2011 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 593 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 23 involved a crash and 33 involved a fire. 19 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 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 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
100 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a notchy feel in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to TSB Number: CHA060. The mechanic determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The mechanic ordered the part for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under TSB Number: CHA060; due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2024
1- Steering wheel. Yes 2- Not sure if something was going to happen while driving whether da or night or long distance traveling 3- I spoke with the service center a while back and didn't have a good time to bring it by. 4- No No just loud shaking from the steering wheel. It's been going on for at least a month
Steering, Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing, the contact heard a popping sound, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and he reinstalled the inner shaft. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel seized. After the steering wheel was released, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had previously had the steering column and steering rack replaced at the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact’s daughter stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would produce a clicking noise and shaking coming from the steering column. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the flex coupler replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 252,000.
Steering, Jun 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the steering column however, the repair failed to correct the failure. The contact stated that extra effort was needed while attempting to turn the steering wheel. The traction control warning light illuminated whenever the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Steering, Engine, Jan 18, 2021
I HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR ON THURSDAY JANUARY 14, 2021THE CAR STARTED JERKING AND TURN IT OFF AND ONE TURNED BACK ON I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD TOLD ME IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM IN A VERY RUDE WAY. SO I ASKED THEM CAN I HAVE THE OWNERS NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T GIVE IT TO ME AND IF I KEEP ASKING THEY'RE GOING TO CALL THE POLICE ON ME. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO KIA TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR THE CAR ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THEY IF THE PART IS COVERED BUT I LOOKED ONLINE AND IT IS ON RECALL.
Steering, Nov 23, 2020
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP HAS A SHORT GOING TO THE MOTOR, WHICH IS A FIRE HAZARD. ALSO, YOU MUST MOVE THE WHEEL NONSTOP OR IT WILL LOCK UP WHICH COULD CAUSE YOU TO WRECK AND DIE. VERY DANGEROUS. AT THIS POINT THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO POWER STEERING MAKING IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AND STEER.
Steering, Jul 2, 2020
THE STEERING WHEEL IS STIFFING . I LOOKED IT UP TO SEE IF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE.
Steering, Engine, Jun 18, 2020
STEERING WHEEL HAS A CLICKING NOISE AND A PLAY. ALSO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WOULD NOT TURN SMOOTHLY AND THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE VEHICLE RESPONDING WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT END REPLACED AND BELIEVED THAT THE RACK AND PINION, TIE ROD, AND STRUTS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED HOW TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE WITH A $2.00 PART FOR THE STEERING PLASTIC COUPLER; HOWEVER, THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS OVER $1,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Nov 12, 2019
STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING SOUND WHEN IT IS TURNED, ADDITIONALLY, THE PART BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL RATTLES A LOT, ALMOST AS IF ITS LOSE. THE CLICKING HAPPENS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT AND THE RATTLING HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
Steering, Oct 7, 2019
MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA EX STARTED MAKING A LOUD RATTLING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. ANY LITTLE BUMP OR DIP MADE IT WORSE AND MUCH LOUDER. THIS PROBLEM IS ONLY GETTING WORSE AND THE STEERING FEELS VERY UNSAFE. I NOTICED THIS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY.
Steering, Sep 30, 2019
I HAVE A 2011 KIA OPTIMA WITH 53,000 MILES. I HAVE RECENTLY NOTICED A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS TO BE DEFECT FROM A CHEAP PLASTIC PART . I AM READING THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF LIFE. YOU CAN HEAR THE POPPING SOUND WHEN TURNING CORNERS, LEFT AND RIGHT.
Steering, Sep 17, 2019
2011 KIA OPTIMA FAVORS A PULL TO THE LEFT WHICH GROWS STRONGER AS THE SPEED INCREASES. THE PERSISTENCE IN REGARDS TO THE ISSUE IS SUBTLY DECREASED WITH A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, BUT QUICKLY RETURNS- RESULTING IN OVER 7 ALIGNMENTS IN 5 YEARS WITH ONLY 70K MILES. 3 SEPARATE KIA DEALERSHIPS HAVE INSPECTED THE ISSUE WITH ONLY A CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT BUT NO SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION. THIS ISSUE IS DANGEROUS AND REQUIRES CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE WHEEL TO FAVOR THE RIGHT PULL TO CORRECT THE FRONT LEFT PULL. A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE IS WHEN INCREASING IN SPEED, THE CAR WILL HEAVILY FAVOR A INSIDE PULL TO THE LEFT WHICH IS WORRYING. I'D LIKE A REGIONAL KIA RM TO HAVE A GO AT THE SITUATION.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 25, 2019
THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON THEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE BATTERY DISCHARGE KEPT POPPING UP ON THE DISPLAY THEN WENT OUT. ABOUT 10 MINUTES FURTHER, I LOST POWER STEERING. I MANAGED TO GET TO BASE EVEN THOUGH I RAN A RED LIGHT AND STOP SIGN BECAUSE THE CAR STARTED SPURTTERING AND FEELING LIKE IT WAS GETTING READY TO STALL. ONCE I MANAGED TO GET TO A PARKING LOT, MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT BUT I STILL HAD DASH LIGHTS. ALL THE ERROR LIGHTS CAME ACROSS MY DASHBOARD. I TOOK THE BATTERY TO ADVANCE, THEY SAID IT WAS LOW. THEY CHARGED IT AND SAID IT NEEDED REPLACED. THE BATTERY INDICATOR WAS STILL LIT SO I TOOK IT AND THEY CHECKED THE ALTERNATOR AND SAID IT WAS DEAD. I TOOK IT AND HAD IT REBUILT. EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK OK.
Steering, Jun 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, CLICKING AND KNOCKING NOISES WERE HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO KIA OF BEDFORD (440-735-4000, LOCATED AT 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS) AND AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CLICKING AND KNOCKING NOISES. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Steering, Apr 15, 2019
THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE VEHICLE SOLELY BEING STATIONARY. THE STEERING WHEEL JUST HAD MORE GIVE BEFORE IT WOULD ENGAGE THE TIRES. IT'S CONSISTENTLY GOTTEN WORSE TO WHERE NOW, WHILE DRIVING, HITTING A BUMP ON ANY KIND OF ROAD CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A VERY LOUD RATTLING NOISE. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND LOUDER. IT SEEMS TO BE LESS EXTREME IF YOU HIT A BUMP WHILE TURNING. MY VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES ON IT.
Steering, Mar 12, 2019
I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL KIA OPTIMA 2011. I BEEN HAVE A FEW PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALL JACK UP. THE PROBLEM IS THE PARTS THEY PUTTING IN THE CAR ARE CHEAP PARTS YES YU GET WHAT YU BUY. BUT KIA HAVE BEEN DOING A GOOD JOB REPLACING PARTS BECAUSE THEY KNOW HOW CHEAP THEY ARE. NO ONE SHOULD BE RIDING AROUND THE CITY AND THE CAR MAKING LOUD NOISES WHEN YOU HIT I HOLE IN ROAD OR EVEN A MAN HOLE ITS SOUND CRAZY. ITS LOUDER THEN MY RADIO. MY RADIO STAY ON MAX SO I TOOK MY KIA TO KIA WEST IN CLEVELAND OHIO. THE MECHANIC CALL BACK THIS MORNING 03 12 2019 STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK/ ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I UNDERSTOOD WHY IT NEEDED REPLACE. NOT BECAUSE I WEARED IT OUT . THE STEERING COUPLERS WAS START OF THIS PROBLEM. WITH A QUALITY PARTS THESE PROBLEMS WOULDNT COME UP. THE REPAIR BILL WAS 1035 WITH OUT LABOR COST. KIA HAVE TO DO RIGHT THING BY THE PEOPLE. THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL NEED TO BE PUT UNDER RECALL. OR SOMEONE GOING BE KILLED BY THIS ISSUE. WE ALL KNOW NO ONE WANT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEATH
Steering, Dec 14, 2018
THE STEERING COUPLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS GONE BAD CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE BADLY WHEN STOPPING AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE. SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE.
Steering, Oct 19, 2018
BAD PART IN STEERING COLUMN , THE PLASTIC COUPLER IS BROKEN AND IT MAKES A HORRIBLE SOUND AND WITH THAT PART BEING BAD IT COULD CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. I FIRST HEARD THIS NOISE DRIVING TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY
Steering, Aug 17, 2018
BAD PART IN STEERING COLUMN , THE PLASTIC COUPLER IS BROKEN AFTER 39400 MILES . THIS HAPPEN ON MANY KIA 'S AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS YET?
Steering, Jul 24, 2018
TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STARTED TURNING ON IN APRIL 2018 WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. HAD TO PULL OVER TURN CAR ON AND OFF. LIGHT TURNED OFF AND CAR WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY AGAIN. LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AND OFF BUT RECENTLY STARTED HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. TOOK IT TO KIA AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN INTERNAL MALFUNCTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY (SEE PAPERWORK). IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Jul 11, 2018
THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE FIRST HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO WHERE THE STEERING BOX FLEXIBLE COUPLER IS BRAKING APART INSIDE THE STEERING BOX. IF THIS WAS NOT FIXED IT COULD BE A TOTAL FAILURE TO WHERE YOU COULD LOSE YOUR STEERING ALL TOGETHER. KIA IS AWARE OF THIS AND IS FIXING IT FOR FREE. WHY ISNT THIS LISTED ON YOU SITE AS A RECALL AS SOMEONE'S LIFE COULD BE IN JEOPARDY OVER THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Jul 10, 2018
WHILE DRIVING,STEERING COLUMN STARTS RATTLING. GETS WORSE GOING OVER BUMPS. HAD STEERING COLUMN REPLACED 11 MONTHS AGO. THIS WEEK 7/1/8, THE COLUMN STARTED RATTLING AGAIN. MECHANIC STATED IT MIGHT BE A COUPLING IN THE COLUMN GOING BAD AGAIN.