2011 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Kia Optima: 5 recalls, 594 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V114000 · 2013 · 980,377 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V224000 · 2017 · 618,160 vehicles
What's wrong: Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process May cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Why it matters: Bearing wear May result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V363000 · 2018 · 507,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 33 mention a fire, 19 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (256): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (107), noise or vibration (88), warning light on (75).
- Steering (100): the most common themes are steering problems (86), noise or vibration (44).
- Exterior lights (88): the most common themes are warning light on (19), electrical failure (15), fire / smoke (4).
- Electrical (63): the most common themes are electrical failure (29), stalls / loses power (20), fire / smoke (18).
The 2011 Kia Optima has 594 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (1.6× the average Optima year). Complaints peaked in 2016 (79 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (75 complaints, 1 recalls), 2012 (919 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Kia Optima.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 594 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (256), steering (100), exterior lights (88).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.