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: other or unspecified
39 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2026
About six months ago, I lost the heated steering wheel functionality in my steering wheel, then from there, I slowly lost functionality like cruise control, and the most recent now my airbag and horn do not work. If you press on the horn, it is silent, and the airbag light has been illuminated consistently for the last couple of months. I had this issue diagnosed and it came up with the codes of B1346. And B1481. After some research, these issues are the result of a bad clock, spring and cause the airbag and horn not to work. Additionally, this issue is known to this model the 2011 Kia Optima, and has been recalled in most production cases of this vehicle, but my vehicle is not included. I received a quote for $876 from a dealership to get this corrected, but it should be included in the recall.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2024
Not sure what to do. I scheduled a recall fix for this HECU fuse with our city KIA dealer. When I went they told me I'd have to come back because they didn't have one in stock. No one ever called me again so I phoned to make an appt and the service manager never gets back with me at this dealership. Next dealership is an hour away. Please advise. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2024
I have gone to two Kia Dealers to get my recall on the HECU fixed and they will not help me. I was told that they did not have the part and did not know when they were receiving the part. I also called Kia and they were no help either. What next steps can I take to get this matter resolved. Thank you
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2024
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 24, 2024
On [XXX] while driving my oil light came on. Since I assumed I was low on oil, I proceeded to nearest gas station, approx 10 min.away, and added oil. I let engine remain off for approx.20 min. When I started the car up blue smoke began coming out from front and rear and there was a knocking noise. Since this is an engine that had already been replaced due to a recall, and now symptoms have returned I suspect engine might have failed again. I have always done my oil changes and have not had any issues. I had car towed towed to San Jose and contacted a mobile oil service to have oil drained out and replaced. When he was finished he said there were particles in oil removed and suspected engine had failed and I should not drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 21, 2024
NHTSA Recall
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2024
Unknown. The vehicle has this recall and Kia still doesn’t have a solution. It’s been more than 6 months and I want to ensure my car is safe to drive. I am unsure if there are any issues with my car, I am simply just wanting a remedy for this part if the car is being recalled.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2024
There's something going on at the Kia dealership in Wake Forest (Westgate). Per the current recall notice, the lights came on that were highlighted in the notice ( ”MIL” , ABS warning light) so I had my car towed into the dealership. They claimed my car had a bad battery and the problems were not due to the recall situation. I took my car out of there and straight to auto zone, about 200 feet from the dealership. My battery tested fine. Not only this, the lights (check engine, and others) were no longer illuminated and the radio was mysteriously working again. I'm not sure what they did to my car, but they charged me over $200 for a diagnosis. Not only this, they cited several other issues with the vehicle that I nor my master mechanic were aware of. They had my car for several days without so much as a phone call. In addition, while I was waiting for the keys to my car (which took 15 minutes to obtain), I overheard the other gentleman inform a kia owner via phone that her car was not covered under the warranty because she had over 150K miles on the car. I'm so disgusted. This is what happens every time we have to take a car into a dealership. They're full of baloney.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 26, 2023
Check engine has failed. Glow relay stuck on or knock sensor or engine warranty. I don't know. Kia service will find out what's wrong with my car.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2023
A recall has been issued for my 2011 Kia Optima. I received a letter from the NHTSA with my VIN on it. I am concerned about the safety of me and my family. I am being told that there is no remedy for the HECU. The recall says it can experience a fire in the engine compartment while parked or while being driven. I find that possibility quite scary. What am I to do? What is considered a reasonable amount of time for this to be fixed? The recall was issued nearly three months ago. Each day gets more and more frightening.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2023
