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BrakesPart report

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Brakes Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
29%of 56 total for the year
Median mileage
77,500miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, 29% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle surged forward while in motion to park in a parking space. Brakes failed to stop vehicle from a very slow speed of 5-10 MPH approximately. Has done this on occasion at highway speed a sudden surge so a braking would relieve problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11011110, filed 2017-07, 41,000 miles

“Upon acceleration from stop or low speed, brake warning message displayed instructing me to safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Additionally, essentially all warning lights displayed on the information screen. Warning lights began flashing and door locks began clicking on/off. Car became disabled after a short distance and car would not move forward when in drive. Required tow to dealer for service. Dealer scanned the vehicle and found over 20 history codes pointing towards a can issue. After vehicle was serviced and road tested, history codes were cleared by dealer on 5/24/2014. …”

NHTSA complaint #10596726, filed 2014-06, 4,720 miles

“Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on Check brake system then the car slows down to 10mph immediately. While pressing on the brakes they squeaking, very badly. I have to turn the car off and back on until the flashing Check brake system turns off. This happens every 5 to 10 minutes while driving multiple times a day, everyday. This could have caused an accident on multiple occasions. …”

NHTSA complaint #11761103, filed 2026-08

“I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a recall job on the he cu but he only put a fuse in and press complete on your system to let you all know that he completed the job but he did not complete the job he patched it up and I almost lost my life the Brits gave out on me I pressed the brakes down to the floor I pressed the the parking brake and…”

NHTSA complaint #11767056, filed 2026-09

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and engine warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was not related to the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 43,494.”

NHTSA complaint #11622889, filed 2024-10, 43,494 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2017415%
201413%
20131629%
20121211%
2011515%

Other parts of the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

Electrical system
22 complaints
Engine
14 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Hybrid propulsion system
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology