2011 Kia Optima complaints

Defect discovered by KIA September 2023 Affected owners not notified until November 2023 As of March 1, 2024, no updates. After six months, if no "fuse" is available, entire HECU should be replaced. Vehicle's exterior has significantly deteriorated since being required to park outside. Additionally, seriousness of fire hazard restricts use of car.

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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) can start a fire, I was informed not to park the car in a garage or near other cars, also it can also catch fire while driving the car!! I was notified months ago of this problem !! I called a KIA dealer that got me no where !! KIA recall #SC284TF

Known recall since Sept 2023, but Kia has not provided any dealerships with parts to repair (we have tried multiple dealerships within a 2 hour radius). Only recommendation is to "Park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until you have the recall performed" which is an unacceptable option for 6 months. Now check engine light is on and still no indication as to when it can be fixed. Kia is not offering a loaner or rental until issue resolved.

There's something going on at the Kia dealership in Wake Forest (Westgate). Per the current recall notice, the lights came on that were highlighted in the notice ( ”MIL” , ABS warning light) so I had my car towed into the dealership. They claimed my car had a bad battery and the problems were not due to the recall situation. I took my car out of there and straight to auto zone, about 200 feet from the dealership. My battery tested fine. Not only this, the lights (check engine, and others) were no longer illuminated and the radio was mysteriously working again. I'm not sure what they did to my car, but they charged me over $200 for a diagnosis. Not only this, they cited several other issues with the vehicle that I nor my master mechanic were aware of. They had my car for several days without so much as a phone call. In addition, while I was waiting for the keys to my car (which took 15 minutes to obtain), I overheard the other gentleman inform a kia owner via phone that her car was not covered under the warranty because she had over 150K miles on the car. I'm so disgusted. This is what happens every time we have to take a car into a dealership. They're full of baloney.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed smoke coming from an unknown location. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Car could catch on fire ,recall for 5 months not repaired yet!!!!

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and the malfunction warning lights were illuminated. 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 contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not 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 called the manufacturer, but it was an automated phone system. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

While driving on the road, I came to a stop at an intersection. While waiting for the green light the engine stopped running. I tried starting the car by pressing the brake and the push start button and the car only clicked and did not start. I pushed the car off the road. After several attempts to start the car it wouldn't start and it started smoking it looked like it was coming from the starter location. It appears that the engine seized and it won't turn over.

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. An unknown local dealer was contacted. 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.

Check engine has failed. Glow relay stuck on or knock sensor or engine warranty. I don't know. Kia service will find out what's wrong with my car.

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 while driving 37 MPH, he noticed a burning odor, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

A recall has been issued for my 2011 Kia Optima. I received a letter from the NHTSA with my VIN on it. I am concerned about the safety of me and my family. I am being told that there is no remedy for the HECU. The recall says it can experience a fire in the engine compartment while parked or while being driven. I find that possibility quite scary. What am I to do? What is considered a reasonable amount of time for this to be fixed? The recall was issued nearly three months ago. Each day gets more and more frightening.

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 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.

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, she smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle, prompting her to quickly exit. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact's wife observed flames emanating from the engine compartment. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. A police and fire report was filed, with no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. No warning lights were illuminated; however, the contact stated that he observed an intermittent check engine light in the months prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, and the vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

My Kia Optima is peeling paint around the top of the windshield. My car is beginning to rust. This is not normal. Reading online about this issue, and many people are seeing the exact same issue. My car is snow white in color.

The contact's fiance owned a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her fiance was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's fiance went outside to push the vehicle from behind while the contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact's fiance then noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood and pulled the contact out of the vehicle. The vehicle was then engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The police and fire department arrived on the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard; however, the insurance company was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,000.

My car won’t crank. Starter is not working. Ask if warranty or recall. Let’s see if they accept warranty for starter replacement. My car towed to Kia of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska where the car parked there right now. Please contact Kia at Lincoln and I better hope warranty are accepted and diagnostic are free too. Thank you!

I saw low battery due to fire risk or overheated cause of oil change. I don't know what's wrong with my car. Engine knocking bad if warranty coverage accepts. I hope safety recalls will be approved. Please help me!

Merging onto the highway & the car had rod kncok & went into limp mode very dangerous & a good thing we weren't hit by traffic. This is the SECOND engine kia has installed after allegedly "FIXING" thier issues the first time!!

