PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated April 2026
380
complaints filed for the 2013 model year
2011–2016
Model years affected
$7,500+
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 →Parts-availability delays preventing recall completion
Check engine light: Off
An HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) electrical short can cause an engine compartment fire, tied to NHTSA Campaign 23V652000, with parts-availability delays preventing recall completion for months — the same recall campaign also covers the Kia Optima.
Rod bearing failure, no warning
Check engine light: On
Sudden engine seizure occurs at highway speed with no warning, tied to rod bearing failures — the Theta II engine defect family, now confirmed on this nameplate as well.
Coverage denied because the update hadn't been done
Check engine light: Off
Kia denies warranty coverage for a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update requirement, with one owner reporting "I was denied coverage because the failure happened before I was able to perform the update."
Owners report never receiving a recall notice
Check engine light: Off
Owners report never receiving recall notifications, with confusion between "campaign" and "recall" terminology cited as a contributing factor.
Diesel turbocharged 2.0L, nine months in the shop
Check engine light: On
A complete engine rebuild (diesel turbocharged 2.0L) was required after the engine locked up; the vehicle was in the shop for nine months.
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 116 owner reports on file.
The throttle position switch is faulty
Check engine light: On
The throttle position switch is faulty. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 108 owner reports on file.
An intermittent starting issue occurs with the engine not turning over despite lights and accessories working
Check engine light: Off
An intermittent starting issue occurs with the engine not turning over despite lights and accessories working. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 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 73 owner reports on file.
A fuel tank leak occurs due to corrosion from road salt
Check engine light: Off
A fuel tank leak occurs due to corrosion from road salt. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 67 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 35 owner reports on file.
Only Kia-approved transmission fluid should be used
Check engine light: Off
Only Kia-approved transmission fluid should be used. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.
Recall 23V652000 for the HECU fire hazard has documented parts-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.
An HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) electrical short can cause an engine compartment fire, tied to the same recall campaign as the Kia Optima, where a fatality has been reported.