2011 Kia Optima Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (47% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became stiff. The "Steering Assist Fault" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear had failed. The dealer was contacted for a second opinion, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2024
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2023
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2023
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“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. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled and shut off on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 30,000.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2022
“My 2011 kia optima hybrid had an engine failure, car kept stalling so bought a 300 dollar battery. Well the car stalled again while driving, took it to the kia service center just to tell me the engine was blown. There's been several consumer complaints about engine failure on these vehicles so whats taking long to recall these engine mishaps. Called customer care and was informed with no help whatsoever. Several consumers have come out of pocket for these neglected engine failures and nothing is being done.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
“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. Kia refuses to recall this optima engine because its a hybrid although it has failed and has been recalled on multiple same year kia optimas due to metal deposits in the engine from factory.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2019
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2019
“There's a clunking in the steering . From what I've found on the forums this is a common problem . It appears to be a plastic coupler in the steering motor that deteriorates causing a metal on metal grinding. I noticed this while turning at at street corners or changing lanes on highway. NHTSA number: 10090941. This apparently has been reported before . Wanted to make sure my info was included .”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2018
“The engine has experienced what other kia engines have. Engine oil was either blocked or rapidly burnt up, causing the engine to spin a rod bearing, thus needing a new engine. Luckily I stopped driving immediately, preventing a fire; as has happened in other kia vehicles. Sadly, kia is refusing to warranty or recall the hybrid engines, even though many are experiencing the same issues.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2018
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 kia optima hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v363000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Smithtown kia (726 middle country rd, st james, ny 11780, (631) 724-8008) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
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. 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.
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. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
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. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Optima Hybrid years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Optima Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The most complained-about area is engine (47% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 91,250 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.