The wheel fell off when I was driving the key axle completely broke the pipe off but I still don’t have it fixed I only had liability

It appears I have a defective oil pump in the car which I think is what caused the engine to go bad to begin with. I am requesting that KIA of Denham Springs be authorized by the main office of KIA to install a new oil pump in my car after the new motor is installed, otherwise the new motor will probably go bad and will result in Kia having to install another motor for the car. I hope you can step in and assist me in getting a new oil pump installed as this would be a safety issue of the car breaking down on the road and could result in myself or other passengers possibly stranded on the highway . A engine compartment fire could happen if the engine gets too hot due to the deflective oil pump no keeping all engine parts oiled properly by the defective Oil Pump. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's office look into this matter. Thanks for your assistance Tommie McMorris 985-969-8995 email: [email protected]

Low beam headlights on my 2011 KIA Optima with 150,000 miles are bright to look at them, however the beam pattern on on the roadway is terrible. I have tried replacing the bulbs with brightest bulbs, checked voltages and grounds. After checking over 10 forums I have found that the reflective service on the headlight housing has degraded and lost its reflective value causing a very safe condition. 1 person disassembled the headlight unit and installed foil tape, stating this corrected the issue. I have attempted to contact KIA with out a return response. I feel this should be a KIA recall issue.

The headlights fail to light up safely and can cause serious injuries or even death. You are unable to see 10 foot in front of the car on deem and bright lights you can only see 15 feet at the max.

After driving the car over 15 miles, the Check Brake Light comes on, activating my emergency brake, slowing the car down and preventing me to accelerate. This happens on the freeway, where traffic is fast and my decelerating car puts me and those around me at risk of collision. Once it occurs the first time, it happens again a few minutes later. I have to frequently veer off the side of the freeway, turn off the car, and then turn it on again for the Check brake light to go away and for me to travel once more. This has been a problem for a couple of years with me trying to get the issue repaired, and documented in my visits. Kia and other service operatives have repeatedly not been able to replicate the error in their care, however they never drive it long enough for it to occur. I’ve spent a lot of money now trying to fix this problem and have videos and photos of it occurring. The last time it was inspected they only drove it 6 miles and said there were a lot of little codes going off but weren’t again able to replicate the problem I had been describing. It first appeared 2 years ago and I can feel it start to come on when I’m not able to accelerate my car any further like there is an added resistance. This then amounts to the check brakes display to appear with the emergency brake icon always accompanying it. It makes a scraping, gargled sounds and slows down the car. Overall it has affected the overall drive of the car and braking system as it is growing harder to stop th

Blinking check engine light at 113000 miles on the car cuzs stalling while driving was worried about an engine fire I did read about on same model.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing, the contact heard a popping sound, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and he reinstalled the inner shaft. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.

As I would drive the vehicle a rattling noise would occur when every time I accelerate from stopping at a traffic light. Then the engine light appeared on the dash board. When I went to have the engine light checked the results came back about an oil gasket. I then got an oil change soon after. The rattling noise and the same acceleration problem still occurred. Soon after it gotten worst to the point couldn’t go faster then 10 mph and then the car kept shutting off.

Engine shakes and engine light flashes

While driving our 2011 Kia Optima on I-185 at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly had unresponsive accelerator and had decrease in power. Gauges were all normal range, no warning or indicator lights illuminated. I pulled over to the highway shoulder to clear traffic and placed car in park. Immediately light gray, then black smoke poured out from the hood. My wife and I evacuated the Kia just before the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The engine had been replaced in Sept 2021 due to a previous recall, and up to this incident the Kia performed within normal parameters.

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE EXTREMELY DIM. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO DRIVE IS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS WHICH ENDANGERS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER KIA OPTIMA DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT KIA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX THE ISSUE. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.

I was driving out of town and when I went to accelerate and the engine had seized, the brakes had locked up and I lost power steering which almost resulted in an accident. On the dash was showing the engine, oil, and esc light, which were not on the dash before and there was nothing wrong or weird going on with the car prior to the first incident to even indicate that something was wrong. Had to get the car towed home then realized there had been a recall on the engine. Contacted the kia manufacturer and they had towed it to a kia dealership where they replaced the engine. Waited 2 Months to get my car back, the dealership let me leave with the ABS and Eps light on the dash, and couldn't give me a reason why the lights were still on. I had it for 3 days, it drove okay and now it no longer drives nor does it start. I was stranded because the car wouldnt start again giving the same issues as before the recall repair was done, with only accessories turning on. On the dash it only shows Engine, Oil, Eps and battery light. Found the Serpentine belt already coming apart and misplaced, found strips of the belt laying in the bottom of the hood. Also had found out the entire engine block ROCKS BACK AND FORTH while car is in motion. If I had driven the car any longer the belt would have completely snapped and would most likely result in an injury or worse. With the Engine movement that is also going to cause other damages to the car and more safety hazards. I have not even known about

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was consistently topping off the engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was no smoke or abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

My 2011 Kia Optimas engine light started flashing and the car lost all power and had no RPMS over 1000-2000. I took it to the dealership where I was told it had a code P1326 and they replaced a knock sensor. The same day that I picked my car up from them I was going down the interstate and it shut completely off and wouldn’t crank. I had it towed back to the dealership where they said I would most likely need a new engine. A few days later they call and say the engine won’t be covered under the recall because of some hose they claim was leaking for the cooling system. They said it now had a blown head gasket which I’m not sure how because it never ran hot. This is absolutely ridiculous for customers to deal with so many delays and problems just to get the repairs on their vehicle that Kia has agreed to make. If my vehicle needed a knock sensor then obviously the damage to the motor is because of faulty manufacturing of parts and I shouldn’t have to pay for a new motor!

