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Service bulletins for the 2013 Kia Optima

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

299 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
TSB_PI1803_R22019-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBENG201_R12019-05-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE. TSB: THETA ENGINE SERVICE KIT - This bulletin provides the procedure to install the Theta Engine Service Kit on 21101 2GK05QQKR and 21101 2GK07QQKR engines for 2011-2013MY Optima (QF, TF) and Sportage (SL) vehicles. Due to process changes, certain components of these assemblies were not installed during the manufacturing process. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to install the listed components during the engine replacement procedure outlined in related bulletins (SC147, PI1803W/3, etc.).
TSBENG205_R12019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
TSBENG2052019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
PI1803WX_TSB_R42019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1803WX_TSB_R32019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1803_OWN#2_OPT2019-04-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. OWNER LETTER: Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2011-2013 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("T-GDI") engines, and some 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L GDI and 2.0L T-GDI engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU").
TSBENG2012019-04-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: THETA ENGINE SERVICE KIT - This bulletin provides the procedure to install the Theta Engine Service Kit on 21101 2GK05QQKR engines for 2011-2013MY Optima (QF, TF) vehicles. Due to process changes, certain components of these assemblies were not installed during the manufacturing process.
TSBENG2012019-04-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: THETA ENGINE SERVICE KIT - This bulletin provides the procedure to install the Theta Engine Service Kit on 21101 2GK05QQKR engines for 2011-2013MY Optima (QF, TF) vehicles. Due to process changes, certain components of these assemblies were not installed during the manufacturing process.
VPI1803WX_TSB_R22019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
VPI1803WX_TSB_R12019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X)- This bulletin has been revised to include additional information This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
VPI1803_TSB_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
DC_201901252019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, January 25, 2019 Update - Dear Kia Retailer, At Kia, safety is a top priority and we wrote to you last August and again last October to provide you with updates regarding news reports about non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and the status of Kia?s cooperative work with NHTSA.
VPI1803WX_TSB2019-01-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
DC_201808282018-10-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS - Dear Kia Retailer, You and your customers may have seen recent media reports regarding thermal incidents in Kia vehicles or NHTSA?s announcement of the opening of a Defect Petition for fire cases involving the 2011-14 Sorentos and Optimas, and I want to update you on KMA?s response to this issue. All automobiles contain combustible materials and a vehicle fire may be a result of any number of complex factors which must be carefully evaluated by trained technicians to, if possible, determine its cause and, ultimately, determine if a defect trend exists. At Kia, customer safety is paramount and although both KMA and NHTSA have independently concluded that no defect trends exist, KMA has significantly increased its committed resources to ensure that all thermal incidents are fully evaluated.
PS5392018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PT20201-0002R42017-10-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE. PARTS BULLETIN - THETA II ENGINE SAFETY RECALL (SC147) - This bulletin provides information related to the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the engine assembly on certain 2011 to 2014 model year Optima, Sorento, and Sportage vehicles. For repair information please refer to Technical Service Bulletin SC147.
WTYCS201609RETIR2017-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BULLETIN 2016-09 - RETIRED FOR CERTAIN OPTIMA MODEL VEHICLES. SEE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BULLETIN 2017-01. FOR OTHER OPTIMA MODELS, SEE WTY BULLETIN2017-09 (SC147)
WTY201709R42017-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. WARRANTY BULLETIN: 2017-09.R4 - SC147 Claims Processing Procedures - This Warranty Bulletin accompanies TSB SC147 Theta II Engine Inspection and/or Replacement and is provided to dealers for specific guidance with claim administration and processing of SC147 warranty claims.
PT20201-0002R32017-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PARTS BULLLETIN: 20201-0002 (Revision 3.1) - This bulletin provides information related to the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the engine assembly on certain 2011 to 2014 model year Optima, Sorento, and Sportage vehicles.
PS4692017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
TSB-ENG160R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
PS3282017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE. PITSTOP: HESITATION IN ELECTRIC AND GAS MODES - When diagnosing an Optima Hybrid with an off idle hesitation concern that can be duplicated, and no DTC(s) codes (active or history) are stored, access MCU > Current Data to check the status of the MCU warning flag.
TT0402017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TECH TIP: DTCs POC17 and P1C76 not clearing - Perform the motor/HSG resolver calibration located in the S/W management section of the ?Motor Control Unit? (MCU) system.
PS2802017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. TURBOCHARGER OIL LINE INSPECTION - Follow the procedure in this article to properly inspect/clean the oil feed and return lines.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.