PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated February 2026
980
complaints filed for the 2013 model year
2011–2015
Model years affected
$4,300 – $5,300
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
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Start my diagnosis →Brake and ABS recall repairs delayed by unavailable parts
Check engine light: Off
Owners report the "part to do the recall repair was not yet available," consistent with the same Hyundai/Kia ABS/HECU fire-hazard recall cluster already confirmed multiple times (Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage).
Theta II engine defect family
Check engine light: On
Engine seizure, abnormal knocking, and "premature bearing wear within the engine" occur — part of the Theta II engine defect family also reported on the Kia Optima and Kia Sportage.
PI1803 cited instead of formal recall coverage
Check engine light: Off
Kia denies warranty coverage citing internal Product Improvement bulletin PI1803 rather than an open recall.
Owners report claims being denied on the basis of an internal bulletin rather than an open recall.
Described as affecting thousands of other white Kias
Check engine light: Off
Snow White Pearl paint delamination is described by one owner as affecting "thousands of other white KIA's" — similar paint peeling has been reported on several Toyota nameplates (RAV4, Prius, Highlander).
Fuel contamination reported in engine oil
Check engine light: On
Fuel leaks from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator, with fuel contamination reported in the engine oil.
The head lamps fail, sometimes turning off unexpectedly while driving
Check engine light: Off
The head lamps fail, sometimes turning off unexpectedly while driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 705 owner reports on file.
A revised crankshaft pulley bolt is available
Check engine light: Off
A revised crankshaft pulley bolt is available. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 257 owner reports on file.
The AC compressor clutch fails
Check engine light: Off
The AC compressor clutch fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 221 owner reports on file.
A persistent airbag light issue occurs with a suspected passenger seat sensor malfunction
Check engine light: Off
A persistent airbag light issue occurs with a suspected passenger seat sensor malfunction. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 421 owner reports on file.
An updated timing chain tensioner corrects noise on startup
Check engine light: Off
An updated timing chain tensioner corrects noise on startup. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 94 owner reports on file.
A software update is available to correct transmission issues
Check engine light: Off
A software update is available to correct transmission issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 87 owner reports on file.
The ignition coil may fail
Check engine light: On
The ignition coil may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 77 owner reports on file.
There is no sound from the speakers
Check engine light: Off
There is no sound from the speakers. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.
Recall parts for the ABS/HECU fire-hazard cluster have documented availability delays. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
Brake/ABS recall repair parts are unavailable. This is part of the same Hyundai and Kia ABS/HECU fire-hazard recall family. Engine seizure and rod-bearing wear in the Theta II engine are reported here, as on several other Hyundai and Kia models.