2013 Kia Optima Hybrid EX - Hybrid System Warning

20

Asked by Rich Mar 13, 2022 at 10:29 PM about the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid EX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car has over 143k miles on it. This is the first mechanical failure. I've only
replaced tires, brakes, and oil. 5 days ago, traveling on the highway about 75
miles per hour. The dreaded "Hybrid System Warning"..."Safely pull over and
turn off the engine" message appeared. Was able to pull into a gas station
and turn the engine off. Would not restart. Just dead. Only dashboard lights.
I called for a tow and was told it would be an hour. After 45 minutes, the
engine restarted with the check engine light on. I decided to try to drive the
car. I got about 200 yards the "Hybrid Safety Warning" message again. I
returned to the gas station. Car was towed to my local Kia dealer. After their
review it was determined the following needed repair:
Hybrid Belt Tensioner
Hybrid Safety Fuse
Head Gasket
Oil Pan Gasket
O2 Sensor

Has anyone else had to change the Hybrid Belt Tensioner?

Apparently the head gasket began to fail and dripped oil onto the hybrid belt
tensioner, causing it to fail. Total cost to repair: $2,951. At least it didn't blow
the engine. Still cheaper than buying a used car and I hope this will allow me
to drive on to 200k miles.

1 Answer

40

Sounds like a "shotgun" repair to me- Replace everything it could be and hopefully hit the target. A blown or leaky head gasket could cause those problems though. A second opinion would be good to have, although difficult to get for a non-running vehicle parked at the dealership. Good luck to you!

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    GuruSYNHQ
    Reputation
    760
  • #2
    Wally Pinn
    Reputation
    450
  • #3
    GuruQ87MM
    Reputation
    360
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Kia Optima
367 Great Deals out of 5,420 listings starting at $1,100
Used Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
100 Great Deals out of 4,100 listings starting at $1,275
Used Honda Accord Hybrid
208 Great Deals out of 10,363 listings starting at $5,999
Used Toyota Camry
2,038 Great Deals out of 35,374 listings starting at $500
Used Toyota Camry Hybrid
185 Great Deals out of 2,482 listings starting at $950
Used Chevrolet Malibu
1,026 Great Deals out of 19,808 listings starting at $700
Used Honda Accord
1,532 Great Deals out of 29,627 listings starting at $500
Used Ford Fusion Hybrid
116 Great Deals out of 1,752 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Prius
476 Great Deals out of 6,465 listings starting at $1,100
Used Hyundai Sonata
805 Great Deals out of 18,125 listings starting at $450
Used Kia Sorento
780 Great Deals out of 19,006 listings starting at $1,450

Used Cars For Sale

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX For Sale
12 listings starting at $7,599
2016 Kia Optima Hybrid EX For Sale
17 listings starting at $8,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.