My car won’t crank. Starter is not working. Ask if warranty or recall. Let’s see if they accept warranty for starter replacement. My car towed to Kia of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska where the car parked there right now. Please contact Kia at Lincoln and I better hope warranty are accepted and diagnostic are free too. Thank you!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2023
It appears I have a defective oil pump in the car which I think is what caused the engine to go bad to begin with. I am requesting that KIA of Denham Springs be authorized by the main office of KIA to install a new oil pump in my car after the new motor is installed, otherwise the new motor will probably go bad and will result in Kia having to install another motor for the car. I hope you can step in and assist me in getting a new oil pump installed as this would be a safety issue of the car breaking down on the road and could result in myself or other passengers possibly stranded on the highway . A engine compartment fire could happen if the engine gets too hot due to the deflective oil pump no keeping all engine parts oiled properly by the defective Oil Pump. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's office look into this matter. Thanks for your assistance Tommie McMorris 985-969-8995 email: tommieap@charter.net
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2021, fire
2011 Kia Optima caught on fire while driving. Car started smoking which was the only indication something was wrong then all the dashboard lights came on and brakes no longer worked. About half a block later I put the car in park and it slowed down enough for my 3 kids to jump out although the car was still moving. I was able to exit a few seconds later when it came to a full stop. Within minutes it had flames coming from under the hood that continued until the fire department was able to put it out. They said something electrical had caused the fire.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2021, fire
My kia optima got on fire while I was driving it
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 4, 2021
Safety: It appears the vehicle in question has had Engine, Electrical, and Driveability issues within less than 8,000 miles of it being on the road the First record of this vehicle show's one owner, purchased not from a Kia Dealership but a third party. The Carfax history showed there has been a driveability issue an ECM Module has been replaced twice? less than 30,000 miles? It's Believed that the warranty or millage has been used as a reason to deny repair and or Because as the Recall on the engine states it is undetermined as to what is causing a malfunction but it has or will result in fire. This becomes a liability for those who offer works on the vehicle. Something within the vehicle is without warning causing the vehicle to randomly fail while descending from 65-85 miles an hour. There are also sudden jerks that randomly accrue. rendering the car hard to maintain direction. Imagin a first-time driver attempting to handle this on a busy Highway in Texas - The day we acquired the car we took it to KIA to do a full inspection - oil change, etc- The report given was that there are no problems identified but a computer module may need to be changed. We also asked that they give us an appraisal it was at that point they said that the car had a salvage title. Which the seller who sold it us ARELLANO AUTO SALES sail the title was clean. Last year a recall on the engine was issued. the insurance company determined the vehicle a total loss since how the car was branded a lost because it appears Kia refused to Fix the car, While everyone else says they can't recreate the issue for fear of liability. So here are with a car that has an undetermined engine issue that causes other electronics to malfunction. The vehicle has been seen at KIA dealerships according to the carfax. It's been seen. By two other service facilities and all have come up with something that may needed to be service while nothing has fixed the car
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 28, 2021
Driving down Highway car shut off won’t start back up
Structure, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2021, fire
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A HIGHWAY AT TRAFFIC TIME WHEN I NOTICED A SMALL GAS ODOR MY BRAKES GOT REALLY HARD AFTER THAT I PULLED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WHEN I PULL THE HANDLE TO OPEN MY HOOD SMOKE AND FLAMES IMMEDIATELY CAME OUT, THE CAR ITS TRASH NOW POLICE TOOK IT TO IMPOUND BECAUSE OF THE FLUIDS THE CAR WAS LEAKING AND SAFETY ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2021
MY KIA HAS A LONG ACCELERATION LAG. IT IS SO DANGEROUS TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE. WHEN I PRESS GAS PEDAL VEHICLE DOESN'T ACCELERATE RANDOMLY, SOMETIMES ACCELERATE BUT SOMETIMES NOT. I DON'T HAVE ANY WARNING LIGHTS SHOW UP. NO CODES. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARM NEVER WHEN COLD. WHEN WARMER OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE THE MORE OFTEN I FEEL THIS ISSUE. LAST MY VISIT TO THE KIA DEALER DOESN'T RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THEY SAID NO CODES NO DIAGNOSIS. IN MY POINT, THIS IS A SOFTWARE OR CONTROL MODULE ISSUE. READING A LOT OF FORUMS I FOUND THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ACCELERATION LAG PROBLEM. ALSO, I'M FEELING THAT THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS CONCERN THAT CAN CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 4, 2020
