2013 Kia Optima Technical Service Bulletins

235 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2013 Kia Optima. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10089602Aug 16, 2016Steering. Tsb: mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (cs1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 my optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from august 12, 2010 to december 18, 2013. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
• 10090090Aug 12, 2016Steering. Q and a: cs1604 - all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) flexible coupling customer satisfaction / warranty extension program
• 10090089Aug 12, 2016Steering. Owner letter: cs1604 - customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - dear kia optima owner: kia motors america, inc. Would like to thank you for your purchase of a kia optima vehicle. Because kia values you as our customer, we are conducting a customer satisfaction/warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) unit in all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my optima vehicles.
• 10090088Aug 12, 2016Steering. Request for reimbursement form: cs1604 - 2011-2013 and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the flexible coupling in the mdps replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense.
• 10090085Aug 12, 2016Steering. Dealer parts and service manager memo: cs1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my kia optima vehicles. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped.
• 10090052Aug 12, 2016Steering. Dealer principal memo: cs1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my kia optima vehicles. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped.
• 10094572Jun 30, 2016Engine. Warranty bulletin: wty004 - 2011-2014 my optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (wty004) - this warranty bulletin provides information related to the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the engine short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014 my optima vehicles with 2.4l gdi or 2.0l turbo gdi engine to 10 years…
• 10094576Jun 10, 2016Engine, Equipment. Owner letter: wty004 - dear kia optima owner: kia motors america takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, kia is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the engine’s “short block” assembly on 2011-2014 model year optima vehicles with 2.4l gdi or 2.0l turbo gdi to 10 years starting from the date of first service or 120,000 miles…
• 10094575Jun 6, 2016Engine. Request for reimbursement form: wty004 - if you have paid to have your engine repaired/replaced due to connecting rod failure, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense. Mail this completed request for reimbursement form to kia, along with documentation specified below, for review and consideration to the following address: consumer assistance center, kia motors america, inc., p.o. Box…
• 10094573Jun 6, 2016Engine. Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty004 - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc. Has extended the warranty coverage of the kia new vehicle limited warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014 model year optima vehicles with 2.4l gdi or 2.0l turbo gdi engine to 10 years starting from the date of first service…
• 10183608May 3, 2016Suspension, Equipment. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) and Rio (UB) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement.
• 10089422May 3, 2016Suspension. "front stabilizer link replacement - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some optima (tf/qf), optima hybrid (tf hev) and rio (ub) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement. To resolve the noise concern, perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the front stabilizer links…
• 10183431Apr 4, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones.
• 10080084Jan 29, 2016Back-over prevention (rear camera). Tsb: rear view camera diagnosis/replacement - this bulletin provides information to diagnose and/or replace the rear view camera of some kia vehicles (see table on pg. 6 for specific models and production dates) which may exhibit inadequate image quality from the rear view camera. Diagnose the concerns using the information in this bulletin and, if necessary, replace the rear view camera with an improved part by…
• 10080064Jan 29, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. Service action: fuel door actuator replacement (sa217) - this bulletin describes the procedure to replace the fuel door actuator of some 2013my optima (qf) vehicles, produced from february 1, 2013 ~ march 14, 2013, which may exhibit an inoperable fuel door actuator. Follow the procedure outlined below to replace the fuel door actuator with an improved part and resolve the concern. Kia is requesting the completion…
• 10080087Jan 20, 2016Equipment, Steering, Electrical system. Tsb: ecm upgrade - steering logic improvement - this bulletin provides information related to the mdps ecu software upgrade for some 2011 ~ 2014my optima (tf/qf) vehicles, produced from job #1 through july 27, 2014, which may experience a notchy feel in the steering wheel.
• 10080097Jan 15, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. Tsb: base audio system upgrade - this bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the navigation system and base audio system software of some 2013my soul (am), optima (tf/qf), sorento (xma) and forte (td) vehicles, to improve bluetooth® connectivity.
• 10080096Jan 15, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. Tsb: avn system upgrade - this bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the navigation system software of some 2013my optima (tf/qf) and some 2013my soul (am) vehicles, to improve bluetooth® connectivity.
• 10080095Jan 15, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. Tsb: uvo system upgrade - this bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the uvo system on some 2013my soul (am), sorento (xm), optima (tf/qf), rio (ub) and sportage (sl) vehicles to improve bluetooth connectivity.
