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 milesRelated recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia Optima Hybrid 2011–2013, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
- 10090177Dec 11, 2014Tsb: noise during brake actuation - this bulletin provides information to address a brake noise concern on some optima hybrid (tf hev) vehicles, produced from february 15, 2011…
- 10057236Dec 1, 2014Kia optima hybrid 2011-2013 : concerns of brake noise when applying the brakes.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
22 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine 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