2011 Model Year

Kia Optima

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
584
Recalls
1
Crashes
23
Severe
68

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

13V114000 Apr 2013

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Engine
Sep 2026

I was driving in the highway doing about 80mph passing a semi truck when all of a sudden my vehicle went from 80 down to 50 mph and I was jerked forwa...

Structure
Feb 2026

While driving the Kia on the highway (in the passing lane on Route 93, Boston, MA), the hood of the car flew open and shattered the windshield. Prior...

Engine
Oct 2025

I was driving down the road with my 3 sons in the vehicle and all of a sudden the vehicle and engine seized completely up and turned off. I contacted...

Engine
Aug 2025

The Engine locked up while driving down the highway at 60mph. Not possible for inspection vehicle currently broke down at shop. I barely had braking p...

Structure
Jul 2025

Paint is peeling off in large pieces despite there being no damage. We have the pearl white color.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 2025

The car just keep doing weird stuff with the lights. It want go off all the time the key went work the cv joints are popping. Have to trigger the batt...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Jun 2025

Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) experienced an electrical short circuit and engine hardly running.

Air Bags
Apr 2025

The airbag warning light on the dashboard stays on continuously and will not go off.

ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. Th...

Engine
Jan 2025

Engine is knocking with check engine ligh on. Kia has a recall on my car for metal shaving in the engine during manufacturing process. I took it to Ki...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2011 Kia Optima has 584 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 23 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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