NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — control unit/module. Owners filed 34 complaints, most often about engine. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 10 model years of this model in the database, 2011 ranks #1 for number of recalls.
Service brakes, hydraulic — Control unit/moduleCampaign 23V652000 · 25 Sep 2023
Park outside — fire risk
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
EngineCampaign 20V750000 · 02 Dec 2020
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Air bags — Air bag/restraint control moduleCampaign 18V363000 · 01 Jun 2018
Problem: 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.
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 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 34 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Engine19 · 56%
Electrical system6 · 18%
Service brakes5 · 15%
Power train4 · 12%
Air bags4 · 12%
Hydraulic3 · 9%
Vehicle speed control3 · 9%
Steering2 · 6%
When complaints were filed
20122
20133
20141
20163
20175
20188
20197
20231
20244
From owner complaints
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…
Front driver seat feels like it rotates/slides upper rt corner about 3 inches from the side. Then lower lt side about the same 3 inches from side. 3 months fighting kia for what i think is a safety repair. Still has not been resolved. I test drove another hybrid 5k less miles, that did not have the issue. The second…
My vehicle don't start every time i tried to start it the electrical sit moves back and forward, i have to towed my car to the dealer for the third time, i am getting so frustrated that a new car has to be towed to the dealer because something its wrong, next month i will be out of warranty and then what i going to…
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.
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.