2013 Kia Optima Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Kia Optima, 3% of the 1,387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“I was never notified of the recall on my Kia Optima. Driving home from work (new jersey) on the pa turnpike when the engine stopped. Luckily, I was not rear-ended by another vehicle and injured or killed. I had the car towed to the nearest autobody shop (pep boys). This was late at night, most businesses/places were closed. I incurred a towing bill, hotel bill, car rental bill and service bill because I was unaware of the recall from Kia regarding the engine. I submitted a request for reimbursement from Kia for the cost/fees I incurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11081628, filed 2018-03, 95,326 miles“My Kia gets stuck in a few inches of snow or any ice. Slides easily in rain or icy or cold weather. I live in the midwest. I have been pushed by strangers, countless times, trying to get me out of subdivisions because this car will not move. I had to call a tow truck and he mentioned he had to tow 3 of these same fancy vehicles that were stuck in a small amount of snow. I am unable to park in my garage because the car is not dependable if any snow or ice is on the driveway. I drive for a living and I have been stuck in patient's driveways. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565171, filed 2014-02, 22,000 miles“Driving under normal conditions on a slow 35mph roadway and noticed Optima pulls toward the crown (center) of the road (which is against slope). Drove vehicle on 45mph and 60mph roadway and same situation. Engine was replaced at 3,400 miles due to piston #3 failing. Based on current issues to date, I would not purchase another Optima.”
NHTSA complaint #10502730, filed 2013-03, 3,870 miles“Regarding to the previous complaint, veh was taken to dealer on 3/15/2013 to adjust the alignment under warranty due to the alignment issue starting after the engine was replaced at 3,400 by the dealer. Left the dealer and immediately noticed that the steering wheel was now turned to the left and the vehicle was pulling to the right. The car pulled to the right significantly. The same dealer was contacted on 3/18/13 regarding the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504172, filed 2013-03, 3,400 miles“The contact stated that while driving the vehicle began to unexpectedly slow and then stalled. The vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 215,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11739531, filed 2026-05, 215,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine…Covers: Kia Optima 2011–2014, Sportage 2011–2013, Sorento 2012–2014
Related service bulletins
- 10252086Mar 22, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 10219692Sep 13, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special…
- 10210431Apr 20, 2022PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS - This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running…
- 10209438Mar 1, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10206642Jan 6, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10205866Dec 23, 2021PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections…
- 10205426Dec 21, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10203695Nov 4, 2021This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier…
- 10203659Nov 4, 2021PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections…
- 10201615Sep 23, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 31 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 42 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2013 Kia Optima
614 complaintsSteering
213 complaintsOther or unknown
189 complaintsElectrical system
146 complaintsBody and structure
127 complaintsFuel system
123 complaintsBrakes
114 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsAir bags
62 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 27, 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