A class-leading safety rating and a luxurious interior with wide seats and simple technology are features of the used 2013 Kia Optima. Even so, it falls into the center third in a class that is extremely competitive. Its reliability ratings are adequate but not outstanding.
In This Article...
What issues do 2013 Kia Optima models have?
The 2013 Kia Optima has received 897 complaints from owners in 128 different problem categories.
Engine-related issues accounted for more than one-third of the issues, and many of them were blown engines. While driving, several customers experienced engine knocking and power reduction. Nearly half of these owners changed the engines in their Optimas.
The level of seriousness for this issue on Car Complaints is “quite poor Owners frequently had to spend close to $5,000 on repairs, and 78,350 miles was the typical mileage at which it occurred.
Despite being fewer, several of the Kia Optima’s other engine issues were evaluated as “very horrible Engine oil sludge, the check engine light coming up, sputtering, and stuttering were some of them. In a few instances, replacing the Optima’s engine was the answer to these issues. For these issues, the average mileage ranged from 26,150 miles for stuttering to 93,850 miles for sputtering and acceleration loss.
Kia retailers were solicited for assistance by owners, but it wasn’t always granted. Even though the car’s powertrain warranty was still valid, one dealership refused to replace the engine. A second person advised an owner that Kia Motors wouldn’t take any action until it received enough complaints about the issue. Additionally, the dealerships that could assist could only replace the engine and charge the owners.
For this model year, issues with the steering, body and paint, windows and windshields, and electrical systems were more minor than those related to the engine.
How many miles can you get out of a 2013 Kia Optima?
The Kia Optima has a typical lifespan of 200,000 miles, which equates to around 13 years of service when you consider the average annual mileage of 15,000 miles. Because of this, the Kia Optima is an affordable option on the used automobile market that will last you for many years.
Are Kia Optimas dependable vehicles?
The anticipated reliability rating for the 2020 Kia Optima is 83 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
What issues are Kia Optimas experiencing?
Here are some of the most typical Optima issues:
- Transmitter software that is out of date.
- Throttle Position Switch Issues (TPS)
- Ineffective door latch.
- Alternator is weak.
- Leaky and flawed Fuel Hose for Low Pressure.
- Engine failure and malfunction.
- steering difficulties
When did the Kia Optima experience engine issues?
The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima are competitors of the five-seat mid-size Kia Optima. The spacious Kia Optima is a mid-size car with simple controls and numerous active safety features. Despite being well-liked, the Optima does have certain problems, and there are a few particular years you should watch out for. These Kia Optima years should be avoided.
Short Answer: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
The Optima from Kia is one of several automaker manufacturers that appear to have at least one model that is an absolute failure. The five-year period between 2011 and 2015 turned out to be the Kia Optima years to avoid, and if you’re interested in buying one, you should give subsequent model years a second look even though there are fewer complaints about them.
The Optima is not one of the most dependable solutions available even if it has a wonderful overall design, sells well, and is an economical option because of its numerous mechanical problems. Its low rating isn’t due to a lack of contemporary features or a high starting price, but rather to persistent major mechanical problems that affect both new and old versions.
The Kia Optima was intended to be a cost-effective sedan for the typical consumer, but its cost-effectiveness was overshadowed by a lack of dependability. The Optima is a modest base car that costs between $20,000 and $30,000 for the majority of regular variants and has some issues that drive up maintenance expenses.
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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2011
2011 was the worst year on record for the Kia Optima, according to figures compiled from complaints received about the vehicle over its lifetime. The 2011 Kia Optima’s most frequent issue is engine failure, which often occurs under 100,000 miles and has an average repair cost of over $4,500. A class-action lawsuit was brought against Kia because there were sufficient problems and significant customer pressure along with widespread criticism. In the end, the automaker recalled various vehicles, including 2011-2014 Optimas with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines.
What was initially a cheap automobile quickly racked up repair costs. Total engine failure was the worst and most frequent mechanical event in 2011. That is something you would anticipate from a Honda Accord with 300,000 miles, but not from a more recent Kia. Kia issued a number of recalls as a result of numerous incidents in which the engine seized while being driven, leaving drivers and their families stranded on the side of the road. If Kia hadn’t issued these recalls, consumers would have had to spend hundreds of dollars to replace the entire engine or purchase a new vehicle.
There were expensive engine problems with other models besides the 2011 one. In the 2013 model year, catastrophic engine failure occurred even in vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles. The project was destroyed by the issue because it was so significant and expensive to fix.
