2011 Kia Optima Hybrid — Model Year Report: verdict, complaints & recalls

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2011: 34 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2011	34
2012	107
2013	50
2014	31
2015	12
2016	4
2017	25
2018	3
2019	0
2020	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 56%

56% of complaints: engine — 19 distinct reports on file.

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, 20190226

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, 20240424

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

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, 20190410

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, 20190226

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

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, 20121108

AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20160920

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, 20160624

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

R 20180928 — air bags

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.

Campaign 18V363000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

R 20210125 — engine

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.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (19 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 18V363000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 20V750000 (engine) has been completed.
Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

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.