Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2011 Kia Optima has 5 recalls, 585 complaints, and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
5
Recalls
585
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
18V907000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine r...
18V363000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
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 vehicle...
17V224000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine ...
13V114000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 ...
23V652000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Op...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2011 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2, 2026 | ENGINE | I was driving in the highway doing about 80mph passing a semi truck when all of a sudden my vehicle ... |
| Jan 31, 2026 | STRUCTURE | While driving the Kia on the highway (in the passing lane on Route 93, Boston, MA), the hood of the ... |
| Jan 15, 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V6... |
| Jul 23, 2025 | STRUCTURE | Paint is peeling off in large pieces despite there being no damage. We have the pearl white color. |
| Jun 20, 2025 | ENGINE | The Engine locked up while driving down the highway at 60mph. Not possible for inspection vehicle cu... |
| Jun 14, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | The car just keep doing weird stuff with the lights. It want go off all the time the key went work t... |
| Apr 20, 2025 | AIR BAGS | The airbag warning light on the dashboard stays on continuously and will not go off. |
| Feb 19, 2025 | ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an ... |
| Jan 3, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) experienced an electrical short circuit and engine hardly r... |
| Sep 24, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V6... |
| Sep 23, 2024 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a notchy feel... |
| Sep 20, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Not sure what to do. I scheduled a recall fix for this HECU fuse with our city KIA dealer. When I... |
| Aug 31, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have gone to two Kia Dealers to get my recall on the HECU fixed and they will not help me. I was ... |
| Aug 30, 2024 | ENGINE | 2 weeks ago my 2011 Kia Optima's engine died while driving. I am the 2nd owner of the car and bought... |
| Jul 19, 2024 | SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES | After getting HECU recall done , it has caused issues with the HECU module to where the brake lights... |
| Jun 26, 2024 | ENGINE | Mi carro estaba bien ninguna luz de testigos prendidos de pronto iba por la carretera conduciendo se... |
| Jun 24, 2024 | STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1- Steering wheel. Yes 2- Not sure if something was going to happen while driving whether da or nigh... |
| Jun 19, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | May 13, 2024, we received a letter from Kia America that parts were available to correct the fire ha... |
| Jun 19, 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Recall states to not drive vehicle due to HECU which can result in an engine compartment fire. I hav... |
| May 20, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | I could not brake and almost caused a car accident. Brakes gave out, no gas, it smelled like it was ... |