The Lemon Index2011 Kia Optima.
The 2011 Kia Optima is about average by owner complaints: 84 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 85, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 26 to 36 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 628 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 55K to 119K miles on the car (451 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 80K–130K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 12K–98K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 58K–105K miles
Recalls 5
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- airbags 2018
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- engine 2017
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
- lights 2013
Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 283 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Installing an additional ground cable to the battery may cause sensor problems
- Ecm upgrade - steering logic improvement - this bulletin provides information related to the…
- 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
2011 Kia Optima. Consumer states problems with vehicle steering
2011 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 10429688
More owner reports
My 2011 Kia Optima pulls left and the dealer states this is normal operation. The vehicle meets factory alignment specs but still pulls hard to the left.
NHTSA complaint 10407033
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Kia Optima reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 85; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2011 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (26%), electrical (17%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Optima have?
5 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Optima get?
26 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 55,800 and 119,000 miles. The middle report was at 90,000 miles, from 451 complaints.
Does the 2011 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Kia Optima have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works