2011 Kia Optima
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 107 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 166 |
| 2008 | 143 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 592 |
| 2012 | 919 |
| 2013 | 1379 |
| 2014 | 583 |
| 2015 | 1006 |
| 2016 | 754 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 231 |
| 2019 | 205 |
| 2020 | 142 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: engine — 255 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
I was having trouble with my left driver tire. 2 mechanics went to test drive the car to see what the problem was. As they were driving, the car died. They got it started but it ran horrible back to the garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260820
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact called on behalf of an insurer who owned a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the client was on the highway driving at an undisclosed speed, he was flagged down to be told their vehicle was releasing smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240524
MY CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET CAUSING A ACCIDENT
NHTSA ODI report, 20171123
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SUSPENSION
17% of complaints: steering — 100 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column.
15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 89 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
FIRE10% of complaints: electrical system — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE8% of complaints: service brakes — 47 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON APRIL 25TH, 2013, I DROVE FROM THE ATLANTA AREA TO SHANNON, GA. NEAR ADAIRSVILLE, GA. I STOPPED A THE GATE PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SET THE BRAKE. BEFORE I COULD GET OUT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD SMASHING THE GATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130506
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: 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
Campaign 13V114000 — check if this car was fixed
Scope and Timeliness
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 17V224000 — check if this car was fixed
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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
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)...
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Engine Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (255 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (100 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (89 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V114000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V363000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Kia Optima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Optima have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.