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
593 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAIN REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE CAR FAIL TO START' THIS TIME THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO, AND DROPPED AT THE KIA DEALER. AT THE END OF THE DAY WE CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY HAD FOUND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THE TECHNICIAN THAT WAS WORKING ON IT, MENTION THAT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS UNCOUNTED FROM THE TOW TRUCK, THEY TRY AND SWITCH THE CAR; NEVERTHELESS, THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. HE SAID THAT THEY SWITCH IT OFF AND ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AND WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHAT AM I TO DO? ALL I WANT IS FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. I WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT THE FEAR OF BEING STRANDED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
HAD JUST FINISH BRINGING MY WIFE HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL, AFTER SURGERY, AND NEEDED TO STOP AT THE PHARMACY. AFTER PICKING UP A COUPLE OF PRESCRIPTIONS WE GOT IN THE CAR, AND TRY TO SWITCH THE CAR ON, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I COULD TELL THAT THE BATTERY HAD PLENTY OF POWER, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT EVEN TURN. IT WAS ALMOST AS IF THE IGNITION WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE REST OF THE CAR. I EVEN PUT IT ON NEUTRAL TO SEE IF I WOULD START, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I KEEP ON TRYING FOR ALMOST HALF HOUR, AND WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO CALL A TOW TRUCK I ATTEMPTED TO START IT AGAIN, AND IT FINALLY TURN AND STARTED. RIGHT NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH LESS THAN 20,000 THOUSAND MILES THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL LEAVE ME STRANDED. *TR
Power train, Apr 3, 2012
AFTER 1-2 MILES OF DRIVING AFTER COLD START, ENGINE CONTINUES TO REV UP BUT CAR COME TO ROLLING STOP. AS IF NO POWER IS BEING TRANSFERRED FROM ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION/DRIVE SYSTEM. THEN TURN CAR OFF FOR A MINUTE, RESTART AND CAR RUNS OKAY. DASH ICON INDICATES TROUBLE WITH HYBRID SYSTEM. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE FIRST INCIDENT. DEALER FINDS NOTHING WRONG. CAUSES AN EXTREME HAZARD WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Air bags, Feb 28, 2012, crash
I WAS STOPPED, 2ND IN POSITION, AT A STOP LIGHT. I WAS REAR ENDED BY A NISSAN SENTRA DOING APPROXIMATELY 50 TP 55 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT IN THE REAR, PUSHING THE FRONT INTO A DUALLY. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I STRUCK MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS WONDERING WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT LEFT BUMPER WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AS THE LEFT REAR BUMPER. IN ALL, THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TOWARDS THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND A CAMBER KIT WAS INSTALLED ON THE SUSPENSION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Air bags, Feb 21, 2012, crash
I WAS TRAVELING 55MPH BEHIND A VEHICLE WHO SUDDENLY SWERVED OUT OF THE WAY INTO THE RIGHT HAND LANE. THERE WAS A CAR STOPPED IN THE LEFT HAND LANE, UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME I STRUCK THE BLACK JEEP LIBERTY IN THE REAR BUMPER MORE TOWARD THE DRIVER SIDE WITH THE THE PASSENGER FRONT BUMPER OF MY CAR. ( KIA OPTIMA) MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I DID STRIKE MY HEAD, ALTHOUGH I AM NOT SURE IF I HIT IT ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE GLASS TOP. MY CONCERN IS MY SEATBELT DID NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY ALLOWING ME TO STRIKE MY HEAD. AND AGAIN THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Visibility, Feb 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, A ROCK STRUCK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BOTTOM CORNER AND SHATTERED THE GLASS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE MOLDING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT SECURE. THIS FAILURE RECURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,535 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,537.