• 10088983Oct 19, 2015Electrical system. Tsb: kds - audio update module (aum) - the gds audio update module (aum) was introduced in fourth quarter of 2013. This special service tool (sst) was developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of updating 2010my, and later, kia audio head units using a gds, and now, the same functionality is available on kds. Some technicians may not be aware of the benefits the aum tool has to offer.
• 10089051Sep 29, 2015Engine. Tsb: proper oil grade / viscosity selection for turbo equipped vehicles - this bulletin provides information related to the proper engine oil grade / viscosity to be used when servicing vehicles equipped with a turbocharger.
• 10116821Aug 12, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the Direct Exchange Program (see Parts Bulletin 91-961-0005).
• 10089354Aug 12, 2015Electrical system. Tsb: identifying head unit software version for direct exchange - this bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the direct exchange program.
• 10089382Aug 3, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: 6-spd. A/t adaptive value reset /relearn - this bulletin provides the procedures necessary to reset and relearn the adaptive values after transmission replacement or reprogramming/replacement of the pcm/tcm. After the adaptive values are reset, the transmission computer adaptive values must be relearned by driving in a precise manner to “teach” the computer the proper solenoid duty and line pressure for the…
• 10089620Jul 31, 2015Electrical system. Pitstop: abs hecu replacement due to hesitation concerns - when addressing customer concerns regarding hesitation from the vehicle on hard acceleration, test drive the vehicle to verify the concern. Prior to test driving the vehicle, eliminate common electronic stability control (esc) trigger factors such as excessive or unevenly worn tires and slippery road conditions.
• 10058510Jul 1, 2015Electronic stability control. Kia: some vehicles would hesitate on hard acceleration and electronic stability control (esc) light illuminates; would need to replace hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) with latest software module. Model 2012-13 optima.
• 10092132Jun 26, 2015Electrical system, Equipment. Tsb: navigation head unit sd card replacement - this bulletin describes the sd card exchange/replacement procedure related to error messages that may be displayed on the navigation screen when the incorrect sd card is inserted. Note: only new models (during pdi inspection or at the point of purchase) or compatibility mismatches that occur after head unit replacement will be considered for this program.
• 10089742Jun 26, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. Tsb: navigation head unit sd card replacement - this bulletin describes the sd card exchange/replacement procedure related to error messages that may be displayed on the navigation screen when the incorrect sd card is inserted. Note: only new models (during pdi inspection or at the point of purchase) or compatibility mismatches that occur after head unit replacement will be considered for this program.
• 10092151Jun 19, 2015Suspension. Pitstop: difficulty assembling strut bearing/insulator - on some optima vehicles, when replacing the strut insulator or strut bearing with new parts you may encounter difficulty installing the new strut bearing into place on the insulator. This condition is due to a change in the design of the strut bearing (a) which results in tighter tolerances between the bearing and insulator. Refer to the procedure below for…
• 10089763Jun 19, 2015Suspension. Pitstop: difficulty assembling strut bearing/insulator - on some optima vehicles, when replacing the strut insulator or strut bearing with new parts you may encounter difficulty installing the new strut bearing into place on the insulator. This condition is due to a change in the design of the strut bearing (a) which results in tighter tolerances between the bearing and insulator. Refer to the procedure below for…
• 10092147Jun 1, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement – multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of various shift solenoids on 6-speed automatic transaxles with dtcs p0741, p0743, p0748, p0753, p0758, p0763, p0768, p0773, p1778 and p2709. Replace the solenoids if current or history codes are present; do not replace the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed…
• 10089761Jun 1, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement – multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of various shift solenoids on 6-speed automatic transaxles with dtcs p0741, p0743, p0748, p0753, p0758, p0763, p0768, p0773, p1778 and p2709. Replace the solenoids if current or history codes are present; do not replace the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed…
• 10089987Apr 24, 2015Engine, Vehicle speed control. Pitstop: smart pedal feature - the “smart pedal” is an integral part of the engine management system (ems) functionality which monitors and prevents the simultaneous activation of accelerator and brake pedals. When engaged, the feature reduces engine power to idle.
• 10089947Apr 18, 2015Electrical system. Tsb: service action: avn system upgrade (sa189) - this bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the navigation system software of some 2013my optima (tf/qf) and some 2013my soul (am) vehicles, to improve bluetooth® connectivity. Kia is requesting the completion of this service action on all affected vehicles. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of the affected vins.
