2013 Kia Optima air bags problems
60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 2013 Kia Optima — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The vehicle is experiencing sudden engine stalling while in motion, a known safety hazard. Despite a documented maintenance history with no issues, the dealer (Bayside Kia) is attempting to deny a Theta II Settlement claim by shifting the narrative to 'engine sludge,' which only appeared as a…”
filed May 8, 2026
“As in May 2025 , I purchased 2013 Kia Optima LX sedan with airbag already deployed before bought it. And in June 2025 I took my car to nearest Kia dealership , I found out that I had recalls over other things as well. I made Kia dealership to look at the airbag and do inspection on it. None of Kia…”
filed Feb 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the…Campaign 18V363000 · Jun 1, 2018
Air Bags problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 Optima | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 Optima | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 Optima | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 Optima | 23 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 26 | 3% |
| 2014 Optima | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 Optima | 48 | 5% |
| 2011 Optima | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 Optima | 17 | 23% |
| 2009 Optima | 28 | 24% |
| 2008 Optima | 57 | 40% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.