Steering, Wheels, Jan 28, 2012
THIS IS A BRAND NEW HYBRID. SINCE INITIAL PURCHASE THE CAR HAS BEEN OBSERVED TO STEER TO LEFT ON ITS OWN AT LOWEST SPEEDS. TIRE PRESSURE HAS BEEN CHECKED WEEKLY AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AS PER SPECS. CAR STILL VEERS TO LEFT. ON RESEARCHING HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ALL 2011 KIA OPTIMAS INCLUDING OTHER MODELS. CONTINUOUSLY OBSERVED THIS FOR NEXT 500 OR SO MILES AND THEN TOOK TO DEALER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE BUT SAID KIA CORPORATE HAS NOT NOTIFIED THEM OF ANY ISSUE SO THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AS THIS HYBRID CAR IS TOO NEW. THE SAME ISSUES HAS BEEN REPORTED ON OTHER KIAS NON HYBRID AS WELL.THE DEALER WAS DULLES KIA IN LEESBURG, VA . I WOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT COSMETIC ISSUES BUT ON A BRAND NEW CAR SUCH SAFETY ISSUES ARE TROUBLESOME ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALERS HAVE NO CLUE. DEALER INDICATED THESE ARE NEW CARS WITH NEW POWER STEERING MODULES AND HENCE THEY HAVE SEEN LOT OF THESE CASES. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPLACE ASAP. NHTSA NEEDS TO ISSUES SAFETY RESEARCH. THE CAR ON HIGHER SPEEDS ALSO PULLS TO LEFT AND IS DANGEROUS WITH WINDY CONDITIONS. *TR
Power train, Jan 22, 2012
I HAVE A 2011 KIA OPTIMA EX, WITH THE NAVIGATION PACKAGE. I HAD A STRANGE INCIDENT WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT. AFTER DRIVING FOR 15 MINUTES, I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO REV VERY HIGH. I PUT MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED IN TO NEUTRAL, BUT IT KEPT REVVING VERY HIGH, SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT STILL REVVED VERY HIGH-- ROARING. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AGAIN AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. STARTED IT AGAIN 5 SECONDS LATER AND IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE ROARED REVVING VERY HIGH. TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AGAIN AND THEN IT STARTED NORMALLY. MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME AND THERE WERE NO OBJECTS TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. *TR
Steering, Jan 16, 2012
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2011 AND WITHIN SEVERAL DAYS, NOTICED THE CAR WOULD PULL LEFT AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN OR EVEN CHANGING LANES TO THE LEFT. THINKING IT WAS JUST AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE 6 TIMES, EACH TIME THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT. RECENTLY I NOTICED BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING EXCESSIVELY, WITH LESS THAN 14000 MILES, AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TIRES. SINCE THE NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE, LIKE IT WAS WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. NOW AT THE DEALER FOR THE 6TH TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT KIA HAS NEW ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS, THE 3RD SET OF ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS KIA HAS HAD IN LESS THAN A YEAR. I WAS TOLD ALSO TOLD THAT THIS ISSUE WAS IN PART DUE TO THE NATURE OF ELECTRONIC STEERING. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND AN EXCUSE, NOT A REASON. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT INADVERTENTLY DEACTIVATED THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER WAS PUSHED DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE END POINT OF THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER INCLUDED A KNOB THAT CONTROLLED THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH EASILY ROTATED TO DEACTIVATE THE HEADLIGHTS WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY AVAILABLE FOR THE ISSUE AND THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE COMPROMISED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,300. UPDATED 02/15/12*BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 02/29/12
Vehicle speed control, Dec 29, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. BLACK SMOKE THEN BEGAN TO RISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 7,000.
Steering, Seats, Dec 21, 2011
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2011 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID AND THE CAR PULLS HEAVILY TO THE LEFT EVEN ON STRAIGHT ROADS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT AND THEY SAY IT IS WITHIN SPECS BUT IT ACTS THE SAME. IF YOU LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A COUPLE SECONDS YOU'RE ON THE SHOULDER. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SECOND ISSUE IS THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE BOLTED DOWN IN ONE BOLT OUT OF FOUR. THE DEALER INSTALLED THE MISSING BOLTS BUT THIS MAKES ME REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THE QUALITY CONTROL AT KIA. WHAT ELSE MIGHT THEY MISSED? I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED HAD I BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION BEFORE NOTICING THIS. UNACCEPTABLE! *TR
