NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Recalls & Complaints

The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 34 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 Kia Optima Hybrid owner complaints

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, describing incidents dated September 1, 2011 to April 10, 2024.

Most-cited components

Engine 19 complaints
Electrical System 6 complaints
Service Brakes 5 complaints
Air Bags 4 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 3 complaints

Of the 34 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 34 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11627468 · Filed November 26, 2024
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…
ODI #11596463 · Filed June 25, 2024
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…
ODI #11584874 · Filed April 24, 2024
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…

Read all 34 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid in 6 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ23-002: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Open since November 17, 2023
Engineering Analysis EA21-003: Engine Fires
Closed February 5, 2024
- Recall 23V-877
Defect Petition DP22-003: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 12, 2023
Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
- Recall 22V-063
Preliminary Evaluation PE19-004: Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Closed December 22, 2021
- Recall 20V-088
- Recall 20V-100
- Recall 20V-101
- Recall 20V-518
- Recall 20V-519
- Recall 20V-750
- and 2 more on the investigation page

1 more NHTSA investigation

Defect Petition DP18-003: Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Closed May 10, 2019

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire

NHTSA #23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,730,192 vehicles

Repair completion: 32.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC284 · Owners notified March 29, 2024

Recall group: Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Damage May Cause Fire

NHTSA #20V750000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported December 2, 2020 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 294,756 vehicles

Repair completion: 72.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC200 · Owners notified January 25, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

NHTSA #18V363000 · Air Bags — Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 507,587 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC165 · Owners notified September 28, 2018 · Vehicles built February 24, 2009 – August 31, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

34 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11627468

Incident: September 25, 2023 · Filed: November 26, 2024

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Engine

ODI #11596463

Incident: June 25, 2022 · Filed: June 25, 2024

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.

Engine

ODI #11584874

Incident: April 24, 2022 · Filed: April 24, 2024

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.

Steering

ODI #11582463

Incident: April 10, 2024 · Filed: April 11, 2024

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11557251

Incident: October 1, 2023 · Filed: November 28, 2023

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.

Power Train; Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes

ODI #11232147

Incident: July 15, 2019 · Filed: July 15, 2019

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

Engine

ODI #11204091

Incident: April 1, 2019 · Filed: April 27, 2019

MY ACTIVE AIR FLAPP SYSTEM IS DEFAULTING AND TRANSMISSION GOING OUT. NOT TO MENTION THE HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING

Engine

ODI #11203947

Incident: April 21, 2019 · Filed: April 26, 2019

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.

Engine

ODI #11196419

Incident: April 13, 2019 · Filed: April 15, 2019

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.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11195506

Fire

Incident: February 24, 2019 · Filed: April 10, 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.

Other Kia Optima Hybrid model years

Check your 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Optima Hybrid at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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