2013 Kia Optima Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,387 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2013 Kia Optima, 3% of the 1,387 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I left work one night and started fine and was driving normal for about 10-15 miles then every single light came on the dash board then couldn't accelerate anymore! It dropped in like 15mph increments until it finally rolled to a stop! I cut the car off and ever since it cut off it hasn't cut back on since me and cousin looked and seen no obvious problems but think the motor locked up completely!”
NHTSA complaint #11386185, filed 2021-01, 15 miles“When I was driving all the lights came on on the dashboard and I couldn't accelerate at all then it cut off and haven't been able to jump it off or anything! We've looked to see if we could find out why but it's just died and I think the motor locked up!”
NHTSA complaint #11385798, filed 2020-12, 15 miles“I was driving around 45 miles and hybrid system warning, safely stop and do not drive. This happened about 3 more times on the way to the dealership. Brought it to the dealer told me to replace the battery. The sign came back up after about 30 minutes of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11184664, filed 2019-03, 99,900 miles“When stopped at a stop sign or light and trying to go after the light turns green accelerator won't go down and move car forward because it sticks and I have to take foot off accelerator and push it down again to get it to go. This is now happening every day from time to time. Taking it to the dealer tomorrow because I found no recalls on this car listed yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10615564, filed 2014-07, 11,205 miles“I was sitting at a stop sign waiting to cross two lanes, when clear I pressed the gas pedal . The tires spun a little on some antiskid; as a result the traction control intervened. The car seamed to loose all power!!. With traffic on its way I drifted across one lane before getting full power back. This tcs in my 2013 Kia Optima is not safe-- someone is going to get killed! What should I do !?”
NHTSA complaint #10683940, filed 2015-02, 42,205 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10089987Apr 24, 2015Pitstop: smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems) functionality which monitors and prevents the simultaneous activation…
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 13 | 5% |
| 2016 | 29 | 4% |
| 2015 | 36 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 4% |
| 2013 | 39 | 3% |
| 2012 | 40 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 8% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
42 complaintsExterior lighting
40 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 30, 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