Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid battery system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a short circuit fuse and a failed hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the battery and the fuse needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to assist with fifty percent of the repair cost for the replacement of the hybrid battery. …
While driving our 2011 Kia Optima on I-185 at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly had unresponsive accelerator and had decrease in power. Gauges were all normal range, no warning or indicator lights illuminated. I pulled over to the highway shoulder to clear traffic and placed car in park. Immediately light gray, then black smoke poured out from the hood. My wife and I evacuated the Kia just before the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The engine had been replaced in Sept 2021 due to a previous recall, and up to this incident the Kia performed within normal parameters.
I was having trouble with my left driver tire. 2 mechanics went to test drive the car to see what the problem was. As they were driving, the car died. They got it started but it ran horrible back to the garage. When they pulled in the driveway of the garage, the car started on fire. It was an engine fire but undetermined what exactly was the cause. The vehicle was looked over by the insurance claims adjustor. I am not sure if sluggish driving had anything to do with the fire. The car is totaled.
I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [redacted]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-652 / Kia SC284TF involving the HECU fuse. The dealership replaced the HECU multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally. The same day I picked the vehicle up after the recall repair, the vehicle began dying while I was driving. I also noticed a burning smell. I returned the vehicle to Rockwall Kia. Their August 31, 2026 repair order documents my complaint and states that the vehicle would die while driving and that this problem "DID NOT BEGIN UNTIL AFTER RECALL COMPLETED." The repair order instructs the technician to inspect whether the recall was completed properly and diagnose the concern. …
As I would drive the vehicle a rattling noise would occur when every time I accelerate from stopping at a traffic light. Then the engine light appeared on the dash board. When I went to have the engine light checked the results came back about an oil gasket. I then got an oil change soon after. The rattling noise and the same acceleration problem still occurred. Soon after it gotten worst to the point couldn't go faster then 10 mph and then the car kept shutting off.
Unknown. I just checkes the VIN # on this vehicle because I just bought it and saw that it has 4 recalls. But recently I have been smelling gasoline when I drive it long distances and sometimes when I am in town. It gets bad, even my kids complain about the smell. Im not sure if there is a problem but if so I would like for it to be corrected.
I was driving my car on a highway at traffic time when I noticed a small gas odor my brakes got really hard after that I pulled to the emergency lane and when I pull the handle to open my hood smoke and flames immediately came out, the car its trash now police took it to impound because of the fluids the car was leaking and safety issues.
Driving on interstate, out of nowhere engine light started flashing and engine seized, car lost all momentum, had no "get up and go" pushing on the gas pedal did nothing, going up hill was almost impossible. Took car to local auto shop, they could hear some noise but weren't sure what. Per invoice 7/26/19: checked codes: p0011 a camshaft position timing over advanced, p00114 b camshaft position timing over advanced; p1326 engine damage alert for driver. Engine was noisey and ran very rough, oil level was low and black (we saw nowhere that it was leaking oil, no spots anywhere). Changed oil and add lucas engine stabilizer, engine quieted and runs much smoother. Clear codes, test drive, watch scan data. No codes, possible early stages of engine damage if codes return inspect timing chain and control devices. …
Engine failure..bought in 2013 w 14,000 miles.currently has 68,000.check engine light came on last year.Kia would only pay for 1 spark plug.then,l paid to have a new fi system put in.l was never reimbursed.dec 20,driving down a busy highway w my kids and engine shuts off with no warning.then,the check engine light came on along with weird smells of gas and burning.took it to the dealer and no issue.took it back again on dec 21,but no techs available.dec 23,l was driving my kid to work,engine shook,check engine light came on flashed and a big boom.car was going 5mph while it was clicking.l got it towed(after Kia motors had the audacity to try to make me pay for a [email],but l refused)thru my insurance co.as the car sat,a big cloud of smoke came from the engine,we though that it was catching on fire.called Kia motors....omg,the worst.l just got a rental today and approved for engine …
The fuel injector required replacement. The car sputtered and came to a complete stop without warning. It sputtered while driving on the highway; it came to a complete stop at the moment that I moved onto the exit ramp. The dealership performed a full diagnostic and reported that the fuel injector required replacement. While repairing the injector, the mechanic reported that the catalytic converter was damaged due to the injector leaking and clogging the converter. No codes alerted myself, or the mechanic to these issues. The mechanic reported that neither issue was covered under the engine recall.
Fuel System complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2011 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2011 Kia Optima, 5% of the model year's 594 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Optima fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2011 Kia Optima, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 3 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.