PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Kia Optima brakes problems
critical Owners of the 2013 Kia Optima have filed 84 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 119,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Optima | 10 |
| 2011 Optima | 30 |
| 2012 Optima | 61 |
| 2013 Optima (this page) | 84 |
| 2014 Optima | 22 |
| 2015 Optima | 58 |
| 2016 Optima | 12 |
| 2017 Optima | 3 |
3crashes
9fires
2injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 84 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of Kia Optima we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 84.
Owners have filed 84 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the brake pedal stopper pad on some 2012-2013MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 through September 27, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad may deteriorate over time, allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated pad can result in the continuous illumination of the stop lamps. If the continuous illumination of the stop lamps is duplicated, follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the brake pedal stopper pad.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - OWNER LETTER - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake stopper pad on certain 2012-2013 MY Kia Optima vehicles from 5-years/60,000-miles to 15-years/unlimited-miles, starting from the date of first service. The material of the brake pedal stopper pad, which is located between the stop lamp switch and the brake pedal arm, may deteriorate over time allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM - 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA BRAKE STOPPER PAD Kia New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal stopper pad on all 2012-2013 MY Optima (QF) vehicles, manufactured at KMMG, from 5-years/60,000-miles to 15-years/unlimited-miles, starting from the date of first service. The material of the brake pedal stopper pad, which is located between the stop lamp switch and the brake pedal arm, may deteriorate over time allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated pad can result in the continuous illumination of the stop lamps.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The main failure is sudden loss of brake function. Owners describe the brake pedal losing pressure, becoming unresponsive, or feeling firm with no stopping power—often paired with warning messages like "Check Brakes," "Hybrid System Warning," or "Safety" alerts. Some report the brakes apply on their own at highway speeds, locking up the wheels. Cold conditions seem to trigger the issue in at least one documented case. Dealers and independent mechanics trace this to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), specifically brake fluid leaks inside the HECU causing electrical shorts.
A separate ABS failure pattern shows the anti-lock brakes engaging erratically on rough or wet surfaces, pulsing or grinding under the pedal, or locking the front wheels unpredictably in ice and snow—behavior owners say contradicts normal ABS function and increases skid risk.
Multiple complaints describe ABS and check-engine warning lights illuminating alongside brake failure. Some owners report the dealership attempted brake fluid flushes and pad/rotor replacements that failed to resolve the core electrical or hydraulic issue. Several owners had the same failure recur immediately after dealership repair attempts. Owners cite NHTSA recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and mention recall parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving vehicles in unsafe condition.
Same Kia Optima brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) failure with brake fluid leak
Brake fluid leaks inside the HECU, causing electrical short and sudden loss of brake pressure and function. Owners report brake pedal becomes unresponsive or loses pressure without warning while driving.
When: Various speeds and conditions; some failures at highway speeds, some during cold weather, some without warning immediately after restart
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive or loses pressure; Brake pedal feels firm but does not stop vehicle; Check Brakes warning message; Hybrid System Warning or Safety warning light; Vehicle rolls backward despite brake pedal engaged; Loud crunching or grinding noise from brake area; Gurgling noise from brake area even when vehicle off; ESC module actuating with vehicle off
Codes mentioned: Brake fluid leak in HECU, Electrical short in HECU, ABS malfunction codes (general)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommended HECU replacement (part 58920-***** or 58910-*****, also mentioned 58620-4U301); some owners reported dealership quoted $2,700 to $5,400 plus tax. ESC module and brake pedal assembly replacement also quoted at $4,839 to $5,400 discounted, $5,400+ regular rate. Some owners reported inability to get parts ordered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 23V652000 issued for 2013 Kia Optima and other model years covering HECU failure; however, many owners report parts were unavailable for extended periods (months), leaving vehicles unsafe. Some dealerships refused to perform diagnostic unless warning lights were currently active.
