KiaOptima Hybrid2013Overview/kia/optima-hybrid/2013/base/

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Optima Hybrid.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (AM6)

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is a passenger car that pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor, channeling output through an automatic (AM6) transmission to achieve EPA ratings of 35 mpg city, 38 highway, and 37 combined. It requires 6.6 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 API oil, a capacity that stands out in its segment. Within the 2011–2020 model run, this year’s 51 owner complaints—predominantly tied to the electrical system—and two recalls sit well below the 2019 peak of 202 complaints, positioning it as a relatively dependable vintage.

Model year20182017201620152014201320122011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.6 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy35/38/37 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnOFFOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AM6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length190.6 in
Overall width72 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase110.2 in
Curb weight3384 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined35 / 38 / 37 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume102 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.6 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.2
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.5
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.7
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts123-130 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts123-130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts36-40 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub159-188 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.56-..68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.59-.68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Timing6, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.15-1.27 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.04-3.72 oz
Standard BCI Group Number124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance600 cca
Standard BCI Group NumberH6R

Service checks

Pressure Test14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature190 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)72.0-73.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance1.25 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance1.18-1.31 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression135-156 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle58-72 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle47-54 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.078 in
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs, Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-12511 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-12511 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-12511 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 7,500 miBody Fasteners (inspect) · Suspension System (torque)
Every 7,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect)
At 30,000 miBody Fasteners (inspect) · Suspension System (torque)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid sits at a transitional point in its generation's complaint trajectory: it followed a 2012 peak of 107 complaints but improved to 51 complaints while maintaining 7 active NHTSA investigations and recording the generation's highest TSB count at 145 bulletins. Notably, it had fewer recalls (2) than both 2011 (3) and 2012 (3), suggesting incremental manufacturer responsiveness. The top complaint areas—Electrical System (7), Service Brakes/Hydraulic (6), Engine (3), and Hybrid Propulsion System (3)—indicate the problems were distributed rather than concentrated in a single system. Crash and fire complaints remained minimal (1 and 2, respectively), though the data does not specify root causes. Comparing across the arc, 2013 represents a middle ground before the sharp decline in complaints through 2016 and the subsequent 2019 spike, making it neither the most problematic nor the most refined model year in the generation. Concrete takeaway: the 2013 model benefits from the early-production learning curve reflected in its lower complaint count versus 2012, and with only 2 recalls on record, it presents a reasonably defensible purchase—though the elevated TSB volume signals ongoing service attention that a used-car buyer should verify through maintenance records.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
145
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
7
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
51
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 51 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Engine3
Hybrid Propulsion System3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Engine2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Electrical System,Engine2
Unknown Or Other2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V750000EngineReported 02/12/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine…

23V652000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 25/09/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014… Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 145 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…
SC269_OWNR_3012025-03-25Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC269) - This document is the owner…
PI2002YZ_TSB_R32024-11-07EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS…
SC269_OWNR_F22024-08-19Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC269) - This document is the owner…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
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Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
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Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 Optima Hybrid take?

6.6 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 Optima Hybrid have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Optima Hybrid get?

EPA figures are 35 city / 38 highway / 37 combined mpg.