2011 Kia Optima Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 269 engine complaints for the 2011 Kia Optima, 45% of all complaints filed for this model year. Median mileage at failure was 100,627. Two related recalls (17V224000 and 18V907000) cover premature bearing wear and fuel pipe issues tied to engine replacements.
- Engine complaints
- 269
- 45% of 593
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 23
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 100,628 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Sudden loss of power or stalling at highway speed followed by smoke from under the hood and engine fire.
- Engine makes a loud metal-to-metal knocking noise before a bearing or connecting rod failure, sometimes with visible engine damage.
- Vehicle decelerates abnormally then surges forward without driver input before losing power entirely.
- Fire starts in the engine bay while driving or shortly after parking, in some cases destroying the vehicle within minutes.
- Owners report smoke or fire linked to the starter area near the engine, requiring towing.
When 2011 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 29, 2011, latest Sep 7, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
- NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Engine 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 engine complaints does the 2011 Kia Optima have?
- NHTSA lists 269 engine complaints for the 2011 Optima, which is 45% of all 593 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2011 Kia Optima?
- Yes. Recall 17V224000 covers premature bearing wear from machining errors in engines built for 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento, and 2011-2013 Sportage. Recall 18V907000 covers a fuel pipe issue on vehicles that already had an engine replaced under 17V224000 or the Knock Sensor recall.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2011 Optima?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 100,627 miles.
- Did the engine problems cause fires or crashes?
- NHTSA records 23 fires, 10 crashes, and 6 injuries among the complaints filed for this vehicle.