2013 Kia Optima service brakes problems
58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2013 Kia Optima — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I am writing to formally report a dangerous safety defect involving the braking system and the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) on my 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. While operating the vehicle, severe warning lights illuminated on the dashboard indicating an immediate braking system and stability…”
filed Jul 23, 2026
“Brake pedal loses pressure and disengages with brakes. Traction light, maintenance light, hybrid system warning message, check brakes message and parking brake intermittently turns on and off. I called Kirby Kia of Ventura a few weeks ago and let them know about my issue with the car. I explained…”
filed Apr 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can…Campaign 23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023
- Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly…Campaign 21V331000 · May 10, 2021
- Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly…Campaign 20V519000 · Aug 27, 2020
Service Brakes problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 7 | 5% |
| 2019 Optima | 18 | 9% |
| 2018 Optima | 17 | 7% |
| 2017 Optima | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 Optima | 21 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 Optima | 25 | 4% |
| 2012 Optima | 52 | 6% |
| 2011 Optima | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 Optima | 17 | 15% |
| 2008 Optima | 2 | 1% |
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.