2011 KIA Optima Recalls & Safety Issues
Official recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and safety issues from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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All Recalls
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.
NHTSA 18V907000Kia 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.
NHTSA 18V363000Kia 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.
NHTSA 17V224000Kia 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.
NHTSA 13V114000Kia 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.
NHTSA 23V652000Where to Find VIN for Recall Check
To check for recalls on your 2011 KIA Optima, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Recall Verification
Each character in your 2011 KIA Optima 17-digit VIN helps identify specific recalls affecting your vehicle. Learn how the VIN structure works for accurate recall lookup.
How to Check 2011 KIA Optima Recalls in 3 Steps
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2011 KIA Optima dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
Enter VIN in Checker
Input your VIN into our free recall checker tool above to search NHTSA database for safety recalls, TSBs, and service campaigns specific to your vehicle.
Review & Schedule Repair
Check the recall details including affected components, consequences, and remedy. Contact your KIA dealer to schedule free recall repair appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2011 KIA Optima have?
The 2011 KIA Optima currently has 5 recalls according to NHTSA records. All recall information is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.
Are 2011 KIA Optima recalls free to fix?
Yes! All safety recalls for 2011 KIA Optima vehicles must be repaired free of charge by authorized dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule a recall repair.
How do I check if my 2011 KIA Optima has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in our VIN decoder tool. The 17-character VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard visible through the windshield.
Where can I find my 2011 KIA Optima VIN number?
Your 2011 KIA Optima VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
What should I do if my 2011 KIA Optima has a recall?
Contact your nearest KIA dealership immediately to schedule a free recall repair. Bring your vehicle registration or VIN number. All safety recalls must be fixed free of charge by the manufacturer, regardless of vehicle age or mileage.
Are NHTSA recalls mandatory to fix on 2011 KIA Optima?
While not legally required for vehicle owners to fix recalls, it's strongly recommended for safety. However, dealerships and manufacturers must offer free repairs for all official NHTSA recalls on 2011 KIA Optima vehicles.