ABS erratic engagement and lock-up on rough or wet surfaces
Anti-lock braking system engages unpredictably or locks wheels when braking on rough pavement, wet roads, or snow/ice, reducing stopping power and causing skidding. Brake pedal reportedly kicks back up quickly, losing braking power mid-stop.
When: Occurs consistently when braking on rough surfaces, wet pavement, or in snow/ice conditions; problem existed as early as 2014 with 14,000 miles and persisted
Symptoms owners cite: ABS pulsing or grinding under brake pedal; Brake pedal kicks back up suddenly, losing pressure; Wheels lock and skid on ice or snow; Braking power lost during upkick of pedal; Front wheels skid out of control on icy roads; Vehicle takes longer to stop on wet surfaces; No warning lights or messages (some cases)
Codes mentioned: ABS system malfunction (unspecified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported a hydraulic part replacement costing $1,600 resolved the severe issue partially, though rare hesitation and brake pulsing on hard braking persisted afterward. Dealers initially claimed system was operating to specification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers denied this was defective, claiming brakes operated to specification. One owner escalated to Kia corporate, who eventually approved replacement of an undisclosed hydraulic part after owner found forum posts of others with same issue.
Sudden unintended brake application at highway speeds
Brakes engage or lock suddenly while driving at normal highway speed without driver input, causing vehicle to decelerate dramatically and creating hazard for vehicles behind.
When: Occurred while driving 55 MPH on highway; at 60+ MPH entering freeway in moderate traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes suddenly applied while driving; Vehicle decelerates from 60+ MPH to 40 MPH without warning; Brake pedal inaccessible or locked; Check Brake warning message; Hybrid System Failure warning; Vehicle unable to exceed 5 MPH after event due to continuous brake engagement; No brake lights illuminated to warn approaching drivers
Codes mentioned: Brake fluid leak in HECU (narrative #13), Electrical short in HECU
Repairs/costs cited: Owner referenced diagnosis report indicating HECU issue; dealer advised part replacement (58620-4U301); cost not specified but owner noted risk of engine compartment fire if HECU short-circuits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted similarity to KIA recall 20V519000 and requested VIN be added to recall; narrative does not confirm whether manufacturer responded.
Brake system warning lights and limp-mode activation without accessible brakes
Multiple warning lights and messages illuminate including Check Brakes, ABS, Traction Control, Hybrid System Warning, and Malfunction Indicator Lamp, sometimes accompanied by loss of braking ability. Vehicle enters limp mode or refuses to turn off, steering wheel seizes, or vehicle stalls.
When: Varies; some while depressing accelerator at 20 MPH, some while idling and decelerating at slow speeds, some while shifting transmission, some at 50-75 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Check Brake or Check Brakes warning message; Hybrid System Warning or Safety message; ABS warning light; Traction control warning light; Check engine warning light; Malfunction Indicator Lamp; Battery malfunction warning; Oil lamp warning; Other unknown warning lights and messages; Vehicle hesitation or reduced power; Vehicle stalls or fails to restart; Steering wheel seizes; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced speed); Vehicle fails to turn off; Brake pedal loses pressure
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor related, in one case), HECU fault (inferred from diagnostics), Knock sensor failure codes (in engine-related cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and mechanics recommended HECU, ESC module, brake booster, brake pedal assembly, and other component replacements; costs varied widely from $1,600 to $5,400+. Many owners could not obtain parts due to unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 23V652000 covers HECU issues; manufacturer informed some owners parts unavailable and exceeded reasonable repair timeframe. Some owners reported manufacturer claimed no legal obligation to complete recalls if parts unavailable.
Engine seizure and stalling related to electrical/brake system faults
Engine seizes, stalls, or loses power during driving, often accompanied by warning lights and brake system warnings. Mechanics diagnose catastrophic engine failure, rod bearing failure, or engine seizure. Multiple narratives suggest electrical system overload from brake module faults may contribute to alternator and electrical system failure, triggering engine problems.
