MYRModel Year Report

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

○ Not enough data
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:51:17.075Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
34
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

56% of complaints

Complaints per year

2011: 34 complaints 2011 34 2012: 108 complaints 2013: 55 complaints 2013 2014: 31 complaints 2015: 12 complaints 2015 2016: 4 complaints 2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 3 complaints 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint
2011: 34 complaints 2011 34 2012: 108 complaints 2012 2013: 55 complaints 2013 2014: 31 complaints 2014 2015: 12 complaints 2015 2016: 4 complaints 2016 2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 3 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020
2011: 34 complaints 2011 34 2012: 108 complaints 2012 2013: 55 complaints 2013 2014: 31 complaints 2014 2015: 12 complaints 2015 2016: 4 complaints 2016 2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 3 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020

2011: 34 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
201134
2012108
201355
201431
201512
20164
201726
20183
20190
20201

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

56% · 19 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine misfire in cylinder # 1. The engine began to smoke, check engine (P0301) illuminated. Ignition coil was melted now car does not start. Engine failure. This happened on a short trip to the store limped the car back home.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-26

Also filed under Electrical system

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Stop Vehicle" was displayed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-24

Electrical system

18% · 6 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ECU malfunction causing misfire in cylinder one resulting in ignition coil melting and and causing electrical fire in engine bay while in motion on local street. Vehicle is now inoperable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-10

Service brakes

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Power train

12% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

When applying gas pedal to pull away from a dead stop--such as a stop sign or red light---car stumbles and hesitates. At times car will not even respond when gas pedal is pushed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-08

Air bags

12% · 4 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall--I was involved in a motor vehicle accident with my 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. As the impact was pretty hard, the air bags did not deploy. My daughter was jerked forward and hit her face on the dashboard.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-20

While travelling at approximately 50 - 55 MPH on a highway a deer had ran across the road, in order to avoid a collision head on with the deer I took an evasive maneuver and unfortunately collided with the guardrail on the drivers side at...

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-24

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  2. R
    2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  4. R
    2021-01-25Engine20V750000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  6. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  7. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
  8. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  9. R
    2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V750000 · Engine
  • Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.