2013 Kia Optima Brake Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Kia Optima?
114 owners have reported brake problems on the 2013 Kia Optima, 8% of all complaints for this year and the 6th most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 58,000–153,000 miles. 3 recalls cover this area.
114 complaints 8% of all 2013 complaints 111,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (51 of 114). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Brakes complaints by the year the problem happened.
Brakes complaints by Optima year
Related recalls
Electrical short can start engine fire
Fire riskAn electrical short in the brake system's control unit (HECU) can cause a fire in the engine compartment, either while the car is parked or while driving. Such a fire can lead to injury.
Fix: Until the repair is done, park outside and away from buildings, and the dealer will replace the HECU fuse free of charge.
Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023Control unit / module
Park outsideBrake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge.
Recall 21V331000 · May 2021Control unit / module
Park outsideBrake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.
Recall 20V519000 · Aug 2020Get an email when your 2013 Kia Optima gets a new recall
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Other 2013 Kia Optima problems
Common questions
What are common 2013 Kia Optima brake problems?
Complaints most often name the control unit / module and ABS warning light.
At what mileage do 2013 Kia Optima brake problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 58,000–153,000 miles. The middle value is about 111,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2013 Kia Optima brake problems?
Yes: 23V652000, 21V331000, 20V519000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Optima year has the most brake complaints?
The 2013 Optima, with 114 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.