The Kia Optima is a mid-sized vehicle made by Kia Motors. The car has been produced since 2000. The 2013 Kia Optima is a reliable, cost-effective vehicle with numerous upgrades and features over previous models.
Like most cars, there are recalls for this model. For those who are planning to purchase a used car like this, it is important to check out the recalls to ensure the repair work is complete.
About the 2013 Kia Optima
The 2013 Kia Optima is part of this vehicle’s third generation, which began in 2010. A fourth-generation was launched in 2015 and a fifth in 2020. The standard model for this year is a five-seat vehicle. This model offered a front-wheel drive setup with a 2.4L DOHC GDI 16 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque.
It offers a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift. This car gets 24/35 miles per gallon as well. It came equipped with a USB port, satellite radio options, and Bluetooth hands-free calling, all higher-end features for the model year compared to other vehicles.
Recalls on the 2013 Kia Optima
There have been four actual recalls issued for the 2013 Kia Optima as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as of August of 2020. The recalls range from airbag problems to engine concerns. Take a look at some of them.
Airbags May Become Disabled
In June of 2018, NHTSA campaign number 18V363000 was launched for a recall on the airbags on the Kia Optima. This recall impacted other Kia vehicles, including the Kia Forte, Forte Koup, and Kia Sedona vehicles. A total of over 507,000 vehicles were potentially affected by this recall.
The problem relates to the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners. In some cases, if these are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury if a crash were to occur and require the deployment of the safety systems. The airbag control unit (ACU) may short circuit. This would prevent the pretensioners from operating properly, leading to the risk of injury.
To fix this problem, Kia Motors America instructed dealers to install an extension wire harness kit on affected vehicles. This was done at no cost to the owner. The recall began in September of 2018.
Low-pressure Fuel Hose Risk
This recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V100000, was issued by Kia Motors America for the fuel system and gasoline lines in this vehicle. The recall occurred in February of 2020. It impacted over 141,000 vehicles, including the 2013 and 2014 Kia Optima. It only affects those vehicles with a 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or the 2.0L GDI Turbo engine.
In these situations, the lower pressure fuel hose can become damaged over time. If this deterioration occurs, it can lead to the fuel line cracking. This creates the risk of a fuel leak occurring. In some cases, that crack and leak can cause an increased risk of an engine fire.
The problem relates to the overheating of the low-pressure fuel hose line over time because it is within the engine compartment. To fix this problem, Kia had dealerships inspect the low-pressure fuel hose to look for any indication of leaking or cracks. If they found it, they replaced it. If there was no evident damage, Kia had the dealership apply heat-protective tape to minimize future risk.
Leaks With the High-pressure Fuel Pipe
In December of 2018, a recall was issued on the 2013 Kia Optima for the engine, fuel system, and gasoline components due to a high-pressure fuel pipe protection leak. This recall applies to over 71,000 vehicles under NHTSA Campaign Number 18V907000. The recall also impacted the Kia Sorento and the Kia Sportage vehicles (for various model years).
In these vehicles, only those that received a replacement engine under recall number 17V224, the Knock Sensor Detection System Product Improvement Campaign, or through a warranty repair, are affected.
In these vehicles, the high-pressure fuel pipe that runs from the fuel pump outlet may be damaged. It may also be misaligned or may have been torqued improperly during the replacement process. This can lead to a fuel leak.
To fix this problem, Kia alerted owners and had dealerships notify the owners to bring their vehicles in for an inspection. If there was evidence of damage, the dealerships replaced the fuel pipe. The recall work began in January of 2019.
Engine Seizure Risk
In NHTSA Campaign Number 17V224000, the engine and engine cooling system are impacted. This 2013 Kia Optima recall relates to wearing of the bearings that could lead to engine seizure.
This can lead to an increased risk of an accident should it occur. The recall affects 618,000 vehicles. This includes some Sorento and Sportage models as well.
The problem in this recall relates to improper machining of key engine components. This occurred during the manufacturing process. This can create a risk of the bearing wearing down prematurely in the engine.
As a result, the engine may freeze up and stop working. This can cause the engine to stall, creating a crash risk.
To fix this problem, Kia reached out to owners and dealerships for an inspection of the engine assembly. If it was necessary, the engine was replaced. The repairs began in June of 2017.
Finding Your 2013 Kia Optima Recalls
Before you buy a vehicle, make sure to check for applicable recalls on it. Kia makes this easy to do using the Kia Safety Recall Portal. Owners can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the system. This will provide a detailed list of all applicable recalls for the car. It also allows you to see any updates made on your vehicle that may need to still be serviced.
Take the time to check out applicable recalls on a vehicle before buying it. Most often, these repairs relate to safety and are updated without any cost to you, as the vehicle owner. Reach out to an area dealership if you still need recalls managed.
Photos: Kia