The paint is delaminating and peeling in the section just above the windshield. This started in 2019 and has steadily getting worse. My car color is "Snow White Pearl". I have attached pictures. I had assumed that this was due to the age of the car until I started looking for solutions to fix it and keep it from getting worse. I have found that this is apparently an issue with the paint and is not due to age as there are hundreds of testimonials of other KIA owners with the exact same issue, especially owners with the "Snow White Pearl" paint color.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel seized. After the steering wheel was released, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had previously had the steering column and steering rack replaced at the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The contact was then informed that the VIN was also included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Upon inspecting the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that there was bearing wear and the vehicle would remain at their location for two months for the repair. 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.

[XXX] While driving my vehicle it looses power and becomes inoperable at any time and any speed. The brake, engine and oil lights come on simultaneously and there is no longer power to the gas pedal. The vehicle then has to coast to safety off of the road. This is extremely hazardous and could potentially cause an accident. When applying the brakes during this time it makes a grinding sound as if the emergency brake has been engaged. My vehicle has been to the dealership and numerous of time but they say it’s not a problem. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact’s daughter stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would produce a clicking noise and shaking coming from the steering column. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the flex coupler replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 252,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

I as driving on the highway and all of a sudden the car would not accelerate. The engine light, oil light, air bag lights etc. all turned on. The speed quickly dropped but I was able to to move into the safety lane. The card finally stalled and would would not start. I tried turning it back on, but the engine would not crank. The lights, radio, AC would still turn on, but the engine would not start. I have maintained it's scheduled maintenance and I was under miles until it's next oil change considering I had just changed it a month ago. I took it to get checked and was advised there was no oil and the engine was seized. I never received a warning the oil pressure was low. My car is over the 10 years and/or 100,000 k warranty as it was purchased 8/2011.

When accelerating in traffic car will completely shut off for about two seconds. This kicks off the traction control and power steering is lost. This did not start happening untill the engine was replaced in June 2021.

On NOV. 26TH 2021, I was driving my car and upon trying to accelorate, my car felt as if it was about to stall out. I pressed the gas and I barely moved. My engine light went on immediately and it's constantly flashing now. The cars RPM's do not go past 1-1/2 RPM's. I can not pick up speed like before, like I should. My car now hesitates and I'm scared to drive it. I feel that it's dangerous cause I can not keep up with traffic. I found a RECALL letter that I have from July 12, 2017 in which I took it to the dealer at that time I received it. I alo found 2 other recall letters ( see pics ataached). I guess at that time when they checked it nothing was wrong BUT now I am having an issue and I feel it could be related. The recall number is: 17V224 follow up letter of one of the recalls. The recalls prior to that does not have a # on it: it states: ENGINE CONNECTING ROD on of the recalls. I'm hearing some knocking but it just happened and I havent driven it since Nov. 26th. a.m.The code that comes up as P1362, knocking sensor and can be a number of other things. And everything I read says the KNOCK sensor detects vibrations indicating an onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. and can severly damage the engine. I'm very concerned and I feel that this recall back in 2017 is now happening to my car. I have uploaded the recall I have in my possession. According to William Garcia( Billy ) the service guy I always usually worked with at Gunther Kia, all of my recalls were che

2011 Kia Optima caught on fire while driving. Car started smoking which was the only indication something was wrong then all the dashboard lights came on and brakes no longer worked. About half a block later I put the car in park and it slowed down enough for my 3 kids to jump out although the car was still moving. I was able to exit a few seconds later when it came to a full stop. Within minutes it had flames coming from under the hood that continued until the fire department was able to put it out. They said something electrical had caused the fire.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the headlights would dimly illuminate while in operation without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that his vehicle had been placed under warranty for the headlights; however, the warranty had expired. The contact had the vehicle inspected and was informed that the film inside the headlamp had melted and that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

I pulled out from a parking lot into traffic and not less then 5 seconds later the car sputtered once and then completely shut off in the middle of traffic. I was able to coast into the bike lane but was in fear that I would be rear-ended and possibly might incur injuries or harm would be caused to others due to the the manner in which I had not control or could prevent an accident occurring. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and was diagnosed on with Engine Failure/Engine Lock Code P1326 w/ Internal Kia Code SC147. The vehicle will not move. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms that would indicate engine failure and risk of a possible accident.

The safety of myself and other are put at risk being that my airbag light is on which means it is defective.

My kia optima got on fire while I was driving it