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2011
PURCHASED MY BRAND NEW KIA OPTIMA IN MAY 2011. FROM THE ONSET THE REMOTE START NEVER WORKED ON THE FIRST TRY, EVENTUALLY IT DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. IN AUG NOTICED THAT THE HORN WASN'T SOUNDING RIGHT, EVENTUALLY IT DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE HORN TO BE REPAIRED AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A BAD FUSE. 1 WEEK LATER HORN WAS OUT AGAIN. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THEY WOULD ORDER 2 NEW HORNS AS THEY WEREN'T SURE WHAT WAS THE CAUSE. BOUGHT THE CAR IN TO HAVE HORNS INSTALLED THEY SAY "WE NEED TO ORDER A NEW MODULE FOR YOUR CAR" ALTHOUGH THE HORNS WERE WORKING, I FIGURED THE MODULE WAS THE REASON THE HORNS WENT BAD IN THE FIRST PLACE. I CALL TO WEEKS LATER, THEY STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED THE PARTS (STRANGE). I MENTION THAT NOW THE REMOTE START IS COMPLETELY OUT THEY SAY "WE KNOW, THAT IS WHY WE ORDERED THE MODULE" (WHY WASN'T THIS EXPLAINED TO ME??). OCT 2011 I SPEND YET ANOTHER SAT MORNING AT THE DEALER. AN HOUR AND A HALF IN THEY SAY WE CANT FIGURE THIS OUT WE NEED TO ORDER THE SCHEMATICS ON THIS CAR...YOU WILL NEED TO DROP THE CAR OFF NEXT WEEK. I LEAVE THE CAR FOR OVER A WEEK, THEY CALL TO SAY THEY ARE ORDERING A WHOLE NEW REMOTE START SYSTEM. WHEN I PICK UP THE CAR THE REMOTE START IS STILL WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, THE ALARM IS GOING OFF AT RANDOM AND THE SUNROOF WILL NOT CLOSE. I RETURN THE CAR THE FOLLOWING WEEK THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE REMOTE START, ALARM HASN'T SOUNDED AND THEY JUST NEEDED TO REPLACE THE FUSE FOR THE ROOF. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THEY DID BUT THEY DID SOME SORT OF REPAIR, NO PROB WITH EITHER SINCE THEN. TODAY DEC 12, 2011 I HAVE CALLED TO TELL THEM THAT THE HORNS ARE COMPLETELY OUT AGAIN, "THEY SAY BRING HER IN AND WE WILL TAKE A LOOK AT HER". I HAVE NO DESIRE TO SPEND A DAY AT KIA DEALER ONCE A MONTH. IN FACT, I NO LONGER HAVE A DESIRE FOR KIA PERIOD. I AM CONTACTING BBB'S LEMON LAW ASSISTANCE TODAY. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 27, 2011
KIA OPTIMA LX 2011 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT 4 MILES IN ODOMETER. PROBLEM 1 LESS THAN A MONTH: STEERING VEERING TO THE LEFT AN RIGHT. HAD TO STEER THIS CAR TO TRACK STRAIGHT. THE DEALER PERFORMED MINOR ALIGNMENT IN OCTOBER. CAR CONTINUES TO VEER LEFT AND RIGHT. TOOK CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECH STATED THE FRONT END OFF BY 2 DEGREES AND STATED HE PERFORMED THE ADJUSTMENT. THE STEERING PROBLEM NOT FIXED. PROBLEM #2: CAR WAS PARKED WITH FUEL READING 42 MILES TO EMPTY. RETURNED TO START CAR. WILL NOT CRANK AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. TOWED THE CAR TO DEALER. CAR CRANKED UPON DE-TOW AT THE LOCATION. BUT STILL LEFT THE CAR FOR WHY IT WILL NOT CRANK IN THE FIRST PLACE. RETURNED 4 DAYS LATER. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAR WAS EMPTY OF GASOLINE, EVEN WHEN FUEL READER CLEARLY INDICATED 42 MILES TO EMPTY. KIA PAID FOR RENTAL FOR 4 DAYS ($100). I WAS FURTHER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND ON BACK ORDER. THE STEERING PROBLEMS AND THE STALLING ISSUES ARE SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS SINCE THE LANES, ARTERIAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE DAILY ARE CONGESTED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT HAD THE DEALER PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT TWICE AND BOTH THE STRUTS AND THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 347 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,672. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ UPDATED 01/23/12*JB
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2011
