2011 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
Social links
Common 2011 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to engine failure, steering problems, fuel system issues, malfunctioning interior accessories, electrical problems, and brake failures.
Engine failure is the most significant issue with the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. This problem occurs frequently under 100,000 miles, with an average repair cost of over $4,500.
Steering problems are another common issue with the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. Some owners have reported steering issues, including a hard-to-turn steering wheel and difficulty maintaining a straight line while driving.
Fuel system issues have also been reported in the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. Some owners have experienced problems with the fuel gauge, which may not accurately reflect the amount of fuel in the tank.
Malfunctioning interior accessories are another problem with the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. Some owners have reported issues with the power windows, power locks, and audio system.
Electrical problems have been reported in the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. Some owners have experienced problems with the battery, alternator, and electrical wiring.
Brake failures are a significant safety concern with the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. Some owners have reported issues with the brake system, including brake lockups and difficulty stopping the vehicle.
In addition to these problems, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has been recalled for safety-related defects or non-compliance with U.S. safety standards. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Overall, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has several common problems that can be costly to repair and may pose safety concerns. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider purchasing a different model year or a different vehicle altogether.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Kia Optima?
There are four recalls affecting the 2011 Optima. Including the stop lamp switch, bearing wear in the engine, airbags, and high-pressure fuel pipe leaks. Most serious is engine bearing wear, which causes the high number of failures.
Is the Kia Optima Hybrid a good car?
#4 in Best Midsize Cars of 2020
The 2020 Kia Optima carries on as an attractive midsize sedan offering good fuel economy, technology, value and everyday ease of use. It's also available as a 45-mpg Optima Hybrid or an Optima PHEV that can run up to 28 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine is needed.
Are 2011 Kia Optimas good cars?
Overall handling for the Optima is hardly memorable, but it's certainly pleasant and better than average for the segment. Both of the regular four-cylinder engines are impressive. They produce best-in-class power and are paired with responsive and smooth-shifting transmissions.
What is the life expectancy of the battery in a Kia Optima Hybrid?
150,000 miles
Hybrid car battery replacement should be performed every 150,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first). Bear in mind that this is not a guarantee, but an average figure for how often hybrid battery replacement should be performed.
2011 Kia Optima hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Kia Optima hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2011 Kia Optima hybrid
The NHTSA has received 33 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Kia Optima hybrid. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2011 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles.
2024-06-25
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-25
- VIN: KNAGM4AD6B5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was cleaned and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot and park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer and failed to restart. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be serviced because it was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and to Kia Campaign Number: SC200. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
2024-04-24
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-24
- VIN: KNAGM4AD1B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
2024-04-11
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- VIN: KNAGM4ADXB5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
2023-11-28
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: KNAGM4ADXB5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
2019-07-15
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-15
