DecodedCars2011 Kia Optima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 34 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2011 midsize car (23.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (34 city / 38 highway), 55% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 544 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 2.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 25 to 36
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Optima →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 38 / 36 | +55% | $1,850 | 247 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +16% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | +16% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Optima | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +12% | $2,600 | 342 |
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Kia Optima.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Kia Optima (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Buick Regal | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Nissan Leaf | 73 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Engine · Dec 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 · Jun 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · 507,587 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- 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 install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 618,160 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · 980,377 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2011 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
544Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
21Involved a crash
31Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
98,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Kia Optima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 266 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 79 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Exterior Lighting — 76 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Optima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 153 |
| 2019 Optima | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 213 |
| 2018 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 244 |
| 2017 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 306 |
| 2016 Optima | 37 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 764 |
| 2015 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,020 |
| 2014 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 580 |
| 2013 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 10 | 1,352 |
| 2012 Optima | 36 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 917 |
| 2010 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2009 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 55 |
| 2008 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 3 | 60 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →