TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Kia Optima powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Kia Optima have filed 56 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 97,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
56
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Optima | 32 |
| 2010 Optima | 24 |
| 2011 Optima | 24 |
| 2012 Optima | 48 |
| 2013 Optima (this page) | 56 |
| 2014 Optima | 19 |
| 2015 Optima | 48 |
| 2016 Optima | 66 |
| 2017 Optima | 17 |
2crashes
1fire
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 56 powertrain 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 16 model years of Kia Optima in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB - SERVICE ACTION: TURBO OIL FEED LINE REPLACEMENT (SA300) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the turbo oil feed line on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), produced from November 1, 2010 through August 30, 2011, 2012-2015MY Optima (QF), produced from August 31, 2011 through October 2, 2015, and 2011-2015MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from December 30, 2010 through November 6, 2015, equipped with Theta 2.0T-GDI engine, which may exhibit an oil leak at the turbo oil feed line.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Kia Optimas cite a cluster of powertrain failures tied to engine bearing wear, premature turbocharger failure, and transmission malfunction. The most critical issue is catastrophic engine seizure occurring between 50K and 115K miles—sometimes twice on the same vehicle. Owners report loud knocking, loss of power, metal fragments in oil, and sudden stalling at highway speeds (40–70 mph) without warning lights. One owner's replacement engine failed at nearly the same mileage as the original.
Transmission problems follow engine replacement closely: grinding, hard jerking shifts, fluid leaks, and complete failure within months of engine work. One second-owner bought a vehicle with transmission replaced twice already in its warranty history.
Dealerships often refuse to diagnose stalling issues because no code registers, and refuse warranty coverage for bearing-wear seizures unless owners intentionally damage the engine first—a tactic one service manager allegedly encouraged. Turbocharger failure recurs even after "recall" repair of the same component. Some owners report losing all motive power in intersections; one traction control system cuts power so aggressively that drivers must disable it at every startup to merge safely. A small number cite unintended acceleration, electrical failure (no airbag deployment during crashes), and transmission shift-linkage breakage causing vehicles to roll unattended.
Same Kia Optima powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine bearing wear and seizure
Owner-reported engine bearing wear causing knocking noises, loss of power, and catastrophic engine seizure. Multiple owners cite metal fragments in oil, engine stalling without warning, and complete loss of propulsion while driving. Some owners report the vehicle becoming unsafe to operate due to seizure risk. This defect is covered under a known manufacturer safety recall.
When: 50K–114K miles reported; one owner experienced failure again at ~110K miles on a replacement engine
Symptoms owners cite: Loud mechanical knocking or grinding from engine; Check engine light and check oil warning illumination; Smoke or burning oil smell from engine bay; Engine stalling without warning while driving; Loss of power during acceleration; Metal fragments detected in motor oil; Engine refuses to restart after stalling
Codes mentioned: P1326, Check engine light (unspecified code in some narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement typically required; one owner paid ~$8,000 for replacement. Dealerships sometimes deny warranty coverage claiming owner must allow engine to lock up to qualify. Recall remedy refused by some dealerships unless owner pays for engine replacement first.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA safety recall known; some owners report Theta II class action settlement coverage. Kia Tullahoma initially refused to cover transmission failure caused by engine replacement labor. Dealership service manager allegedly told owner to intentionally damage engine to trigger recall coverage.
Transmission failure and internal damage
Owner reports of transmission grinding, hard shifts, jerking motion, slipping, and complete failure. Several owners experienced transmission failure shortly after engine replacement, including fluid leaks from output seals. One owner's transmission failed only 6 months after purchase. Recurring failures on the same vehicle in warranty history cited by second owner.
When: 60K–140K miles; some failures within months of engine replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or knocking noise from transmission during acceleration and deceleration; Hard, jerky, or hesitant shifts; Transmission fluid leaking; Transmission slipping causing near-accident on freeway; Transmission light illumination; Vehicle pulling hard in gear; Transmission refusing to engage or stalling when attempting acceleration
Codes mentioned: Transmission malfunction code (unspecified in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid refill demanded by dealer despite known prior issues; one owner cited $250 deductible for fluid top-up. Transmission replacement cost not specified in most cases. One owner's transmission failed after dealership labor on engine replacement; second dealership confirmed improper separation of transmission from engine caused output seal leakage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Tullahoma refused warranty coverage for transmission failure allegedly caused by their engine replacement labor. Some dealerships demand owner pay deductible despite recurring history.
Loss of motive power and stalling while driving
Owner-reported sudden loss of engine power and stalling at highway speeds (40–70 mph) and in traffic, with no warning or illuminated check engine light in some cases. One owner lost power while merging onto I-10; another stalled in a busy intersection. Events occur repeatedly over months or years in some vehicles. No diagnostic codes often found by dealerships.
