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Electrical systemPart report

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Electrical system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
18%of 34 total for the year
Median mileage
58,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, 18% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was driving on the freeway at roughly 60-70mph when the car suddenly began decelerating and not responding when the acceleration was pressed. This has happened 3 times since I have been on the roads. Kia is unable to find error codes or diagnose the issue even after providing them with video evidence.there have been multiple computer glitches but this has been the most severe.”

NHTSA complaint #10509684, filed 2013-04, 19,000 miles

“My vehicle don't start every time I tried to start it the electrical sit moves back and forward, I have to towed my car to the dealer for the third time, I am getting so frustrated that a new car has to be towed to the dealer because something its wrong, next month I will be out of warranty and then what I going to do? Please some one need to check the problems with this new vehicle its a nightmare for the citizens. I can't believe I have to pay for 4 years a car the I cant even reliable on, I am a busy mother of 3 children and this problem it's causing me stress and anxiety. …”

NHTSA complaint #10486653, filed 2012-12, 50,000 miles

“Engine misfire in cylinder # 1. The engine began to smoke, check engine (p0301) illuminated. Ignition coil was melted now car does not start. Engine failure. This happened on a short trip to the store limped the car back home. Kia refuses to recall this optima engine because its a hybrid although it has failed and has been recalled on multiple same year Kia optimas due to metal deposits in the engine from factory.”

NHTSA complaint #11182680, filed 2019-02, 99,500 miles

“Car stalled all of sudden with shudder on route 7 in virginia and then immediately was yaken into parking lot for safety reasons. In trying to park car would not shut off. The car was on for about fifteen minutes then randomly stopped. After another ten minutes car would not start and then randomly started. Car was asap driven with engine shudder back to home drivieway and parked for safety. Car now again would nit shut down and kept running. …”

NHTSA complaint #11061074, filed 2018-01, 66,000 miles

“Ecu malfunction causing misfire in cylinder one resulting in ignition coil melting and and causing electrical fire in engine bay while in motion on local street. Vehicle is now inoperable.”

NHTSA complaint #11195506, filed 2019-04, 99,700 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2017623%
2015542%
20141135%
20132239%
20122018%
2011618%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Engine
19 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology