3 Star Reviews for 2013 Kia Optima

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
75 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The top-of-the-line Limited trim level debuts for 2013. The EX Turbo trim has been discontinued. The Kia Optima Hybrid is now offered in two trim levels, and both feature a revised hybrid drivetrain that lifts the car's EPA numbers in trade for a slightly lower horsepower rating.

Pros:
  • Solid acceleration with any of the engines
  • Lengthy warranty.
  • Conventional gasoline models offer impressive value
  • Ample feature content
  • Handsome cabin
  • Top crash scores
Cons:
  • Real-world mpg historically falls short of EPA estimates
  • Tight on rear-seat headroom
  • Odd brake response in hybrid model.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 75.00
  • Engine Problem - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    So i bought my 2013 Kia Opitma in October of 2013 and I just had to replace my engine this month. Took it to two different dealers and they couldnt diagnose the problem. Finally went to a dealer that could and they told me I needed a new engine. The car isnt even 6 months old and has about 10000 miles on it. Its a great looking car and fun to drive on the weekends. Customer service could be a lot better and helpful.

  • major disappointment - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    While it is a very good looking car, with a reasonable ride and handling. The gas mileage is a major disappointment. I would not have even considered the car if I knew its true gas mileage. My previous car had EPA numbers of 19/24/30 and I normally got about 28 mpg. The optima has EPA numbers of 24/28/34 and I get about 25-26 mpg. So with a car with 4mpg better EPA numbers I am getting 2mpg worse gas mileage??? I have had the car into 2 different dealers, both of which say the car is running to spec. The other major disappointment is the UVO sound system. It is fine as long as you use only the radio or CD, but the USB connection is very buggy. When connecting the USB to either a thum

  • Issues to watch out for; - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    Very good looking car but after 1200 miles I am now on my 6th tank of gas, mpg is about 13-15 in the city and 18-20 on the road. Dealer says wait until after 3500 miles for an improvement. Huge blind spots by rear quarters and both windshield pilars by the sideview mirrors, careful on turns with people crossing!! Wonders/drifts all over the road and constantly correcting for it, makes for a tiring drive. Kia knows about this but... Can not get comfortable in the seats. Very disappointed and lost a day from work due to a flat tire with no spare. Make sure you get the tire insurance policy, you need it. Very hard ride, not a road trip car!! Recommend renting one before you buy it!!!

  • Kia Optima SXL 2.0 Turbo Blown Engine - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    At 80,00 miles I had to replace the engine. In total I spent $5,500 for the engine replacement at the Kia Dealership. They said the cause of it was "metal to metal rod bearings". According to kia I was to blame for not using a KIA GENUINE oil filter. Because I did not use their oil filter somehow metal got in my oil and ruined the engine. Thats a bunch of BS. I read multiple peoples accounts of the same experience with their KIA optima. I saw on the news where Hyundai recalled the same engine this car has. Clearly they need to investigate the optima engine as well. KIA doesnt care about their customers.

  • Steering and Milage are Horrible - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    First I must start with, the car looks beautiful. Remington Red is a real show stopper. Seats are super comfortable and interior spacious. Needs more storage compartments. Gas wise, horrible. Im averaging 23 mpg, and Eco changes nothing but the way it drives. Moving on to steering. Refuses to stay on center while driving. Pulls to the left, then when straightened out, goes to the right. Back and forth, but always over steers to the left when on a center plane surface. Very exhausting when driving on the straight run highways off highway, almost caused a few accidents veering into the opposite lane while taking my eyes off the road for a split second to turn AC on or equivalent. Bad!

  • Paint issues and electrical issues not considered - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    I filed a complaint about my paint/clear coat having a spider web effect when I waxed. The complaint was made before the warranty was up. I contacted Kia a second time because the issue was progressively worse. Kia denied that I had filed a claim. I was informed by the rep that nothing was on file for my vehicle in their system. Now the paint is off of the warranty and this problem is everywhere. Their district manager stated " he would not look at it". Also, too the car into the dealer for an issue with the gear shift. When the button is pushed I hear the solenoid in the dash board. I asked for it to be looked at and was advised nothing is wrong. Drivers window motor has begun to squeal when the window is rolled up. After a rain I had noticed the rotors /brakes seemed as if they were rusting and grinding heavily for a few moments. Dealer stated nothing was wrong with it. Sounds terrible and grinds.

  • If I only knew! - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    I really wanted this car. People stopped me in parking lots and at the car wash. They admired the car and asked lots of questions - I could have been a salesman! Now I have owned it for a little over 3 years and dont feel the same. Pros: It is a beautiful design. Love the heated steering wheel/seats and the cooling seats. Glove box feature can keep a bottle of water cold. Im happy with my leather seats and the sound system. Cons: It does not live up to the MPG claims. I typically end a tank of gas with about 21 mpg. I have gotten up to 29 on the highway but not as often. Im a good driver and very conscious of the mileage. I am 54" and cannot see over the hood. What I can see is 3-4" of the hood closest to the windshield even with the drivers seat at maximum height. This has caused numerous problems. The passenger seat feels like I am sitting in a bucket – It should raise up and down like the driver seat. The drivers window clearance in the rear has a much too large blind spot at both corners. I should have also taken note that the battery life in the new car is only 2 years; I think thats a poor proposition. Also the tire life is only 3 years. I would advise you to negotiate both of these items plus the cost of the spare tire that isnt there. I want to trade this model in for the past 2 years for anew or late model Sportage. But 5 e-mails to the dealer (Carson) got no answer when I wanted to negotiate via e-mail or phone. I did not want to drive all that way just to look. ow they are bombarding me with requests for a trade-in.

  • what warranty? - 2013 Kia Optima
    By -

    With less than 3000 miles, the rear bumper cover "separated" from the back side panel. A "clip" which had secured the two panels had broken. They said it was an accident, I said it was a faulty clip. Escalated to Kia regional, and still no satisfaction. I paid $500 out of pocket to get it fixed. Couple this with the fact that I am not getting anywhere near the advertised MPG and I would never buy a Kia product again.

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