Vehicle recalls by model year

2011 Kia Optima recalls

Every NHTSA recall campaign that covers the 2011 Kia Optima, newest first.

5 recalls on record for the 2011 Kia Optima. The most recent was on Sept. 25, 2023. Owners also sent NHTSA 593 complaints (since 1995).

Most often about: air bags (1), engine (1), engine and engine cooling (1), exterior lighting (1), fuel system, gasoline (1), service brakes, hydraulic (1). 1 of them came with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. A recall applies only to the vehicles in it: check your VIN with Kia or NHTSA to see whether yours is included and still needs the repair.

Owner complaints to NHTSA

593 complaints about the 2011 Kia Optima were sent to NHTSA since 1995; 23 mention a crash, 33 a fire, 19 injuries.

Engine256recall on record
Steering100
Exterior Lighting88recall on record
Electrical System63
Unknown Or Other39
Air Bags31recall on record

I was having trouble with my left driver tire. 2 mechanics went to test drive the car to see what the problem was. As they were driving, the car died. They got it started but it ran horrible back to the garage. When…
Aug. 20, 2026 · Engine

I have replaced the headlights in my 2011 Kia Optima multiple times but no matter what without the brights on, the road is not at all illuminated making it impossible to see at night. When you look at the car head on…
June 2, 2026 · Exterior Lighting

Complaints are owners' own reports to NHTSA; NHTSA has not confirmed them. Many complaints about one part can lead to an investigation or a recall. Read them on NHTSA.

NHTSA investigations

7 on record

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires AQ23002 · opened Nov. 17, 2023 · open
Loss of Motive Power DP22003 · opened Sept. 12, 2022 · closed Dec. 12, 2023
Engine Fires EA21003 · opened Dec. 22, 2021 · closed Feb. 5, 2024
Throttle control system vulnerabilities DP21003 · opened Nov. 12, 2021 · closed June 20, 2023
Non-crash Vehicle Fires PE19004 · opened March 29, 2019 · closed Dec. 22, 2021
Non-crash Vehicle Fires DP18003 · opened Aug. 21, 2018 · closed May 10, 2019
Scope and Timeliness RQ17003 · opened May 18, 2017 · closed Dec. 22, 2021

An NHTSA investigation is a review of a possible safety defect. Opening one is not a finding that a defect exists; it can close with a recall or without one.

All 2011 Kia Optima recalls

Sept. 25, 2023Kia Borrego, Cadenza, Forte and others: Control unit/module Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015…
Dec. 19, 2018Kia Optima, Sorento, Sportage: Engine Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine…
June 1, 2018Kia Forte, Forte Koup, Optima and others: Air bag/restraint control module 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…
March 31, 2017Kia Optima, Sorento, Sportage: Engine Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine…
April 1, 2013Kia Amanti, Borrego, Forte and others: Switch Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011…