When: Occurred at 20 MPH, 45 MPH, 50 MPH, 65-75 MPH while driving; some during acceleration, some while depressing accelerator with no engine response; some while idling or shifting
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power suddenly; Vehicle stalls or fails to restart; Engine seizes and refuses to turn over; Check engine warning light; Abnormal ticking sound from engine; Vehicle jerking or shuddering; Reduced engine power; Engine overheating; White smoke from engine compartment; Vehicle enters limp mode with reduced speed (35-40 MPH max); Gear shift problem (shuddering and stalling when shifting)
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor failure, in narrative #12), DTC related to knock sensor, Low voltage diagnosis, Catastrophic engine failure diagnosis, Rod bearing failure diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement recommended in multiple cases. One case quoted without cost; dealers cited engine failure beyond warranty coverage. Alternator disconnection mentioned in one case as temporary fix by independent mechanic, suggesting electrical system overload.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers informed owners no warranty coverage applied. One owner noted manufacturer stated not legally required to complete recalls when parts unavailable. Recall 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) mentioned but dealer stated knock sensor software update prerequisite had not been performed.
Vehicle fire—engine compartment or electrical system origin
Vehicle catches fire while parked or while driving, with flames originating from engine compartment, ABS brake module, electrical system, or underbody. Some fires occur after brake fluid leak, electrical shorts, or engine seizure. Multiple narratives suggest HECU fluid leak causing electrical short and resulting fire risk.
When: Some while driving at 65-75 MPH, some while parked in driveway or garage hours after turning off vehicle, some while attempting to start; one while hood was open with disconnected battery
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke from engine compartment or floorboard; White smoke from under hood; Burning plastic or rubber odor; Burning fuel odor; Flames visible from engine compartment or underbody; Battery warning light (in one case); Multiple warning lights before fire (in some cases); ABS brake module sparking or arcing (inferred from fire origin)
Codes mentioned: HECU failure with fluid leak causing electrical short (inferred from narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed by fire; no repair possible. Fire department reports filed in most cases. One narrative mentions ABS brake module and harness needed replacement (parts ordered, not yet repaired). One independent mechanic identified alternator failure as cause of electrical overload.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 23V652000 issued for brake system hydraulic fluid leak risk; manufacturer states fire risk if HECU short-circuits. Some owners noted investigator scheduled to inspect vehicle but never arrived. Manufacturer notified in some cases but no assistance provided. One vehicle was included in multiple recalls (20V100000 Fuel System and 23V652000 Service Brakes) at time of fire.
Brake rotor warping and premature wear
Front or rear brake rotors warp or wear excessively after recent replacement, causing vibration in brake pedal. Dealer replaces rotors multiple times within months and short mileage intervals without resolving vibration, suggesting possible defective rotor stock or misdiagnosis.
When: First replacement November 2017 after rotor wear; second replacement needed August 2018 (less than 1 year later, less than 4,000 miles); third replacement (rear) attempted August 8, 2018; problem reported since 2014 purchase with 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in brake pedal while braking; Vibration persists after rotor replacement; Front rotors warped (dealer diagnosis); Rear rotors warped (dealer diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had front rotors replaced November 2017 (cost not specified); second front rotor replacement August 2018 at 1/2 cost after owner complaint (cost not specified); rear rotor replacement quoted but owner reported vibration persisted. Owner suspects dealer either installing warped rotors or not replacing them, since vehicle never road-tested after service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; dealer provided discount on second replacement but did not resolve underlying issue.
Brake shift-lock (transmission shift) failure
Vehicle transmission shifts without brake pedal being depressed, allowing vehicle to shift from P to R, D, or other gears without driver engagement of brake pedal. Possible interlock failure between brake and transmission.
When: Occurs upon starting vehicle or when changing gears
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts (P, R, D) without brake pedal depressed; Gasoline smell (possibly brake fluid leak)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the ABS and check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN…
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 Kia Optima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Kia Optima?
It's a serious issue. 84 complaints have been filed, including 3 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 80,000 and 160,000 miles, with the median around 119,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 80,000; a quarter make it past 160,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Kia/Optima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.