2013 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 114about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,100miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 114 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Kia Optima, 8% of the 1,387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,100 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my 2013 Kia Optima on a dry road surface. I had just gone through a traffic light that was green for me to go. There was a slight down grade so I started to apply my brakes because of traffic ahead. When I pressed my brake pedal the car would not stop causing me to rear end another vehicle. This happened in a very busy city street.”
NHTSA complaint #11102435, filed 2018-06, 72,000 miles“When I start the car the rear break lights flicker rapidly when I press the breaks the 3rd break light won't light up at all, so the only two break light stop working, it causes the anti traction control warning light and the auto-hold warning lights to come on.”
NHTSA complaint #11406789, filed 2021-04, 20,000 miles“suddenly while driving, vehicle produced a hybrid system warning light to stop driving immediately and do not drive. Next warning said to check breaks. Following the warning I tried to park, the car then rolled backwards, while foot was on breaks. breaks did not work! I immediately put the car in park and turned the car off. Car was then towed to dealership. When vehicle arrived at dealership warning light was no longer displayed. Dealership flushed out Break fluid and replaced break fluid. …”
NHTSA complaint #11553686, filed 2023-11, 130,368 miles“I was driving down a moderately steep slope and when I applied the breaks to make a right turn I could feel a shaking on the break petal about a 20 second duration. This has happened twice. Both when I was driving and my wife was driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10721032, filed 2015-05, 43,600 miles“Brake lights will not go off after I turn off my car. Sometimes the brake lights and back lights pops on even when the car is off and will not turn off. The slippery when wet light stays on at all times. When I am driving the car and I have to use the brakes to stop at a red light or stop sign the car moves very slowing and stalls. Sometimes when I am driving the car looses power. I was driving on the interstate twice and the car just lost power and began to slow down. This was a huge safety concern. Now the car has no power.”
NHTSA complaint #11186700, filed 2019-03, 7 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 2011–2015, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
- 21V331000May 10, 2021Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak…Covers: Kia Optima 2013–2015, Sorento 2014–2015
- 20V519000Aug 27, 2020Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control…Covers: Kia Optima 2013–2015, Sorento 2014–2015
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…
- 10147431Oct 12, 2018TSB: BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the brake pedal stopper pad on some 2012-2013MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from…
- 10145194Sep 28, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM - 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA BRAKE STOPPER PAD Kia New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension
- 10145192Sep 28, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - OWNER LETTER - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In…
- 10145193Sep 26, 2018Warranty extension program (wty011) - q & a - 2012-2013 my optima brake pedal stopper pad new vehicle limited warranty extension
- 10145191Sep 26, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal…
- 10145190Sep 26, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal stopper pad on all…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 7% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 90 | 9% |
| 2014 | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 | 114 | 8% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 47 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 21 | 18% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2013 Kia Optima
614 complaintsSteering
213 complaintsOther or unknown
189 complaintsElectrical system
146 complaintsBody and structure
127 complaintsFuel system
123 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsAir bags
62 complaintsEngine cooling
42 complaintsExterior lighting
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsSuspension
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Kia Optima
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