2013 optima engine seized due to manufacturing errors and Kia wont replace stating it didnt have the ksds update. The update doesnt stop the engine from seixzing only lets you know. When searching recalls and complaints nothing shows up about the ksds update.basically told me thats what happens when you buy used vehichles, in that customers may not be contacted due to recalls and updates
2013 Kia Optima engine problems
critical 449 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
449
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
6crashes
59fires
6injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 449 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 16 model years of Kia Optima we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 449.
Engine accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia optima. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that there were metal shavings in the oil and cylinder number two was misfiring. The vehicle was towed to his home. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined the failure was linked to DTC code: P0445, indicating an issue with the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. The mechanic replaced the fuel canister, and engine cap. The contact stated while driving 77-85 MPH,…
Engine failure while driving. Engine seized in the middle of the road. Contacted Kia, towed car to dealership and claim was denied. Recall has not been taken care of. No symptoms or any indication that the engine was about to give out.
After my last oil change that was done at Lokey KIa in Clearwater, FL. I had my oil changed on July 27,2023. From the date of my oil change till mid Oct 2023 I used 5 qts. of oil. The first appointment that I could get was 11/24/23. A engine diagnosis was done and the conclusion was the engine was burning oil. I opened a claim with KIA and was told that the car was out of warranty by six…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Kia Optima?
It's a serious issue. 449 complaints have been filed, including 6 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 engine typically fail?
Across the 267 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 79,000 and 128,100 miles, with the median around 100,638. A quarter of owners report trouble before 79,000; a quarter make it past 128,100. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.