For the 2011 model year, these common problems:
- issues with the steering
- difficulties with the fuel system
- Interior fixtures that are malfunctioning
- electric problems
- A broken set of brakes
- Pains in the body
By 2016, the majority of the problems that had existed in prior years had mostly disappeared. By the 2017 model year, all issues had been resolved. The finest model years to choose from are the 2017 to 2020 range because they are quite reasonable and are currently the only options available for the Kia Optima that are used or semi-owned.
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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2013 & 2014
A recall was issued for the Kia Optima model years 20132014 that used the 2.4liter and 2.0liter turbocharged fourcylinder engines. The engines’ low-pressure fuel lines occasionally fractured and leaked, creating a serious fire hazard. Although the exact cause of the cracking was unknown, heat from the engine bay seems to be the main problem, which affected a small but sizable number of Kias.
Typical problems with the 2013 and 2014 model years are:
- Recalls of engines
- Fire risk
- High upkeep expenses
Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2015
According to CarComplaints, certain 2015 Optimas still had engine failure complaints. With an average of 500 to 1000 complaints made across the four years, the years between 2012 and 2015 experienced many of the same problems. On the highway, the 2015 model experienced the biggest problems, with engines frequently seizing. There have also been incidents where many cars have caught fire, posing a risk to the driver, passengers, and other people.
Typical problems with the 2015 model year:
- engine failure completely and poor performance
- Fire risks
Despite receiving fewer complaints than earlier model years, the 2016 Optima nonetheless has a number of flaws. Some 2.4-liter vehicles had to be recalled because their front driveshafts were damaged. Window regulator failure has also been reported by certain owners, however according to CarComplaints, this problem seems unlikely. Finally, Consumer Reports reports that sunroof-equipped automobiles have issues with their sunroofs not closing, the tracks warping, or just rattling due to worn seals.
Typical problems with the 2016 model year:
- roof collapse
- power window management
- inadequate sealant insulation
Kia Optima Recalls by Year
- 0 in 2000
- 3 in 2001
- 3 in 2002
- 2 in 2003
- 1 in 2004
- 0 in 2005
- 2 in 2006
- 2 in 2007
- 3 in 2008
- 1 in 2009
- 1 in 2010
- 4 in 2011
- 3 in 2012
- 5 in 2013
- 4 in 2014
- 2 in 2015
- 4 in 2016
- 2 in 2017
- 1 in 2018
- 1 in 2019
- 0 in 2020
The majority of the repeat recalls occurred within the five-year period between 2011 and 2015. Although general problems are more likely to arise as people age, these five have continuous repair and maintenance needs.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
What are the good Kia Optima Model Years?
There are essentially no issues with the Optimas for 2017 through 2019. They will undoubtedly be discounted in the near future since a facelift is anticipated for the 2021 model year. All of the 2016 Optima’s problems, meanwhile, are not necessarily fatal provided the recall work was done properly.
Even the greatest Optimas from 2017 and 2018 have been recalled, but just the hybrid models, exactly like most other strong vehicle years. Some 2019 vehicles have been recalled due to a front-collision warning system software issue. With the highest CR reliability rating of the group, the 2019 Kia Optima. One of the models from the most recent generation in the last five years is a sure choice if you’re looking for a used Optima.
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Are there any 2013 Kia Optima recalls?
Certain 2013-2014 Kia Optima vehicles that were previously fixed under NHTSA recall number 20V-100 are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). A fuel leak could occur as a result of the low pressure fuel hose being damaged or being missing heat-protective tape. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.
How long will a Kia last?
Yes, they can. How well you take care of your vehicle will decide how long it lasts, just like with any other car, truck, or SUV on the open road. In the last ten years, Kia has significantly improved its reliability and is now a rival of Honda and Toyota. Recent models have been known to endure well over 200,000 kilometers.
Q. Why are Kias so cheap?
A. The pricing of Kias is now comparable to that of Honda, Toyota, and its corporate cousin, Hyundai. Despite not feeling as inexpensive as when Kia initially entered the market, they are nonetheless marginally less expensive than those. However, they provide consumers value and are much less expensive to maintain.
Q. What’s wrong with Kia cars?
A. Null. The Telluride SUV, Kia’s newest model, has received resounding accolades from the world’s automotive press. Kia vehicles are among the best on the road. Older Kias are less appealing and had a number of problems, including poor build quality and cheap-feeling interiors.
Q. Is Kia more or less reliable than Toyota?
A. The reliability of Kias during the past 15 years is comparable to that of Toyota. Once more, it depends on how you or the former owner maintained the car. It will be a total loss if you treated it poorly. You’re going to have a durable car if you treated it like royalty.
How durable are Kia engines?
