How many transmission complaints does the 2011 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Optima, which is about 4% of the 593 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima transmission problems typically occur?

The median mileage at failure among these complaints was 36,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Optima transmission?

No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Optima.

Did the 2011 Kia Optima transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Optima.

How does the 2011 Optima compare to other years for transmission complaints?

The 2011 Optima had 25 complaints (4% share), lower in share than 2016 (73 complaints, 10% share) and 2020 (27 complaints, 18% share), based on NHTSA's year-by-year data.

2011 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Kia Optima, about 4% of that year's 593 total complaints. The median mileage at failure was 36,000 miles, with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported, and no related recalls on file.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 25; 4% of 593
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 36,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report violent jerking or lurching at highway speed with a loud bang and a temporary loss of ability to shift gears.
Some describe the transmission failing to engage after being placed in park, causing high RPM revving even with the brake fully applied.
Several owners describe sudden power loss while driving, with the engine and dashboard going dark for several seconds before returning to normal.
Multiple complaints describe engine hesitation or stalling at low speed, with the engine feeling like it is about to die for several seconds during acceleration.
Owners of the hybrid variant report the car failing to move in drive or reverse at cold start while a hybrid system malfunction icon appears on the dash.
One owner reported the transmission jerking hard when shifting into gear or park, along with a slipping sensation while driving.

When 2011 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 19, 2011, latest May 20, 2024.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2011 to May 2024; peak Jul 2011 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

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

201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2011 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Optima, which is about 4% of the 593 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima transmission problems typically occur?: The median mileage at failure among these complaints was 36,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Optima transmission?: No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Optima.
Did the 2011 Kia Optima transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Optima.
How does the 2011 Optima compare to other years for transmission complaints?: The 2011 Optima had 25 complaints (4% share), lower in share than 2016 (73 complaints, 10% share) and 2020 (27 complaints, 18% share), based on NHTSA's year-by-year data.