- VIN: KNAGM4AD4B5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING (IN FORWARD MOTION), WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO EITHER THE BRAKE OR PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SLOW ITSELF RAPIDLY LOSING ACCELERATION.; A RUMBLE CAN BE HEARD THERE IS CONSISTENT BEEPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE SLIGHTLY. A YELLOW TRIANGLE WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT AND THE WORDS CHECK BRAKE APPEARS IN THE DRIVERS DISPLAY; ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE INCREASES THE RPMS BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SLOW RAPIDLY. NOT IDLE AS IF IT WERE NOT IN GEAR, BUT JUST AS IF THE DRIVER WAS BREAKING SUDDENLY. THE ONLY KNOWN METHOD OF CORRECTING THIS IS TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT. HOWEVER, THIS STOPS WORKING AS A SOLUTION AFTER A FEW DAYS AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE RESTARTS YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKE PEDAL RELEASE. THIS HAS OCCURRED RANDOMLY AT LEAST 20 TIMES IN THE PAST BEFORE UNTIL EVENTUALLY IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AT ALL. AT SPEEDS RANGING FROM 25 MPH ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS TO 70 MPH ON BUSY FREEWAYS. I SINCERELY FEAR THAT IF NOT CORRECTED IT WILL LEAD TO A (POTENTIALLY FATAL) VEHICLE COLLISION. I ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A NEAR-BY KIA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN CA. AFTER MONTHS THE CAR WAS RETURNED AND IT CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITHIN A DAYS. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE MALFUNCTION AS ALSO. I HAVE VIDEO OF THIS AS WELL. THIS NEEDS TO IMMEDIATELY BE CORRECTED AND THE TECHNICIANS NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HOW TO FIX IT RATHER THAN EXPERIMENTING ON OWNERS VEHICLES FOR MONTHS OR WEEKS TO THEN RETURN IT WITHOUT RESOLUTION. WHY SHOULD I OR ANY OTHER KIA OWNER BEAR THE BURDEN OF THESE UNNECESSARY COSTS, INCONVENIENCE, AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITIONS. KIA NEEDS TO RESPOND I AM SURE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE AND SHOULD COME FORWARD IMMEDIATELY FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF ALL. *TR
2019-04-27
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD5B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY ACTIVE AIR FLAPP SYSTEM IS DEFAULTING AND TRANSMISSION GOING OUT. NOT TO MENTION THE HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING
2019-04-26
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-21
- VIN: KNAGM4AD4B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
2019-04-15
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-13
- VIN: KNAGM4AD3B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER IN CAMP SPRINGS, MARYLAND TO HAVE AN ANALYSIS DONE AND TO INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG RECALL FROM DMV. ONE OF THE ISSUES WAS TO CHECK MY FLUIDS AND TO SEE WHY MY CAR HESITATES AND MAKES A CLANKING NOISE AFTER DRIVING A PERIOD OF TIME. NOW, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. JUST WHEN IT WAS DRIVEN FOR A FEW HOURS STRAIGHT. ONE OF THE DEALERS SERVICE REP REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL. AFTER READING THE REPORT, I WOULD CONSTANTLY CHECK THE OIL. WHEN I FIRST NOTICE THE CLACKING NOISE, I WOULD CHECK THE OIL. THERE WAS PLENTY OF OIL IN THE CAR, HOWEVER, MY COOLANT CONTAINER WAS LOW. PURCHASED COOLANT FOR THE VEHICLE. A MONTH LATER, THE CONTAINER WAS ALMOST EMPTY AGAIN. APPARENTLY, THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. NOW I HAVE AN ENGINE PROBLEM.
2019-04-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAGM4AD2B5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
2019-03-25
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD1B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: OUR CAR BEGAN EXHIBITING A CLACKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING THAT WOULD WORSEN WITH ACCELERATION. WITHIN 1-2 DRIVES, IT QUICKLY PROGRESSED TO BE QUITE LOUD AND CONSTANT, SO WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. WE WERE INFORMED THAT OUR ENGINE HAD THROWN A ROD AND WOULD NEED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. WE ARE JUST OUTSIDE THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW IN 2012 (YES, THE YEAR AFTER THE MODEL DATE, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PRICE BREAK IN BUYING OLD STOCK), SO IT IS STILL A FAIRLY YOUNG ENGINE TO BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS OTHER NON-HYBRID KIA AND HYUNDAI MODELS FROM THE SAME YEAR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN RECALLED, BUT NOTHING ON THE HYBRID VEHICLES, DESPITE THAT WE WERE ALSO TOLD THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM.
2019-02-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAGM4AD2B5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
2018-12-25
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-18
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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 .