THE KIA OPTIMA 2011 MOTOR NO LONGER WORKS AND SMOKE KEEPS COMING OUT WHEN IT'S ON AND TURNED OFF AFTER DRIVING FROM THE EXHAUST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK AND DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO MAKE THE CHANGE IN TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND BOTH OF THEM COME OUT WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSE. WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS A RECALLED CAR BECAUSE IT IS TO SOON FOR THE MOTOR TO BE SHUTTING DOWN SINCE IT ONLY HAS 81,000 MILES AND IT'S NOT AN OLD CAR. THE SUSPENSION IS ALSO NOT IN PROPERLY.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2020
SO ONE OF THE KIA DEALERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE REPLACED THE MOTOR IN OUR 2011 OPTIMA, EVER SINCE THEN OUR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN WORKING. I'VE HAD IT TESTED AND RECHARGED. STILL NO ACC. I HAVE DIAGNOSED NO POWER TO THE AC PUMP. ALSO THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NEW BULBS IN LOW BEAM AND ARE DIM..?? *TR
Other or unspecified, May 4, 2020
I WAS ON A CURVY BACK ROAD DOING ABOUT 45MPH APPLYING THE BREAKS NOT TO STOP BUT ONLY TO BREAK MY SPEED DOWN SOME IN ORDER TO GO AROUND THE CURVE. WHILE DOING SO MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, IT FEEL AS IF MY TIRES ARE SLIDING & IT FEELS LIKE MY BREAKS COULD BE LOCKED UP AS WELL. THE NEXT DAY I WAS GETTING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE ON A RAMP AND AGAIN APPLIED MY BRAKES TO BREAK MY SPEED DOWN AND THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN. MY WHEEL LOCKED UP, FELT AS IF MY BRAKES WERE LOCKED UP AS WELL & MY TIRES MAY HAVE SLID. I'M NOT NOTICING OF MY CAR IS SHUTTING OFF BECAUSE WHEN IT IS HAPPENING I'M TOO FOCUSED ON THE ROAD & NOT LOSING CONTROL. BUT I AM NOTICING THAT MY RADIO IS BOOTING UP. WHICH IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN I START UP MY ENGINE.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 6, 2020
I HAVE A THETA II TURBOCHARGED ENGINE 6 SPEED MANUAL AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET TAKING MY SON TO WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND WOULDN'T GO PAST 2ND GEAR. WE CALLED A TOW TRUCK HAD IT SENT TO MECHANIC THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND 2 P CODES CAME BACK FROM CRANKSHAFT AND CONTROLS AND SEIZED ENGINE. SO I HAD IT TOWED INTO WESTON KIA DEALERSHIP. PLUS I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN APRIL. THE DEALERSHIP SHIP CALLED ME SAYING THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND WIRING AND COMPUTER AND SENSOR CHIP. ALSO MY PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN BLINKING OFF 3 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND STILL IS. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK AND ROLLED WHILE IT WAS PULLED UP IN NEUTRAL AND HIT MY DAUGHTER AS SHE WAS RUNNING AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT IN HER KNEE CAP. I GOT MY CAR BACK FROM WESTON AND IT DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. SOMEONE PUT 380MILES ON MY CAR IT HAD A 1/2TANK OF GAS AND MY CLUTCH AND CLUTCH PEDAL AND GEAR SHIFT WAS WAY SHORTER AND 1/4 INCH OFF IN SHIFTER BOX. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 60 MPH WITH MY KIDS AND WE WERE LEAVING MY PARENTS HOUSE FROM XMAS. ALL OF A SUDDEN I ALMOST LIST CONTROL OF THE CAR MY CLUTCH PEDAL FELL TO THE FLOOR. I GOT US TO SAFETY ALMOST AVOIDING A HUGE WRECK AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM AND HAD NOTICED ON INVOICE THEIR TECHNICIANS HAD TIGHTENED UP BY BOLTS AND FLYWHEEL. WELL I GO OUTSIDE AND THEIRS FLUID ALL OVER THE PAVEMENT UNDER THE CAR BUT NONE ON INSIDE. THEY PAID FOR A TOW TRUCK AND BY THE WAY SINCE REPLACING THE NEW ENGINE I WENT FROM 34 MILES TO THE GALLON TO 20 AND PASSENGER AIR BAG STILL ILLUMINATED OFF. MY DEFROST ISNT WORKING NOW AND MY ENGINE LIGHT BLINKED 3XS. THEY WANT ME TO PAY 1500 FOR NEW CLUTCH.THEIR TECH ADJUSTED MY FLYWHEEL BOLTS AND CLUTCH CABLE. 65.00 EMERGENCY BRAKE AND 125.00 FOR TEST. IT ALREADY HAD ONE. FUEL LEAK?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 28, 2019
I WAS ON I 95 YESTERDAY IN THE EVENING HEADING HOME AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR WENT TO SHAKING IN THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING ON AND OFF I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO STOP THE CAR AS I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I SAT IN THE CAR WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING PART IN THE CAR CUT OFF BY ITSELF END IT ALL THE SUDDEN STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND ONCE I TURN THE CAR BACK ON.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2019
MY TRUNK LID OPENS MY IT'S SELF. I FIND IT OPEN IN THE MORNING & SOMETIMES DURING THE DAY.