2013 Kia Optima lighting problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026MOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionLighting

   Despite documenting this catastrophic internal mechanical destruction, the authorized franchise dealer has issued a written directive instructing the driver to operate this structurally compromised vehicle on public roads for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test with explicit instructions not to add, check, or have anyone service the engine oil level. Operating an engine running dry with verified cylinder wall gouging and unstable timing chains creates an imminent, severe…

   NHTSA complaint #11769671 · source
2. Filed Aug 31, 2026VAElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. Known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. Problem continues to happen. Lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. Anytime the fuse blows

   NHTSA complaint #11760844 · source
3. Filed Mar 11, 2026CABody & StructureLighting

   Paint on car is coming off from hood and doors headlights are not bright had to change to aftermarket to make it brighter

   NHTSA complaint #11723669 · source
4. Filed Mar 10, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   When I turned the ignition on the car wouldn't start. But the ABS light and all other lights flickering when trying to start the car. The alarm kept going off. Passenger side front and rear windows won't function. Smell like something was burning. This is the second incident ([XXX]). Fuses had to be removed to silence the alarms on the first incident on [XXX] because the lights were still flickering on and off when car wasn't on. I had my car serviced at the West Broad Kia…

   NHTSA complaint #11647455 · source
5. Filed Oct 30, 2023LABody & StructureLighting

   THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIM. I have changed the bulbs and you can not see out of this vehicle at night. I have checked to see if there is a recall or something. A lot of people have issue with this year make and model of this vehicle. The other problem I am having is the paint peeling with the Snow white color of my vehicle. Large spots of paint is coming off and missing. this vehicle is kept under the carport. Yet, large spots of paint comes off.

   NHTSA complaint #11552750 · source
6. Filed Jul 25, 2023155,000 miSCBrakesLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted the vehicle into drive and then shifted back to park and the contact was able to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while pulling out the driveway the brakes applied unintendedly with the brake light remaining…

   NHTSA complaint #11534449 · source
7. Filed Jul 11, 2023CALighting

   The hid headlights. Specifically low beams go dim.They are so dim you can not drive safely at night. Change the bulbs and still the same issue.My understanding the reflector housing on the projector gets worn out and does reduce the light output of low beams. This is a driving hazard at night.this issue affecting the sx and sxl models with hid projector headlights.

   NHTSA complaint #11531499 · source
8. Filed Jun 5, 2023CALightingOther / Unknown

   The center console power supply is faulty, does not charge or hold usb port. The white paint on my car began to chip in large amounts.

   NHTSA complaint #11525324 · source
9. Filed May 17, 2023117,000 miVADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineLighting

   The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake lights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle also experienced phantom braking while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11522511 · source
10. Filed Apr 25, 2023VALighting

    The reflectors on the low beam headlights have degraded to the point it has failed Virginia state inspection. The safety of myself and others is impacted by reduced nighttime visibility. Distance of vision at night is reduced to only as much distance as the parking lights provide. The dealer has inspected and rejected the vehicle from passing Virginia State inspection and is now not lawfully allowed to be driven. There were no warning lamps to indicate a failure.

    NHTSA complaint #11518881 · source
11. Filed Jan 17, 202353,000 miNJLighting

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate the roadway, causing a driving hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made several unknown local dealers aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11502278 · source
12. Filed Dec 15, 2022IDElectrical SystemLighting

    I have been having electrical/lighting issues for about a year. It initially started with the inside lights intermittently flashing when opening the door or attempting to use the interior lights; however sometimes the automatic interior lights did not come on at all when set to automatically turn on when a door opened, but now the lights don’t come on at all when opening the door. I have also had some headlight and dashboard lights going on and off while driving. I have…

    NHTSA complaint #11497588 · 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