MYRModel Year Report

2011 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2011 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
593
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 593 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 593 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 593 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2011: 593 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

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

Engine

43% · 256 reports
CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show 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, 2026-08-20

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, 2024-05-24

My car cut off in the middle of the street causing a accident

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-23

Also filed under Electrical system and suspension

Steering

17% · 100 reports

Most commonly citing column.

Exterior lighting

15% · 89 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE

Electrical system

11% · 63 reports
CRASHFIRE

Service brakes

8% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2013-05-06

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2011Complaint volume 593 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
  4. R
    2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  6. 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 →

  7. R
    2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  9. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  10. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  11. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  12. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  13. 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 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 256 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 100 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 89 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.