PURCHASE AS A NEW CAR ON JUNE 20,2011 FROM KIA DEALERSHIP. FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHIN FIRST MONTH. THE REMOTE START CONTINUALLY FAILED AT STARTING THE VEHICLE. WHEN PRESSING THE REMOTE START BUTTON THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE CAR ALARM WOULD SOUND OFF IMMEDIATELY. SECOND PROBLEM THAT OCCUR WITHIN FIRST MONTH IS THE GAS DOOR ON OUTSIDE WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN PRESSING THE GAS BUTTON ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. IT REQUIRED YOU TO KEEP PRESSING GAS BUTTON REPEATEDLY BEFORE IT WOULD OPEN THE OUTSIDE DOOR TO PUMP GAS. THIRD PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE THIRD TO THE FOURTH MONTH OF THE PURCHASED VEHICLE IS THE SOUND TO THE CAR HORN FAILED. WHEN I WENT TO BLOW MY HORN, THERE WAS NO SOUND WHICH ALSO LEAD TO NO SOUND ON THE CAR TO INDICATE THAT I HAD LOCKED THE VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE CAR-LOCK. THE LOST SOUND TO THE HORN AND TO THE VEHICLE HAS RECENTLY FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME AFTER RECENTLY BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Nov 2, 2011
THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AND SOMETIMES TO THE RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO HANG ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT. THE PULLING TO THE LEFT IS MORE PROMINENT. I TOOK IT IN ON SEPT 20TH FOR THE FIRST TIME. THEY SWITCHED THE WHEELS BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN ON OCT. 7TH AND AT THIS TIME THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED STILL. ON OCT 9TH I WAS DRIVING OFF A THRUWAY RAMP WHEN THE CAR ALMOST SWERVED INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT BACK ON OCT. 13TH BECAUSE I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THEY STILL HAVE SAID VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2011
DEFECTIVE KEY FOBS. THEY CANNOT BE REPROGRAMMED AND YOU BECOME STRANDED WITH NO WAY OF STARTING THE AUTO. DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED FOUR TIMES TO REPROGRAM THE KEY FOB WITHOUT SUCCESS. THERE IS NO WAY TO START OR OPERATE THE CAR WITH THE MECHANICAL KEY. CAN BECOME A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF YOU ARE IN AN ISOLATED AREA! *TT
Seats, Oct 13, 2011
THE OWNERS MANUAL, SECTION 3, PAGE 8 DESCRIBES THE "FORWARD AND BACKWARD ADJUSTMENT" OF THE HEADRESTS IN THE 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE HEAD RESTS DO NOT ADJUST AS DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPLAINS THIS AS A "TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR." THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE HEAD REST IS DESIGNED SO THAT IT THRUSTS DRAMATICALLY FORWARD. IF THE SEAT IS SITTING UPRIGHT ONE MUST TILT ONES HEAD FORWARD TO ACCOMMODATE THE HEAD REST OR THE SEAT MUST BE LEANED BACKWARD SUCH THAT AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS 5' 2" TALL CAN NOT SEE OUT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Oct 8, 2011
I PURCHASED MY OPTIMA SX TURBO WITH LESS THAN 50 MILES ON IT. I GOT THE TURBO WITH 274 HP BECAUSE IT WAS THE CLOSEST I COULD GET TO A HOT ROD WITH FOUR DOORS. I HAVE SEND THIS INFORMATION TO KIA IN HOPES OF RESOLUTION. THE CAR'S ACCELERATION IS FANTASTIC, ESPECIALLY FROM 40-50 WITH GAS PEDDLE FLOORED. HERE IS THE PROBLEM. THE FRONT END RISES AND THE WEIGHT SHIFT MAKES THE CAR FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ABOUT TO PULL A WHEELIE. AT THIS POINT I QUESTION THE TRACTION OF THE FRONT TIRES. IT CANNOT BE THE SAME AS WITH NO SEVERE ACCELERATION. THIS TAKES AWAY THE REASON I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH THIS SPECIFIC ENGINE. ALSO THINK ABOUT THIS SCENARIO. A FAMILY IS DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN. THEY WANT TO PASS AN 18 WHEELER GOING UP A GRADE. ACCELERATION IS INCREASED AND WITH WEIGHT SHIFTED BACK OFF THE FRONT WHEELS, THEY CRASH. THE CAR NEEDS EITHER STIFFER SUSPENSION OR ABILITY TO CHANGE THE SUSPENSION. WHEN I FLOOR IT, THE WEIGHT RATIOS OVER ALL WHEELS MUST NOT CHANGE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 6, 2011
2011 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE STEERING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WOULD OFTEN VEER TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT. *JB
Structure, Sep 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A STORM HER VEHICLE WAS FLOODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE VENTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO LET WATER OUT BUT SINCE IT WAS SITTING IN THE WATER IT SEEPED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,200.
Steering, Aug 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TOWARD THE LEFT. IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WOULD BE APPLID TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,425.
Power train, Jul 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE WITH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, WHEN IT ROLLED BACKWARDS FOR APPROXIMATELY TWENTY FEET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,036.