2013 Kia Optima lighting problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 26 lighting 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.
Among the 12 model years of Kia Optima in our records for lighting problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2013 Kia Optima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 53,000 and 117,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 117,000. 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.