights problems?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the lights of the 2013 Kia Optima, 3% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Kia Optima lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Kia Optima lights?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Optima have the most lights problems?

The Kia Optima model years with the most lights complaints are 2011 (88 complaints), 2016 (47 complaints) and 2013 (40 complaints).

Other 2013 Kia Optima problems

Engine 652Steering 213Electrical 147Body 127Fuel system 124Brakes 114Transmission 64Airbags 62Acceleration 39Suspension 26Driver assistance 24Visibility 21Seat belts 18Wheels 18Seats 6Tires 3Locks 2

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