Model year guide

2011 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 195 on record.

2011 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints593
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$10,653

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Kia Optima recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #18V907000 · 19/12/2018

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 repl…

Fix: 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.

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #18V363000 · 01/06/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Fix: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to i…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #17V224000 · 31/03/2017

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #13V114000 · 01/04/2013

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, …

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 593 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2011 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,317

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$7,200
Typical price
$10,653
High
$14,100

From 192 comparable 2011 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,585
Depreciation (5 yrs)$8,350
Total$19,935
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($10,653) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,326), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · SX · Hybrid · EX Turbo · GL · GLS · TOP
Engines
2.4L · 2.0L

2011 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima SXKNAGR4A6XB5185594 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima SXKNAGR4A64B5058937 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A70B5153082 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima SXKNAGR4A64B5133393 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A70B5169525 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A79B5079970 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima EXKNAGN4A77B5144439 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A78B5149345 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima EX TurboKNAGN4A68B5136275 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A76B5175510 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima HybridKNAGM4AD7B5003458 2011 Kia Optima EXKNAGN4A78B5097017 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima EXKNAGN4A77B5148068 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A71B5067439 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A71B5110001 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A73B5152704 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A75B5160111 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A75B5081313 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima SXKNAGR4A68B5135552 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A72B5088574 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A71B5133911 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima LXKNAGM4A71B5118079 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima SXKNAGR4A62B5142027 2011 Kia Optima 2011 Kia Optima EX TurboKNAGN4A6XB5160853

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2011 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Optima?

Based on 593 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Kia Optima at about 27 mpg combined (23 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2011 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2011 Kia Optima listings run roughly $7,200–$14,100, typically around $10,653 (from 192 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.