2018-09-25
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD7B5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
2018-09-11
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD9B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
2018-08-16
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD7B5
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* 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 COUNTY RD, ST JAMES, NY) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY DEFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2018-08-12
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-20
- VIN: KNAGM4AD3B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD CYCLICAL KNOCKING SOUND. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALER WHOSE REPORTED DIAGNOSIS WAS "CHARACTERISTIC OF ROD BEARING FAILURE" AND WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE ONLY REMEDY WAS TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. INFORMED BY LOCAL DEALER THAT KIA HAD DECLINED THE CLAIM TO HAVE IT REPLACED AND THAT THE ONLY COURSE OF ACTION WAS TO TAKE IT UP WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS. AFTER MULTIPLE CONVERSATIONS WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS (INCLUDING A 2 WEEK TIME LAPSE DURING WHICH THEY WOULD TAKE OUT CALLS BUT NOT NOTIFY US OF DECISIONS MADE UNLESS WE CALLED THEM), WE WERE FINALLY INFORMED THAT EVEN THOUGH ALL OTHER 2011 KIA OPTIMAS HAD BEEN RECALLED UP TO 125,000 MILES, FOR "ROD BEARING FAILURE" AND THUS HAD THEIR ENGINES REPLACED, OUR 2011 KIA OPTIMA WAS NOT COVERED FOR ROD BEARING FAILURE BECAUSE IT WAS A HYBRID. THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST IN ANY WAY WITH REPLACING THE ENGINE EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH KIA OPTIMAS. THE LOCAL DEALER OFFERED A USED ENGINE FOR THE WHOPPING PRICE OF $5474.17 WITH NO WARRANTY OR TO REBUILD THE ENGINE WITH PARTS THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER FROM KOREA FOR A WHOPPING TOTAL OF $5710.75. THE LATTER OPTION WOULD INCLUDE A 12,000 MILE WARRANTY BUT WOULD REQUIRE A LENGTHY WAIT ON THE PARTS TO ARRIVE FROM KOREA. EVIDENTLY, KIA DOES NOT KEEP NEEDED PARTS IN THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES WHICH SOUNDS SKETCHY AT BEST. AFTER MUCH DELIBERATION AND AGONY, WE WILL SELL THE CAR FOR SCRAPS. WE CANNOT RISK SPENDING ALMOST $6000 ON A CAR AND COOPERATION THAT WE NOW HAVE VERY LITTLE FAITH IN. WE WILL NEVER OWN A KIA AGAIN.
2018-05-16
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-30
- VIN: KNAGM4ADXB5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING ON RAMP TO I10 IN CHANDLER AZ , SUDDENLY I'VE LOST POWER ON THE CAR, NO WARNING LIGHTS ON OR ANY SOUND HEARD .I COAST TO THE EMERGENCY LINE AND TRY TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. AAA TOW THE CAR TO KIA DEALER AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE IS SEIZED. ONLY 64000 MILES . NO WARNING LIGHTS ON , NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON .
2018-02-26
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-10
- VIN: KNAGM4A75B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CROWLEY KIA (223 BROAD ST, BRISTOL, CT) WHERE THE ENGINE WAS DEEMED DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.
2018-01-07
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-06
- VIN: KNAGM4AD1B5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR STALLED ALL OF SUDDEN WITH SHUDDER ON ROUTE 7 IN VIRGINIA AND THEN IMMEDIATELY WAS YAKEN INTO PARKING LOT FOR SAFETY REASONS. IN TRYING TO PARK CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE CAR WAS ON FOR ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES THEN RANDOMLY STOPPED. AFTER ANOTHER TEN MINUTES CAR WOULD NOT START AND THEN RANDOMLY STARTED. CAR WAS ASAP DRIVEN WITH ENGINE SHUDDER BACK TO HOME DRIVIEWAY AND PARKED FOR SAFETY. CAR NOW AGAIN WOULD NIT SHUT DOWN AND KEPT RUNNING. ON BITH TIMES WHILE CAR REFUSED TO SHUT DOWN THE GAUGE SHOWED CEHCK ENGINE EPS LIGHT AND INDICATED THAT CAR NEEDS TK BE PUT IN PARK MODE EVEN THOUGH CAR WAS JN PARK MODE. GEARBOX WOULD NOT SHIFT AND CAR DID NOT RECOGNIZE LOWER GEAR MODES AS IT KEPT SAYING CAR IS NOT IN P. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SAID THEY WERE CLOSED DUE TO WEEKEND. WILL NOW NEED TO TOW THE CAR AS IT WILL NOT START SINCE PREVIOUS INABILITY TO SHUTOFF PROBABLY HAS KILLED BATTERY.
2017-11-30
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-30
- VIN: KNAGM4AD3B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND AND THEN THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. I WAS FORCED TO SWITCH LANES AND GET OFF THE NEAREST EXIT.
