2013 Kia Optima suspension problems

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · PA

While driving my KIA Optima on the interstate the rear subframe suffered catastrophic structural failure, resulting in the steering wheel going out of alignment, the rear passenger side wheel tilting with the bottom of the tire being far out compared to the top. This resulted in the rear of the vehicle swaying side to side and being difficult to maintain in a straight path. This vehicle was previously serviced under KIA Campaign SC141 (internal subframe corrosion) at Griffin KIA on April 27, 2017. Despite this safety remedy being performed the subframe rotted through and snapped. This is a remedy failure. The anti-corrosion was applied by the manufacturer failed to prevent the exact structural failure it was designed to mitigate. I have physical evidence (Repair Order #92144) proving the remedy was performed and photographic/video evidence of the subsequent structural break. The manufacturer (KIA) has denied assistance, claiming the failure is "unrelated" to the corrosion campaign despite the part being the exact component covered by the campaign." SC141 involved the inject of wax into the metal components of the subframe of the vehicle and was KIA's response to the NHSTA's concerns about the metal components of their vehicles being unable to withstand salt in the Rust Belt states. The campaign only was for the vehicles in the rust belt states. KIA was very aware this was a safety issue and attempted to avoid a recall by issuing this campaign. The campaign failed and as a result my life was put at risk. I asked KIA for a good will repair of the rusted subframe but they refuse indicating the believe the part that clearly broke due to rust is unrelated to the safety campaign. Several of their employees stated it was very clear the part broke due to rust with one indicating he had a list of rusted parts needing replaced. I'd like the federal safety agency to review this failed campaign and ensure the safety of all vehicles relying on this failed safety measure.

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

Vehicle body damage. Vehicle car parts damage.

Filed Nov 16, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

I went to start my car which was on august 24, 2020 and it was making a very very loud noise I couldn't move it so I had it towed over to a mechanic who discovered that the engine in fact has been blown are the block has been blown so the engine is no good and needs to be replaced I am way and there was no warning on my vehicle and with also no notification of oil was low or no oil in my car whatsoever there was a metal shavings in the oil pan the mechanic discovered and it there's no leaks in the car at all and so now I pay payments for a car and somebody else to take me around to work every day for months on months andpayments for a car that sits in my driveway broken down and the dealership here kia will not they fix my car they refuse to because of a disagreement prior to this I am on anything about my car they will not do I am actually the one who discovered there was a recall in the vehicle since february and nobody has told me and everybody has failed to mention this or contact me

Filed Oct 30, 2020 · Suspension · 97,125 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated that a warning light indicating that the hydraulic assembly power unit needed to be serviced. The contact took the vehicle to kia of cerritos (18201 studebaker rd, cerritos, ca 90703; (562) 860-2424) and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 97,125.

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 164,000 miles · TN · crash · 1 injury

We were traveling at around 55-60 miles an hour and were t-bones by a chevy avalanche on the passenger side of the vehicle. I was in the front passenger seat and my husband swerved so the truck luckily started at my door and completely ripped and smashed in the back passenger door and back/ trunk of our optima. Back wheel is completely turned out. Hit so hard it completely turned us in 2 circles and busted my front license plate and it hit absolutely nothing. I busted my head open and received 3 staples and knee shoved in dash but not 1 air bag in this vehicle deployed!! I have always owned a kia!! I will no longer purchase a kia because I do not feel safe!!

Filed Jul 6, 2020 · Suspension · CA

Car turn off in the freeway with check engine light on

Filed May 30, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · IA

When I'm driving at any speed and on any surface driving over the slightest bump the steering wheel makes a clanking sound also the car is pulling to the right my front tires are wearing out on the upperoutside of the tire the part of tire that touches the road. I have looked on web to see if anyone else has had a issue with this what I found was that it may be the steering coupler. It's getting worse I'm afraid it's not going to turn one of these days because of what's going on.

Filed Apr 22, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 97,000 miles · CO

After having work done on the last recall, I noticed there is a rattling near the steering wheel on every bump in the road I hit. It doesn't matter how big or small. The steering wheel shakes and the rattling has since then gotten louder and worse. I fear there is something loose either within the steering wheel and components or the bars underneath. I cannot seem to find exactly what it is but its on the front driver side of the car. It is only happening while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Mar 30, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 110,000 miles · OK

When I am driving more than 65 MPH, my steering wheel shakes for 3 seconds, stops, and then continues until I go under 65 MPH. When I drive over a bump or object, it shakes as well. There is a loud clicking when turn the wheel left or right.

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Brakes, Suspension · 90,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, a warning indicator illuminated, advising the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator also illuminated. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and on in order for the indicators to turn off. In addition, while attempting to come to a stop, the vehicle shook and hesitated to stop appropriately. The contact took the vehicle to archer kia (located at 11614 southwest fwy, houston, tx 77031, 888‑879‑5194) where repairs were made to the hydraulics. The specific parts were not identified; however, the failure continued. The contact took the vehicle to joe meyers kia (located at 16484 nw fwy, houston, tx 77040, 713‑587‑9940) where the upper and lower control arms and ball joints were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and opened case number: 13386178. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.