repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2011 Kia Optima HybridProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 34 owner complaints about the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 26, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has problems
34 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Engine2 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
4Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
4Power train
3Vehicle speed control
3Service brakes, hydraulic
2Service brakes
2Steering
2Seats
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 19 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 2 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Optima Hybrid year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima Hybrid median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
6 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 18V-907
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 20V-518
In owners' words
What Optima Hybrid owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2011 Optima Hybrid?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.