The 2013 Kia Optima only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine failures and steering system problems. At $11,436 to $14,036, it’s way too expensive for a car that may leave you stranded when it inevitably breaks down.
Is the 2013 Kia Optima a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 5/10 – 2013 is a bad year for the Optima, which earns its low rating since there are so many costly engine failures. Owner reviews complain about Kia cutting corners, a lot of breakdowns, and even A/C system issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other budget-focused sedans, seats are reasonably comfortable, and the trunk is average.
- Reliability 3/10 – There are a lot of engine failures on 2013 Optima models. We recommend buyers avoid models from 2011–2016 since they all have engine issues. Shoppers should go with models from 2017–2020 which are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – The standard 4-cylinder engine is average, however, the turbocharged motor offers decent power for a midsize sedan.
- Safety 7/10 – The Optima gets a 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, but only 3-stars in the side barrier test. The only advanced safety technology available is a rearview camera.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG giving 518 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $32 cheaper than average, at $172 per month.
- Value 5/10 – The 2013 Optima is close in price to other midsize sedans, which last much longer, making it one to avoid.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Optima?
- Consumer Reports says the Optima is noisy and not comfortable with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2013 Optima 4.1/5, praising the 10-year warranty, but doesn’t like the poor brake response.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Optima a 4.6/5 and enjoy the fuel-efficiency, but owners don’t like the limited rear seat headroom.
What Common Problems Does the 2013 Kia Optima Have?
Common problems found on the 2013 Kia Optima include engine failures, the steering pulling, and paint peeling off the car. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other midsize cars from 2013, which makes ownership costs higher, too.
Engine failures are a widespread problem reported by owners at around 80,000 miles. If your engine failure was caused by a seized bearing, there is a recall which means your engine could be replaced for free. There are some cases where engine failures are caused by other broken components which cost around $5,000 to replace.
Steering pulling is another complaint from owners in the first 50,000 miles. A frequent source of the problem is bad steering linkage, which costs around $1,200 to replace. In other cases the entire steering box and column needs to be changed, which costs around $3,500.
Paint peeling off the car also shows up on a lot of Optima models in the first 75,000 miles. Paint that is not properly cared for and left in direct sunlight will start to peel. Repainting the affected areas fixes the problem, but costs around $1,000 per panel.
There are 8 recalls which are more severe than issues found on other midsize sedans from 2013. The most serious recall is for the engine bearings, which can cause the motor to seize up. Kia will replace them for free to fix the issue. Other serious recalls include fuel lines which can cause a fire and have to be replaced.
How Long Will the 2013 Kia Optima Last?
A well-maintained 2013 Kia Optima will last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $485 per year.
Since nearly all used 2013 Kia Optima models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the A/C condenser for $300, water pump costing $700, and the drive axle which costs around $1,500.
It is reliable. I feel safe when I am driving the car. And the dealership is very accommodating. And the customer service is great.
Yes it is. There are no present issues with the vehicle. There was a recall on the vehicle that has since been resolved. Since, the vehicle has had no issues with proper upkeep.
It is very reliable. I have not had any problems with my Kia. The gas mileage is fantastic and it drives very smooth.
It works just like any vehicle out there in this world. It drives just like any vehicle out there and drives comfortable in my eyes.
Very reliable vehicle to drive. Never had any issues with it mechanically beyond the normal wear and tear of a 6 year old car. Great gas mileage as well as tire wear.
It is reliable! I haven't had any problems. I bought it used and I still have not needed to change my oil or anything! Great car I love this car so much!
I find it very reliable. I've had no problems. I make sure that I bring it for maintenance when due.
I think it’s reliable. We haven't had very many problems with the optima. The ones we did have, the mechanic was able to figure out and repair at a relatively reasonable rate. The only reason we considered selling it is because we could lease a new vehicle at a cheaper monthly rate.
How Is the Technology?
The entertainment technology is average for a midsize sedan from 2013. The stereo system does have nice standard features including Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Safety technology is worse than other midsize cars from 2013, with the only option being a rearview camera.
Is the 2013 Kia Optima a Good Value?
No, the 2013 Kia Optima is a bad value since there are expensive problems. Blue book prices range from $11,436 to $14,036, making it similar in price to the Honda Accord or Volkswagen Passat. When new, the price range was $21,350 to $34,500. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Optima?
There are three models of the Kia Optima offered for 2013, from the entry-level LX all the way up to the sportier SX.
LX is the base model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With Aux & USB
EX is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Power Driver’s Seat
SX is the top-of-the-line model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Larger Motor
- Sport Suspension
- Paddle Shifters
- Cloth & Leather Seating
What Engines Come In the Kia Optima?
- The standard engine found in the Kia Optima is the average 2.4L 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower, which gets up to 28 MPG.
- An available upgrade on the SX model is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 274 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Kia Optima Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Optima?
The 2013 Kia Optima is a very comfortable midsize sedan with more luxurious features than other cars in the same price range. The seats are supportive and reasonably soft.
Passenger space is good, but headroom is worse than average in the backseats due to the sloping roofline so taller adults may feel a bit cramped.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Optima Have?
Cargo space is average for a midsize sedan, with enough room in the trunk for 3-5 full size suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Kia Optima was introduced in 2011 and replaced by the fourth generation in 2016.
2011: Fully redesigned for the launch of the third generation with new engines and exterior.
2012: New Uvo voice command system and more comfortable front seats.
2013: Limited model added, and EX Turbo model discontinued.
2014: Updated front & rear styling, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, new touchscreen.
2015: SX model changed names to the SXL.
2016: Launch of the fully redesigned fourth generation with new engines and technology.
How Does the Kia Optima Compare to the Competition?
The Kia Optima is worse than other midsize sedans from 2013 since there are so many widespread reports of engine failures. Buyers should avoid Optima models from 2011–2016, which all have the same problems.
The Hyundai Sonata is another sedan which is about $500 cheaper. Both the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are built on the same platform, but the interior is a bit more luxurious in the Hyundai Sonata. We recommend buyers avoid both the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata since they have the same engine failures.
The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan which costs around $500 less. Passenger space is better in the Ford Fusion with more headroom for passengers, but the Kia Optima features a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend avoiding both the Ford Fusion and Kia Optima since they both have high ownership costs with frequent breakdowns.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Optima?
Yes, it is comfortable, it has many amenities like heated seating in front and back. And cooling testing in the front. It has a great sound system and Bluetooth. The car is easy to drive.
Yes, at first the vehicle was giving issues. Once I had the engine replaced (under warranty due to recall) the vehicle has been very reliable.
Yes it is reliable and excellent gas mileage. It has many features that I would highly recommend. Good in the snow.
Very good very comfortable to drive in plus I was to drive in the way I wanted to drive. Took me awhile to drive in the car but its worth its practice.
My Kia is a very reliable, and efficient car. Good on gas and comfortable for extended trips. The extra details like heated steering wheel and seats along with air conditioned seats are added perks that make the car a true pleasure to drive.
It is been good to me, no problems! My very first purchased car from my own hard working money and it has not failed me. 5 months and I am still in love!
I love my vehicle. Great on gas mileage. Love sunroof, seat warmers, radio is great especially on long trips. Great trunk space and plenty of room in the seat.
Yes it is a good vehicle. The car drives well, has a good design and provides a comfortable ride. If it was an SUV it would almost be my perfect vehicle.