2013 Kia Optima airbags problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V363000Jun 1, 2018507,587 vehicles
  AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

  Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

  Risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

  Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026FL1 injuredAirbags

   I own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL. While the vehicle was parked and there was no collision, crash, impact, or other event that should have caused the airbags to deploy, the airbags unexpectedly deployed on their own. The deployment caused damage to the vehicle, including damage to the windshield. The airbag also hit me while I was sitting in the passenger seat, my children were also in the back seat. All of our ears were ringing for 24hours, I went to the hospital to get a CT scan…

   NHTSA complaint #11769506 · source
2. Filed May 8, 2026MDAirbagsEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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 symptom in June 2025( Walmart oil change) alongside engine performance issues. The vehicle has active codes P0014 and P0017, which are secondary symptoms of the internal bearing wear…

   NHTSA complaint #11736691 · source
3. Filed Feb 27, 2026LAAirbagsOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts

   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 employees did not informed me about the airbag, CARFAX information about previous incident to this car before I purchased.

   NHTSA complaint #11720904 · source
4. Filed Feb 23, 2026107,000 miINAirbags

   The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the air bag deployed unexpectedly. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the clock spring and air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the issue would be escalated to the proper department. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11719883 · source
5. Filed Nov 1, 2024COCrash2 injuredTowedAirbags

   I was in an accident on 10/18/24 where a person switched lanes and hit the front end of my vehicle. My airbags didn't deploy.

   NHTSA complaint #11623159 · source
6. Filed May 1, 2024SCAirbagsElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds or while parked, the electric windows, seats, sunroof, and radio failed to operate as needed. Additionally, when coolant was added to the coolant reservoir, the A/C unit blew warm air for 15 minutes before cooling down. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a car stereo store where it was diagnosed that the radio needed to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11586406 · source
7. Filed Apr 9, 2024TXCrash2 injuredAirbags

   I was rear ended hit so hard it smashed my whole back end in. None of my airbags deployed. We were hit hard into the center medium of the highway. Lucky no rigs were coming through. Other parties insurance totaled out my vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11582035 · source
8. Filed Aug 6, 2023KYAirbagsEngineSteering

   Every since I purchased this car in 2013 I have had nothing but trouble out of it I have called the Kia company numberous times and they never respond all I asked them to do is replace the car I trusted in Kia I love my car but it is severely dangerous please help me before it gets me and my family hurt

   NHTSA complaint #11536805 · source
9. Filed Feb 8, 2023140,000 miMICrash1 injuredTowedAirbags

   The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle t-boned her passenger's side. Only the passenger's side air bag deployed and exploded, causing the contact to sustain coughing spasms. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a police department lot. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and emailed…

   NHTSA complaint #11506188 · source
10. Filed Jul 21, 2022NCCrashTowedAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

    My son owned a Kia Optima built in June of 2013. He was in a motor vehicle accident where he was put in a pit maneuver and Then was T boned on the passengers side causing his body to lay across the front seats and died at the scene. His black box download showed that the seat belt pretensioner was off and both airbags in the front did not go off. I know there is a recall for optimas built before aug 31 of 2012. I believe there was an issue with this vehicle as well. I would…

    NHTSA complaint #11475153 · source
11. Filed Jun 30, 2022CAAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    My car has been having a check engine light on for over 9 months now and it cannot pass the smog test and when connected to the scanner it gives the code 0449 and B1347. I have tried to fix the EVap leak and the code still comes out and the airbag light is always on now.

    NHTSA complaint #11471884 · source
12. Filed Apr 20, 2022CAAirbagsBody & StructureLighting

    My paint has been chipping really bad. Also I had a few recalls taken care of at modesto Kia once I got my vehicle back and drove it back home (about an hour and a half away) I started smelling something burning, I looked under the hood and couldn't find anything wrong so then a few days later I smelled the same thing but this time I heard a loud pop I got out and noticed my fog light had shattered, and the housing is completely burned. So now my fog lights won't work and I…

    NHTSA complaint #11461428 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology