2011 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 52 brake complaints for the 2011 Kia Optima, 9% of that year's 593 total complaints, with 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. Median mileage at failure is 78,000. A related recall (23V652000) covers brake components on this and other Kia models.
- Brakes complaints
- 52
- 9% of 593
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 78,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brake pedal fails to slow or stop the vehicle even when pressed firmly or pumped repeatedly, sometimes while the car appears to accelerate on its own.
- Brakes make a thumping noise and lose stopping power, in one case tied to a Takata-related recall repair.
- Vehicle rolls backward or forward unexpectedly after being placed in park with the parking brake set.
- Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) warning light activates along with shaking and reduced braking effectiveness.
- A wheel detachment was linked to a broken axle component while braking was in use.
- Some owners report the vehicle needing to be restarted multiple times before brakes perform normally again.
When 2011 Kia Optima brake complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 31, 2011, latest Mar 26, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: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 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.
Brakes complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 52 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Optima, which is 9% of the 593 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Kia Optima?
- Yes. Recall campaign 23V652000, reported September 25, 2023, covers brake components on the 2011-2015 Optima along with several other Kia and related models. It advises owners to park outside away from structures until repaired.
- At what mileage do 2011 Optima brake problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2011 Optima is 78,000 miles.
- Have brake issues on the 2011 Optima caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries associated with brake complaints on the 2011 Optima.
- How does the 2011 Optima compare to other years for brake complaints?
- The 2011 Optima's brake complaints are 9% of its total complaints, lower than the 2012 (11%), 2013 (10%), and 2019 (11%) model years but higher than the 2016 (4%) and 2017 (3%) model years.