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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
PS515_R22019-03-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: DTC P1B25/P1B77 ? 125 AMP HV FUSE INSPECTION - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. When addressing a concern related to the 2011-2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) High Voltage (HV) warning light ON and KDS detects a primary DTC P1B25 (HV Path Fault) and secondary DTC P1B77 (HV Pre-Charge Fault), then the 125 Amp High Voltage Battery Fuse (red label), if not yet replaced with the newer 150 Amp, should be inspected for an intermittent and/or an open condition. The high voltage fuse is part of the safety plug located in the trunk.
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.
TSBENG083_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. In these engines highly pressurized gasoline is injected via a common fuel rail and injectors that deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. In comparison, in a conventional Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) engine, the gasoline is injected into the intake port of each cylinder at a relatively low pressure. Due to high fuel pressure in a GDI system, servicing the GDI system requires special attention and handling procedures. This bulletin provides special service information and specifications for the GDI fuel system components.
TSBCHA084_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR AND/OR ECU - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor and/or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the listed Kia models with a column mounted C-MDPS unit.
TSBCHA060_R32019-02-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the MDPS ECU software upgrade for some 2011-2014MY Optima (QF), produced from August 2, 2010 through July 27, 2014, and 2016-2018MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced from October 27, 2014 through August 22, 2017, which may experience a notchy feel in the steering wheel.
TSBBOD1852019-02-19. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. TSB: PANORAMA SUNROOF CREAK OR RATTLE NOISE - This bulletin provides the procedure to apply felt tape on the panorama sunroof crossmember on some 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, equipped with panorama sunroof, produced from August 31, 2011 through September 22, 2015, which may experience a slight creaking or rattle noise at the sunroof area.
PS5872019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: P/HEV NO START ? SHIFT BEFORE READY - This Pitstop provides information regarding possible customer complaint of intermittent ?No-Start?.
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.
TSBCHA060_R22019-02-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB - ECU UPGRADE ? STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT -This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the MDPS ECU software upgrade for some 2011-2014MY Optima (QF), produced from August 2, 2010 through July 27, 2014, and 2016-2018MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced from October 27, 2014 through August 22, 2017, which may experience a notchy feel in the steering wheel. To correct this condition, the vehicle should be evaluated using the MDPS Effort Measurement Software detailed in the repair procedure starting on page 2 to determine whether an improved steering logic should be installed in the MDPS ECU, or if an MDPS column replacement is required. To determine whether the updated MDPS ECU reflash applies to a vehicle you are working on, or whether it has already been performed, verify ROM ID using the tables in this TSB.
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.
TSBCHA0912018-12-17. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly on some models listed below, which may exhibit a ticking noise while turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped. This condition is caused by a worn lining on the steering gear box yoke assembly. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly with updated parts.
TSBCHA0842018-12-17. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR AND/OR ECU - This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor and/or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the listed Kia models with a column mounted C-MDPS unit. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin.
PS5812018-12-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: HYBRID HV BATTERY SOC GAUGE (PS581) - This Pitstop provides information regarding the State of Charge (SOC) gauge on all Kia Hybrid P/HEV) vehicles. Normal operation of the HEV SOC gauge is between 40-60%. This is to allow for regeneration and degeneration of the HEV battery.
VPI1803_TSB2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - TSB - ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE UPDATE - This document is the Technical Service Bulletin for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1803_QA2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE UPDATE - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBCHA0922018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. TSB: BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the brake pedal stopper pad on some 2012-2013MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 through September 27, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad may deteriorate over time, allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated pad can result in the continuous illumination of the stop lamps. If the continuous illumination of the stop lamps is duplicated, follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the brake pedal stopper pad.
VPI1803_OWNER_OP2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - 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?).
VPI1803_DSM2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Service Managers, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1803_DP2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
DC_201810262018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, OCTOBER 26 2018 UPDATE - Dear Kia Retailer, We wrote to you in late August to provide you with an update regarding news reports regarding non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and NHTSA?s announcement of the opening of a Defect Petition for fire cases involving the 2011-14 Sorento and Optima vehicles. Since that time, we have been working cooperatively with NHTSA to analyze the safety performance of these and all Kia vehicles and added additional resources to quickly and effectively address any incidents. Recently, a non-profit consumer advocacy group called the Center for Automotive Safety (CAS) has asked for a recall of Kia vehicles for fire risk and members of the Senate Commerce Committee have asked Kia for additional information related to non-collision fires in Kia vehicles. These actions have generated additional media reports so we are providing you with additional information to assist you and your teams in addressing customer concerns.
WTY011_REIMB2018-10-09. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM - 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA BRAKE STOPPER PAD Kia New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension
WTY011_QA2018-10-09. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - Q & A - 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION
WTY011_OWNER2018-10-09. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - OWNER LETTER - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake stopper pad on certain 2012-2013 MY Kia Optima vehicles from 5-years/60,000-miles to 15-years/unlimited-miles, starting from the date of first service. The material of the brake pedal stopper pad, which is located between the stop lamp switch and the brake pedal arm, may deteriorate over time allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated pad can result in the continuous illumination of the stop lamps.
WTY011_DPSM2018-10-09. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal stopper pad on all 2012-2013 MY Optima (QF) vehicles, manufactured at KMMG, from 5-years/60,000-miles to 15-years/unlimited-miles, starting from the date of first service. The material of the brake pedal stopper pad, which is located between the stop lamp switch and the brake pedal arm, may deteriorate over time allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated pad can result in the continuous illumination of the stop lamps.
WTY011_DP2018-10-09. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal stopper pad on all 2012-2013 MY Optima (QF) vehicles, manufactured at KMMG, from 5-years/60,000-miles to 15-years/unlimited-miles, starting from the date of first service. The material of the brake pedal stopper pad, which is located between the stop lamp switch and the brake pedal arm, may deteriorate over time allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. A deteriorated pad can result in the continuous illumination of the stop lamps.

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