C1513 on Kia: How to Diagnose & Fix
Manufacturer-Specific Chassis Code (Hyundai/Kia: Left Rear Wheel Pressure Reduction Malfunction)
1 Kia model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
C1513 on Kia by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Stop lamp switches supplied by INFAC on these Sedonas may experience intermittent switch point contact, from contact carbonization or housing/terminal deformation when the connector is plugged on during assembly. The consequences are broader than a dead brake light: cruise control may not cancel when the driver brakes, the brake-transmission shift interlock may refuse to release the shifter from Park, push-button start may work only intermittently, and the ESC malfunction lamp can illuminate. Kia's 2013 recall (NHTSA 13V-114, Kia SC098), part of the roughly 1.7 million-vehicle Hyundai/Kia action, originally listed 2007 Sedona alongside 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, 2007-2011 Sorento, 2010-2011 Soul, and 2011 Optima; in September 2013 Kia expanded it to 2007-2011 Sedona. A separate earlier Sedona campaign, 06V-349, covered a damaged brake-light wiring harness — a different defect on the same circuit, so confirm which applies to a given VIN.
Common Symptoms
- Brake lights do not illuminate when the pedal is pressed
- Brake lights stay on with the pedal released
- Shifter will not come out of Park with the brake pressed
- Cruise control does not disengage on braking
- ESC/traction warning lamp illuminated
- Push-button start works only intermittently
How to Fix
Free replacement of the stop lamp switch under NHTSA 13V-114 for covered 2007-2011 vans. Outside the recall population the switch is an inexpensive part behind the brake pedal and a common cause of the same symptom set on other Sedona years — replace it before chasing the shift interlock solenoid or the ESC module. Confirm brake lamp operation at the pedal, not just at the third brake light.
Sources for this issue (4)
- NHTSA Recall 13V-114 acknowledgement — Hyundai/Kia stop lamp switcharticle
- Hyundai/Kia Recall 1.7 Million Vehicles for Rollaway Risk, Brake-Light Problem — Edmundsarticle
- Kia and the Breaking Brake Switch That's Been Broken — Safety Research & Strategiesarticle
- NHTSA Recall 06V-349 — Kia Sedona damaged brake light wiring harnessarticle
C1513 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C1513 mean on a Kia?
C1513 stands for "Manufacturer-Specific Chassis Code (Hyundai/Kia: Left Rear Wheel Pressure Reduction Malfunction)." C1513 is a manufacturer-specific chassis/ABS code. On Hyundai and Kia vehicles it generally indicates a left-rear wheel brake pressure reduction performance fault detected by the ABS/ESC hydraulic control unit, meaning the system could not properly reduce brake pressure at that wheel during an ABS event. This is brake-safety related, so ABS and stability control may be disabled, though standard braking typically remains. On other makes the exact meaning may differ, so confirm against the vehicle's service data. On Kia it is documented across 1 model: Sedona.
What are the most common causes of C1513?
The most common causes of C1513 are: Faulty ABS/ESC hydraulic control unit or solenoid valve, Left-rear wheel speed sensor or wiring fault, Air or contamination in the brake hydraulic circuit, Damaged connector or wiring at the HCU/EBCM, Failed ABS pump/motor, Low system voltage or poor ground. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C1513 on a Kia?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Kia model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.