2011 Kia Optima engine problems
264 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2011 Kia Optima, which is 34% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 264 34% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 101,000 miles 206 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 22
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 1
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 11 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 9 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 26 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 46 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 44 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 32 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 15 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 10 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 7 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Of the 206 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 101,000 miles, and 11% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 6 crashes, 22 fires, 5 injuries, 1 death.
What owners wrote
My husband was driving a 2011 kia optima when the car veered off the road and burst into flames. My husband was killed upon impact with a tree.
In march 2016, our kia optima seized on the onramp to the I-10 speed going at 45 MPH without any warning. When it stalled the car in back of us nearly hit us. There was no warning the engine was failing as in signs or warning light. After getting towed to the mechanic, the inspection found that only 1 cup of oil was found in the engine. The engine had no signs of engine problems or oil leak. Maint. Per owner's manual was done since I bought the car brand new in 2011.
Other problems reported for the 2011 Kia Optima
- Steering 100 complaints
- Lighting 89 complaints
- Electrical system 63 complaints
- Brakes 47 complaints
- Air bags 31 complaints
- Fuel system 26 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 24 complaints
- Body & structure 21 complaints