2013 Kia Optima power train problems
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2013 Kia Optima — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps”
filed Jul 19, 2026
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving the vehicle at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the…”
filed Mar 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
TSB_TRA046_R5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 17, 2025This 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.
TSB_TRA046_R4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 16, 2024
Power Train problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 25 | 18% |
| 2019 Optima | 16 | 8% |
| 2018 Optima | 18 | 8% |
| 2017 Optima | 20 | 8% |
| 2016 Optima | 72 | 10% |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 Optima | 20 | 3% |
| 2012 Optima | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 Optima | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 Optima | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% |
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.