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2013 Kia Optima Hybrid EX

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid EX is a 159-hp 2.4-liter with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $31,950 MSRP and is rated at 37 mpg combined.

It makes 159 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 154 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 35 mpg city and 38 mpg highway (37 mpg combined).

The Optima Hybrid measures 190.7 inches long on a 110.0-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainHybrid
Price
MSRP$31,950 ($44,565 *)
MSRP with Destination$32,750 ($45,681 *)
Destination Charge$800
Engine
Engine Type2.4L HEV, aluminum block and head
Displacement2.359 L
Horsepower159 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque154 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm 151.2 @ 0-1630 rpm (electric motor) rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, four valves/cylinder with CVVT
Injection TypeMulti-Point Injection (MPI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City35 MPG
Highway38 MPG
Combined37 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity17.2 gal
Brakes
Front Brake DiscActive hydraulic boost
Dimensions & Weight
Length190.7 in
Width72.1 in
Height57.1 in
Wheelbase110 in
Ground Clearance5.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.6 % risk)
Tested variant: 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia OPTIMA HYBRID. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

Dec 2, 2020 · ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

NHTSA campaign 20V750000

56 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia OPTIMA HYBRID

Owner Complaints

56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia OPTIMA HYBRID (1 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System22
Service Brakes16
Engine14
Hydraulic10
Unknown Or Other9
Power Train7
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 22, 2026 · Suspension, Electrical System, Engine
“hybrid battery low won't crank but turns on and says park do not drive check charging system”
Sep 25, 2026 · Electrical System, Service Brakes
“I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he…”
Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical System, Service Brakes
“Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of…”
Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical System, Engine
“I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google…”
Aug 21, 2026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The accelerator pedal…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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