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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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Bulletins, newest first
SC141DPSM2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
SC141DP2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
TSB-SC1412017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV.
TSBTRA059R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN. TSB:HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100 MESH SOLENOID EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin provides information related to a software upgrade of the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) of some 2011~2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) after replacement of the transmission with improved 100 mesh solenoids has taken place. To apply the improved logic, the HCU/TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS download, as described in this bulletin.
PS4932017-08-02. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication.
TSB-CLI026R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: A/C EVAPORATOR FREEZE-UP DURING EXTENDED DRIVE - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the evaporator temperature sensor of some 2011-2014MY Optima (TF/QF) and 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles ONLY (see production dates on Page 3), which may experience freezing of condensation on the evaporator core and the following A/C performance related concerns below. Do NOT refer to this bulletin or the resistance specifications listed in this bulletin for ANY other models.
TSB-CHA072R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS1604) - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (QF/TF/TFH) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to December 18, 2013. The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped. Kia?s analysis has identified that this condition occurs mainly in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters due to the wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS, after extended usage over years. The extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. For vehicles sold or currently registered in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters, replace the flexible coupling with a new one if it has not been previously replaced under warranty. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of the affected VINs. For vehicles sold or registered in all other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the flexible coupling in the MDPS from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/unlimited mileage, starting from the date of first service in order to ensure customer satisfaction. If the MDPS unit experiences noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, replace the affected flexible coupling with a new one.
TSB-SC141R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV.
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-GEN085R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-CLI017R42017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: EV AND HYBRID A/C SYSTEM SERVICING REQUIREMENTS - The Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) and the Optima Hybrid use an A/C compressor that is driven by a high-voltage electric motor rather than by a belt. Both the motor and compressor are in one housing with a mix of refrigerant and oil flowing through both sections. Because the oil flows through the motor windings, it must have a high electrical resistivity (low conductivity).
TSB-GEN0852017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
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.
PS3392017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY. PITSTOP: REMOTE START SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC HOTLINE - When diagnosing remote start systems, refer to the table shown in this article for detailed information on applicable models, model year and system supplier; along with the applicable Hotline contact information and business hours.
PS3432017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. PITSTOP: OILY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM MDPS STEERING COLUMN - On some Optima (QF/TF/TF HEV) vehicles, the customer may complain of an oily substance dripping onto the driver?s side floorboard area, especially in areas with high ambient temperatures. This article provides the process to resolve by cleaning excessive amounts of grease applied applied to the steering column tilt adjustment area.
PS3382017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. PITSTOP: HEATER BLOWING COLD AIR WHILE IN EV MODE - When diagnosing a concern related to the heater intermittently blowing cold air while in EV mode, check the Electric Water Pump (EWP) for the A/C system (NOT the main cooling system EWP), located on the rear of the transmission (A), for proper operation. To test EWP operation, disconnect connector CHG31/C131 (B) and apply power and ground to the EWP.
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.
PS2972017-08-02. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER; SUSPENSION:REAR. PIT STOP: SQUEAKING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE - When addressing a customer complaint related to a squeaking sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle, and the noise can be isolated to the rear suspension, check the right and left rear shock towers as the most likely source of the noise.
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.
TT0392017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM. TECH TIP: Issues with Eco Gauge Needle - The ECO gauge needle never reaches the green shaded portion of the cluster, even on wide open throttle.
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.
TSB-FUE0262017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: MIL ON WITH DTC P0087 - DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - This bulletin provides information related to some Optima (TF/QF), Sportage (SL), Sorento (XM) and Cadenza (VG) vehicles, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the ECM (Electronic Control Module) system-related DTC P0087.
TSB-CHA044R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - Rev 2 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped. This condition may be caused by premature wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS.
TSB-SC135R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through July 30, 2010, and some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through June 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with DTC(s) P0442 or P0455. For vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the twenty-eight (28) salt belt states, (AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV, KS, KY, NE, ND, SD and UT), the evaporative canister will be inspected, and if no leak is found, the mounting bracket will be replaced with a new improved part. If a crack in the evaporative canister is found, the canister will be replaced with a new improved part. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. For vehicles in other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the evaporative canister from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever occurs first starting from the date of first service. Follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin to resolve the concern.

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