2017-08-18
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-30
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A VERY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS DRAGGING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN KIA DEALER IN IRVINE, CA. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE TORN DOWN TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A ROD BEARING AND THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PAN; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS FREE OF SLUDGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS THE THIRD OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED FOR FREE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO A PREVIOUS UNKNOWN RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, WHICH WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2017-07-17
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD7B5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY ENGINE DID EXACTLY AS THE RECALL ON THE NON-HYBRID ENGINES. LOST OIL PRESSURE, OIL INDICATOR CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS ENGINE SEIZED ON HIGHWAY DURING DRIVING. DEALERSHIP REFUSING TO INCLUDE MY CAR ENGINE IN RECALL BECAUSE OF HYBRID -EVEN THOUGH IT HAS A GAS ENGINE. KIA CORPORATE CONTACTED AND STATED THEY WERE WILLING TO "WORK SOMETHING OUT" WITH IT IF DEALERSHIP WILL CONTACT THEM. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO DO THIS YET. LIKELY LEGAL COUNSEL WILL HAVE TO BE CONTACTED. INSURANCE ADJUSTER ALSO COMMENTED DEFECTIVE PART LIKELY CAUSE. GOOD THING I DID NO HAVE CARDIAC ISSUE -HAD TO WAIT IN HEAT ON HIGHWAY DURING SUMMER MORNING FOR TOW TRUCK AFTER SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE IN TRAFFIC WHILE EXITING ON TO THE HIGHWAY. ALSO FORTUNATE THE CARS BEHIND ME DID NOT HIT ME CAUSING MORE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY. STILL TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE.
2017-05-29
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING MY KIA, AS I APPROACH A STOP AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS, THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD - ALMOST AS IF A CAR IS HITTING US FROM BEHIND. IT IS FORCEFUL AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. NOW, AFTER ONLY 5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR HAS SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE STREETS.
2017-05-25
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-23
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TIRES, SIZE: P215/55R/17 93B (NA). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER LANE TO REMOVE THE TIRE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED AND ASSISTED THE CONTACT WITH REPLACING THE TIRE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. DUE TO THE FAILURE OCCURRING IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN TO A SAFE ZONE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FRED BEANS FORD OF MECHANICSBURG DEALER LOCATED ON 6320 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE EXPERIENCED A PREMATURE BLOW OUT. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE RIM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRE COULD BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE RIM WAS AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO MAIL IN THE DEFECTIVE PARTS ALONG WITH PICTURES, RECEIPTS, AND OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.
2016-09-20
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAGM4AD6B5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL--I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. AS THE IMPACT WAS PRETTY HARD, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY DAUGHTER WAS JERKED FORWARD AND HIT HER FACE ON THE DASHBOARD.
2011 Kia Optima hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2011 Kia Optima hybrid.
2023-09-25
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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.
2020-12-02
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- 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.
2018-06-01
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Kia Optima hybrid problems:
2011 Kia Optima Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/kia/optima/2011
Oct 25, 2021 ... How Long Will the 2011 Kia Optima Last? Based on owner reviews and data, a 2011 Optima will last 150,000 miles if properly maintained. Engine ...
2011 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2011-kia-optima/problems
Top 2011 Kia Optima Problems · Door Locks Malfunction Not Allowing Driver or Passanger to Open Their Doors · Faulty Throttle Position Switch · Software Update ...
2011 Kia Optima. Only found about the engine replacement ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/kia/comments/13gkuea/2011_kia_optima_only_found_about_the_engine/
May 13, 2023 ... 2022 AT4x Engine Seized at 15.5k miles? 1 upvote · 12 comments. r/FordMaverickTruck icon. r/FordMaverickTruck · 2023 Hybrid Maverick issues...
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Q&A: Common Problems & Transmission ...
https://www.justanswer.com/kia/jnizs-drive-2011-kia-optima-hybrid-just-recently-started.html
Jun 25, 2022 ... If you find this in the pan. The transmission will likely need to be rebuilt. Being the residue is the clutch material from the clutch pack. The ...
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Battery has gone bad | Kia Optima Forums
https://www.optimaforums.com/threads/2012-kia-optima-hybrid-battery-has-gone-bad.172506/
Mar 16, 2021 ... ... Kia Optima gets a 15year 150k battery warranty. I have issues with my 2011 where I keep getting P1B74 but I was able to get the car to ...
Other years of Kia Optima hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2011 Kia Optima hybrid?
Leave your review of 2011 Kia Optima hybrid