← All Kia models · Optima, all years
2013 Kia Optima
Sedan · 2010–2020 · Optima, Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-In Hybrid
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
Which year to buy
Best bet2019Fewest serious problems: 0.7× usual
Newest we'd buy2020The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2012, 2014, 2016–2017More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.2× usual Extended coverage
1,248 serious complaints of 1,438, the most about engine (625) and steering (217); per car on the road, 1.2× this model's usual year. 10 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA19001: electrical overstress. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 kia optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 mph there was an abnormal noise coming from under the hood. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted however, the check engine warning light and low oil warning light was illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jan 2020
“The contact owns a 2013 kia optima. While driving 60 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise and was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,500.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jan 2019
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped. Kia's analysis has identified that this condition occurs mainly in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters due to the wear of the flexible coupling in the… (TSB-CHA072R2, Apr 2017)
- Extended coverage 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. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER -… (WTY011, Sep 2018)
- Extended coverage This warranty extension is to address certain concerns related to the potential failure of the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse. WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia America, Inc., is extending the Hybrid System… (WTY029, Sep 2022)
- Extended coverage Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. would like to thank you for your purchase of a Kia Optima vehicle. (CS1604OWNR, Mar 2019)
- Extended coverage TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY PLUG FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the "Hybrid System Warranty Extension Program" (WTY029) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Voltage Battery (HVB) Safety Plug Fuse Assembly… (TSB ELE273, Jan 2023)
- Extended coverage Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty004 - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc. Has extended the warranty coverage of the kia new vehicle limited warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014… (WTY004DEALERPSM, Jun 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
1,438 owner complaints · 10 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26–37 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2013 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2013
- Starting prices: +$300 to +$1,850 (3 trims; hover for each)
- New trim: Limited
- Trim dropped: EX Turbo
- No longer offered: Optima Hybrid
2013 Optima trims
| EX | Limited | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||
| Starting MSRP | $23,650 | $34,500 | $21,350 | $26,800 |
| Powertrain | ||||
| Engine | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp + option | 274 hp | 200 hp + option | 274 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft + option | 269 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft + option | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Sportmatic | Sportmatic | Sportmatic | Sportmatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Size and capability | ||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.3 in | 5.3 in | 5.3 in |
| Length | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3,223 lb | 3,385 lb | 3,223 lb | 3,385 lb |
| Tech | ||||
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Optional | Infinity | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 + option | 8 | 6 + option | 6 + option |
| Comfort | ||||
| Seats | Leather | Leather | Cloth | Leather + option |
| Heated seats | Optional | Front, Second Row | — | Optional |
| Ventilated seats | Optional | Front | — | Optional |
| Climate zones | 2 | 2 | Optional | 2 |
| Exterior | ||||
| Sunroof | Optional | Panoramic Moonroof | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 17 in | 18 in | 16 in | 18 in |
Packages and options (22)
| EX | Limited | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX Premium Package $2,950 | Optional | — | — | — |
| EX / SX Technology Package $1,400 | Optional | — | — | Optional |
| LX Convenience Package | — | — | Optional | — |
| LX Technology Package | — | — | Optional | — |
| SX Limited Package $3,350 | — | — | — | Optional |
| SX Premium Touring Package $2,950 | — | — | — | Optional |
| SULEV | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Bright Silver | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Corsa Blue | — | — | — | Optional |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Metal Bronze | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Remington Red | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Satin Metal | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Snow White $200 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Cloth | — | — | Optional | — |
| Beige Leather | Optional | — | — | — |
| Black Leather and Sport Cloth | — | — | — | Optional |
| Black Nappa Leather | — | Optional | — | Optional |
| Gray Cloth | — | — | Optional | — |
| Gray Leather | Optional | — | — | — |
| White Nappa Leather | — | Optional | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode, Oem order guide, Oem order guide. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 24–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 150 | Engine (101) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 24–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 211 | Engine (91) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 25–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 243 | Engine (137) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 25–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 305 | Engine (191) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid, 185 hp | FWD | 25–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 760 | Engine (427) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | 24–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 1021 | Engine (627) | Yes |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | 24–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 617 | Engine (299) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 1438 | Engine (625) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–36 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 1028 | Engine (470) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–36 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 627 | Engine (275) | No |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 2.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 23–25 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 75 | Power train (24) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Optima 2015–2020 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 148 |
| 2020 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 210 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 210 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 210 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 232 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 3 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 3 | 243 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 256 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 26 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 23 |
| 2016 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 756 |
| 2016 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 4 |
| 2015 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 1009 |
| 2015 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 12 |
| 2014 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 7 | 586 |
| 2014 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 31 |
| 2013 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 9 | 1383 |
| 2013 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 55 |
| 2012 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 919 |
| 2012 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 109 |
| 2011 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 593 |
| 2010 | Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 75 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–31 |
| 2020 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2020 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2020 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–31 |
| 2019 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2019 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2018 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2018 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2018 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2018 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2018 | Optima S | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 26 |
| 2017 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2017 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2017 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2017 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2016 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2016 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–29 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2015 | Optima | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2014 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2013 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2012 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2012 | Optima Hybrid | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2011 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2011 | Optima Hybrid | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2010 | Optima | Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L |
23–25 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.