When: Throughout vehicle life; one owner reports issue since 2014 purchase with 500 miles left on warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power while driving at speed; Engine stalling without warning; Vehicle refusing to restart after stall; No check engine light illuminated (in some cases); Vehicle limp mode or reduced speed capability; Engine light flickering intermittently; Rough idle or hesitation on startup after stall
Codes mentioned: No codes found (dealership states unable to replicate), Check engine light (code unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose due to inability to replicate issue and lack of stored diagnostic codes. Owner reports hearing of similar issues from multiple other Optima owners. No repairs completed in most reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Kia customer care case closed without explanation in one instance.
Turbocharger failure and oil feeder line fracture
Owner reports of turbocharger burning metal and causing foreign objects to enter oil system. One owner's turbo failed twice; another diagnosed with fractured turbo oil feeder line at 115K miles despite recall repair of same component. Turbo failure on second owner caused transmission-like grinding noise.
When: 74K–120K miles; recurrence within ~65K miles on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke clouds from exhaust; Loss of turbo boost (sluggish acceleration, engine rev without speed gain); Engine light illumination; Grinding noise similar to transmission failure; Metal particles in oil from burning turbo; Low engine power output
Codes mentioned: Turbo flutter code (unspecified), Engine light (code unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement or turbo oil feeder line replacement; one owner's feeder line was replaced under recall but failed again. Dealer wanted owner to pay over $2,500 for turbo repair despite similar recall issue affecting same component.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recall NHTSA 20V100000 (fuel system) referenced but deemed not applicable by dealership. One dealership refused to cover turbo repair, claiming it falls outside engine recall scope.
Transmission shift linkage failure
Owner reports shift linkage breaking, causing transmission to remain in drive or neutral even when shift lever positioned in park. Two owners report vehicles rolling unintended after parking; one vehicle could not be removed from park position.
When: Under 64K miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolling backward when parked and shifted to park; Shift lever in park position but reverse lights illuminated; Unable to shift vehicle out of park; Vehicle unable to start when shift linkage stuck; Shift lock release required to manually move shifter
Repairs/costs cited: Shift linkage replacement; one owner reported part cost under $1 but labor nearly $300. Active recall noted on Telluride for similar issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Active recall cited on Telluride model; similar issue reported on 2013 Optima by owners finding online reports.
Automatic-to-manual shift mode unwanted engagement
Owner reports vehicle transmission switching from automatic to manual shift mode while driving without driver input, occurring multiple times (5+ incidents reported). Dealership and Kia consumer affairs deemed vehicle safe despite multiple incidents and no resolution strategy beyond waiting for recurrence.
When: Multiple incidents over time; last occurrence prompted dealer visit
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission switching from automatic to manual shift mode while vehicle in motion; No driver input triggering mode change; Transmission remaining in manual mode until reset
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic test performed; dealership deemed vehicle operable and safe. No repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia consumer affairs advised no further action available; owner instructed to return if issue recurs. Loaner vehicle provided during initial inspection.
Unintended acceleration
Owner reports vehicle accelerating beyond driver input during normal driving and at intersection merge. One owner's 2013 Optima accelerated at 20 mph and went over a median into a tree despite airbag deployment; another reports engine revving without corresponding speed increase when attempting to pass on highway.
When: 31K and 57K miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator depressed but vehicle accelerates excessively or unpredictably; Engine revs without proportional speed increase; Vehicle unable to control acceleration during highway merge
Repairs/costs cited: Owner of tree-collision vehicle sustained chest and lower back injuries; airbags deployed. Vehicle deemed total loss. One owner with rev-without-speed issue had 500 miles remaining on warranty at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in collision case; no documented response. Dealership in other case unable to find code to diagnose.
Traction control system malfunction and aggressive power cutting
Owner reports traction control system cuts engine power dramatically when any tire slippage detected during low-speed acceleration from stop, creating dangerous delay in merging into traffic. System designed to disable at each startup, requiring owner to manually turn off before driving to avoid being stranded in intersection.
When: Present at low mileage; recurring issue throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power cut when traction control detects minor tire slip at standstill; Dramatic power loss lasting 1–2 seconds; Vehicle lurch forward when power reapplied; Traction control resetting at each engine start; Unable to merge safely due to power loss in intersection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed system operating as designed; no repair provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states system designed to cut power in response to any tire slip; no manufacturer response documented.
Excessive engine oil consumption
Owner reports engine consuming 1 quart of oil per 500 miles, creating pollution hazard and engine performance issue. Owner states recall for bearing wear does not cover excessive oil consumption despite both issues affecting same engine.
When: 113K miles at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil level drop requiring frequent top-ups; Blue/white smoke from exhaust; Check oil warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; owner advised recall does not cover this symptom.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealer states bearing wear recall covers only that defect, not excessive oil consumption.
Engine overheating
Owner reports engine running hot despite multiple maintenance attempts and one full engine replacement. Overheating components including radiator. Owner paid out-of-pocket to replace radiator to prevent fire hazard.