People used to love to despise Kia as a brand. Although Kia is now known for producing high-quality cars like the Telluride, the South Korean carmaker has had a difficult past. You may have be aware that Kia has turned the corner and is now one of the most well-known brands on the international market.
There are undoubtedly plenty of Kia models available if you’re interested in purchasing one. However, some individuals may still remember Kia’s previous reputation for being unreliable, leading them to wonder: How long do Kias last?
In this article, we’ll examine the typical lifespan of Kia automobiles. How many miles should your Kia last? Is it a dependable, enduring brand? Which Kias have the longest lifespan and are the most dependable? These inquiries and others will be addressed.
How Far and Long Can You Drive a Kia?
What’s the real scoop on how long Kias last? Kia vehicles are predicted to last up to 200,000 kilometers when driven responsibly. Owners that provided their Kias with the necessary TLC report that they were able to get 200,000 to 250,000 miles out of them and keep them on the road for ten years or longer.
Of course, each driver’s experience with car longevity will be different (pardon the pun). Longevity is influenced by various elements, including ownership care and driving circumstances.
While the more modern Kia lines can clock 200,000+ miles on the odometer, the earlier Kias from around 20 years ago won’t win any medals for dependability.
These figures are competitive with brands like Honda and Toyota. For instance, Reader’s Digest claims that the Kia Rio subcompact sedan can reach 250,000 miles, while J.D. Power rates its dependability well.
Kias Reliability Ratings
The general reliability of a vehicle is one of the most important variables affecting its longevity. This raises the issue, are Kias trustworthy? How durable are Kias?
In a nutshell: Kia is a trustworthy company. Please, though, don’t take our word for it; instead, let us direct you to the professionals.
Kia has a reliability score that is above average. Although Kia first gained a reputation for being unreliable when it entered the American market, the South Korean manufacturer has since gotten its act together and is now one of the most dependable companies.
It currently ranks as the third most reliable car brand on the market with a RepairPal dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Only Honda and Acura, two businesses renowned for their legendary dependability, can surpass Kia.
With a low yearly repair cost of $474 as opposed to the country’s average of $652 for all models, Kia also received top marks for cost of ownership. Kia vehicles stay on the road longer than many brands thanks to 0.2 times as many unscheduled maintenance visits per year and a 10% likelihood of significant repairs.
Which Kias are the Most Reliable?
Kia sells premium automobiles for reasonable pricing. Like many automakers, Kia has some models that are better engineered than others. A vehicle has a better probability of remaining on the road and traveling farther if it is more dependable. Some of the most dependable Kias that will last you a long time are listed below:
Kia Rio
As basic a mode of transportation as you can find is the Kia Rio. The Rio won’t blow anyone away, but it provides adequate comfort, usefulness, and acceptable fuel efficiency at a fair price. The base Rio models are quite basic, but the higher trims are fully equipped cars that do the job admirably.
The Kia Rio will last you for a very long time with the right care and maintenance thanks to the combination of Kia’s top-tier guarantee and excellent safety ratings. As previously noted, some Rio owners asserted that their tiny car had logged 250,000 miles.
A quick check of RepairPal reveals that the Rio ranks 6th out of 21 subcompact cars with a dependability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.
Kia Soul
The boxy sheet metal Kia Soul is a big-hearted vehicle that usually draws attention. The Soul, however, is more than simply a quirky SUV since it has great utility, great fuel economy, and a ton of contemporary technology. Although many individuals find the base trim to be a little too basic, the Soul’s low price is undoubtedly its biggest selling point.
The Kia Soul requires proper care and maintenance, just like any other vehicle. The Soul may travel up to 200,000 miles and even more if you give it the proper care. The Soul will reward you with 1013 years of dependable service if you maintain your oil changes and dealership servicing.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage belongs in the classy subcompact SUV category. If you’re searching for a chic and versatile suburban SUV, the Sportage is a good choice. It’s not just one of the more visually appealing subcompact SUVs on the market; it’s also lavishly furnished with contemporary features and cutting-edge safety technologies. The Sportage is an SUV that will last even though it doesn’t have a powerful performance.
Again, assuming the Sportage is well-maintained, it should have no issue reaching 200,000 miles or more. Many Sportage owners with more over 200,000 miles on the odometer can be found if you visit some well-known automotive forums. Kia offers 5-year/60,000-mile standard and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, so you can drive more miles with greater confidence.
According to RepairPal, the Sportage is ranked sixth out of 26 compact SUVs with a dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Make Your Kias Last
How durable are Kias? Actually, as the owner, it will also depend on you. It would be beneficial if you drove carefully and responsibly, in addition to adhering to your routine maintenance plan and taking care of repair concerns as soon as they arise.
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