How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 143 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Optima, which is 24% of all 593 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Optima electrical system?

Yes, recall campaign 13V114000 covers the electrical system on the 2011 Optima along with several other Kia models and years.

Did the electrical problems cause fires?

NHTSA recorded 9 fire reports and 1 crash among the 2011 Optima's electrical system complaints, with no reported injuries.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported complaints is 85,337.5 miles.

How does 2011 compare to other Optima years for electrical complaints?

The 2011 Optima's electrical complaints made up 24% of its total complaints that year, higher than most other model years listed, such as 2013 at 13% and 2020 at 9%.

2011 Kia Optima Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 143 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Kia Optima, 24% of its 593 total complaints for the year, including 9 fires. A related recall (13V114000) covers the electrical system, and median mileage at failure was 85,337.5 miles.

Electrical System complaints: 143; 24% of 593
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 9
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 85,338 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Headlights dim or overheat while driving, sometimes melting the reflector inside the headlamp assembly.
Engine stalls suddenly at highway speed, sometimes accompanied by smoke, a burning smell, or loss of brake function.
Wiring near the headlamp or starter overheats or catches fire, occasionally leading to a full engine-compartment fire.
Low-beam bulbs burn out repeatedly every few months, with owners later discovering melted connectors or wiring damage inside the light assembly.
Key fobs or remote start systems fail to reprogram or start the vehicle, leaving owners unable to operate it.
Turn signal lever design allows the headlights to switch off accidentally during a turn.

When 2011 Kia Optima electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 27, 2011, latest Sep 7, 2026.

143 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (11).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima

NHTSA 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Electrical System980,377 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. 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. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Electrical System complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201014 (19%)
2011143 (24%)
2012146 (16%)
2013175 (13%)
201475 (13%)
2015150 (15%)
2016140 (19%)
201736 (14%)
201842 (18%)
201925 (12%)
202013 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 143 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Optima, which is 24% of all 593 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Optima electrical system?: Yes, recall campaign 13V114000 covers the electrical system on the 2011 Optima along with several other Kia models and years.
Did the electrical problems cause fires?: NHTSA recorded 9 fire reports and 1 crash among the 2011 Optima's electrical system complaints, with no reported injuries.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported complaints is 85,337.5 miles.
How does 2011 compare to other Optima years for electrical complaints?: The 2011 Optima's electrical complaints made up 24% of its total complaints that year, higher than most other model years listed, such as 2013 at 13% and 2020 at 9%.