When: After engine replacement; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine running hotter than normal gauge readings; Radiator overheating; Concern of fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement completed by owner out-of-pocket; issue persists after engine replacement and multiple dealer service attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine limp mode and speed limitation while driving
Owner reports engine entering limp mode at 65 mph, limiting vehicle to certain top speed only. Overheating then became drastic issue. Owner unable to drive vehicle 200 miles from home due to malfunction.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine limp mode activation at highway speed; Severe speed limitation preventing normal driving; Overheating following limp mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle abandoned 200 miles from home during winter weather.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer investigated; recall identified matching symptoms but vehicle not covered by existing recall. Owner advised to contact Kia to investigate class of vehicles further.
Engine start failure and push-button start malfunction
Owner reports vehicle failing to start via push-button start despite brake pedal depression. Intermittent issue occurring multiple times over days; dealership unable to diagnose. One tow truck driver reported seeing multiple Optimas with identical problem.
When: August 2018; occurring over multiple days
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button start fails to engage; No engine cranking response; Vehicle starts for dealership but fails at home; Intermittent issue recurring within days; All other electrical systems functional
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair attempted August 23, 2018; issue recurred August 30, 2018. Repair details not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Electrical system failure and safety system loss
Owner reports loss of various electrical systems without warning during normal driving, resulting in front-end collision. Air bags did not deploy despite collision. Electronic system, motor mount, and transmission subsequently diagnosed as defective. Dealership banned owner from returning. Vehicle included in engine/cooling recall but owner never received notice.
When: 56K miles; crash occurred after electrical system failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of electrical system functionality without warning; Airbag failure to deploy during collision; Multiple warning/malfunction lights illumination; Loss of power steering or braking capability implied by crash context
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle crash-repaired; electronic system, motor mount, transmission subsequently replaced at second dealership. Medical treatment required for owner (lower back, hip, head injuries).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle included in NHTSA recall campaign 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling); owner never received recall notice. Recall remedied but no other repairs performed.
Engine harness and solenoid failure
Owner reports vehicle turning off and on while driving after engine replacement. Independent mechanic discovered metal fragments in motor oil requiring engine replacement. Subsequent dealer diagnosis identified faulty engine harness and transmission solenoid.
When: 82K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine turning off and on while driving; Metal fragments in motor oil; Vehicle requiring engine replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced; harness and transmission solenoid identified as faulty but vehicle not repaired per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failures; no response documented.
Battery drain and electrical system failure
Owner reports vehicle with one month of ownership refusing to crank after 8+ hours parking, with clicking sound during attempted start. Electrical systems slowly faded out; vehicle unable to start and locking system failed.
When: One month after purchase; vehicle parked ~8 hours
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound during start attempt; Interior and dashboard lights remained functional initially; Lights and locks fading out over time; Remote key fob non-functional; Vehicle unable to crank
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Fuel system overheating and vaporization
Owner reports fuel heating up and bubbling out of fuel tank during extended idling, with liquid fuel and vapors escaping from gas cap and dripping down vehicle side.
When: After 4 hours idling with 3/4 full tank
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel vapors escaping from gas cap; Liquid fuel leaking down vehicle exterior; Fuel bubbling out of tank; Fuel overheating during idle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Worn tires and brake system issues
Owner reports tires showing wear and dry rot with only 3,000 miles on vehicle, plus vehicle stalling when moisture present on roadway.
When: 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tire wear and dry rot at very low mileage; Vehicle stalling during wet conditions; Safety hazard from stalling on wet roads
Repairs/costs cited: Tires replaced; stalling issue unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls noted for underbody rust and engine seizure at highway speeds.
Axle and wheel detachment
Owner reports axle and wheel breaking off vehicle while driving at low speed, with airbags deploying. Broken axle and wheel flew into two parked cars, totaling the contact's vehicle. Kia not cooperating despite known recall for identical issue on different model year.
When: At 15 mph on residential street
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from axle/wheel area; Wheel and axle separating from vehicle; Airbag deployment upon impact
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; damage to two parked cars caused.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known recall for identical problem on same model different year; Kia not cooperating with owner.
Unintended brake application and transmission shift-to-park failure
Owner reports multiple electrical/mechanical failures: brake applied unintendedly while pulling out of driveway with brake light remaining illuminated; shift-to-park message displayed when attempting to turn off engine; traction control warning, ABS warning, and auto-lock warning lights all illuminating.
When: 155K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes applying without driver input; Brake light remaining illuminated; "Shift to Park" message displayed; Traction control warning light; ABS warning light; Auto lock warning light; EPB auto-hold code displayed
Codes mentioned: EPB auto-hold
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed; failures persisted after restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not contacted.
Synthesized from 56 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Kia Optima?
It's a meaningful issue. 56 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 47,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 97,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.