2011 Kia Optima

507 serious complaints of 627, the most about engine (275) and steering (102); per car on the road, 1.2× this model's usual year. 6 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires. NHTSA investigation RQ17003: scope and timeliness.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2011 kia optima. While driving approximately 60 mph, an abnormal sound emitted from under the hood of the vehicle and the check engine oil warning light flickered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod failed and the engine needed to be replaced.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Feb 2016

“The contact owns a 2011 kia optima. While driving at various speeds and making a turn, the steering wheel made a clicking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the steering coupling ring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jun 2015

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with DTC(s) P0442 or P0455. For vehicles in other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the evaporative… (TSB-SC135R1, Oct 2016)
• Extended coverage The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped. Kia's analysis has identified that this condition occurs mainly in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters due to the wear of the flexible coupling in the… (TSB-CHA072R2, Apr 2017)
• Extended coverage Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. would like to thank you for your purchase of a Kia Optima vehicle. (CS1604OWNR, Mar 2019)
• Extended coverage Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty004 - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc. Has extended the warranty coverage of the kia new vehicle limited warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014… (WTY004DEALERPSM, Jun 2016)
• Extended coverage Warranty bulletin: wty004 - 2011-2014 my optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (wty004) - this warranty bulletin provides information related to the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the engine short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting… (WTY004BULLETINR1, Jun 2016)
• Extended coverage Request for reimbursement form: cs1604 - 2011-2013 and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the flexible coupling in the mdps replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of… (CS1604FORM, Aug 2016)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

627 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26–36 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features