• 10092100Mar 27, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. Pitstop: bluetooth® issues after iphone® ios 8 software update - this article provides information related to possible bluetooth concerns when using an iphone® with ios 8.x (ios 8, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, etc.) while paired to a head unit.
• 10092104Mar 6, 2015Electrical system, Equipment. Pitstop: navigation headunit and sd card compatibility - this article provides information in regards to possible compatibility issues between navigation head units and sd cards when replacing head units for multimedia issues. If after replacing a navigation head unit the original sd card does not operate correctly, follow the steps below to diagnose the issue:
• 10089786Feb 27, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Tsb: voluntary service campaign: ecm upgrade - mil on with dtc p0087 (sc114) - this bulletin provides information related to an ecm software update for the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012~2014my sorento, 2012~2013my optima, and 2012~2013my sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.4l and 2.0l turbo gdi engines. The subject vehicle’s engines are equipped with a gasoline direct injection (gdi) system that…
• 10089791Feb 11, 2015Electrical system, Engine. Owner letter: dear kia optima owner: kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to update the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012-2013 my optima vehicles which could otherwise experience a decrease in acceleration accompanied by the illumination of the “check engine” or malfunction indicator lamp (mil).
• 10089793Feb 9, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Q and a: sc114 – ecu update – mil on with dtc p0087 / voluntary service campaign q&a
• 10089789Feb 9, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Dealer service manager memo: attention: all kia service managers - kia motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign to update the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012-2014 my sorento, 2012-2013 my optima, and 2012-2013 my sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.4l and 2.0l turbo gdi engines. The subject vehicles’ engines are equipped with a gasoline direct injection (gdi) system that…
• 10089788Feb 9, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Dealer principal memo: attention: all dealer principals - kia motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, to update the engine control unit (ecu) in certain 2012-2014 my sorento, 2012-2013 my optima, and 2012-2013 my sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.4l or 2.0l turbo gdi engines, which may experience the “check engine” light or malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination due to the…
• 10089784Feb 5, 2015Equipment, Engine cooling. Tsb: a/c evaporator freeze-up during extended drive - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the evaporator temperature sensor of some optima (tf/qf) and sorento (xma) vehicles (see production dates on page 3), which may experience freezing of condensation on the evaporator core and the following a/c performance related concerns.
• 10090187Dec 5, 2014Back-over prevention (rear camera). Tsb: rear view camera diagnosis/replacement - this bulletin provides information to diagnose and/or replace the rear view camera of some kia vehicles (see table below for specific models and production dates) which may exhibit inadequate image quality from the rear view camera.
• 10057239Dec 1, 2014Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Kia optima /sorento: 2012-2014 rear view camera requires replacement on specific models.
• 10109761Sep 4, 2014Electrical system. PITSTOP: REMOTE START SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC HOTLINE - When diagnosing remote start systems, refer to the table shown in this article for detailed information on applicable models, model year and system supplier; along with the applicable Hotline contact information and business hours.
• 10109691Jul 8, 2014Steering. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - Rev 2 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped. This condition may be caused by premature wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS.
• 10109673Jun 25, 2014Engine, Equipment. PITSTOP: RESETTING CYLINDER BALANCE ADAPTATION VALUES - When addressing a cylinder balance concern on a vehicle equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine, it is important to note that the DTC may recur after replacement of any faulty component(s) and resetting adaptive values. See this Article for information on resetting cylinder balance adaptation values.
• 10109668Jun 25, 2014Latches, locks and linkages, Electrical system. PITSTOP: HORN ANSWER BACK OR PARKING LAMPS INOP WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH RKE/SMK FOB - When addressing a customer complaint related to an inoperative parking light confirmation flash, and/or audible answer back when locking the vehicle with the RKE/SMK fob, ensure each door lock position switch (viewable in BCM > Current Data) is displaying the appropriate status and the pad-lid switch (hood switch depressor) is in…
• 10109666Jun 20, 2014Equipment. TSB: TESTING A/C COMPRESSOR FUNCTION USING GDS - This bulletin provides information on a new procedure to test A/C compressor function using the GDS.
• 10109665Jun 11, 2014Steering, Equipment. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped.

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