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EnginePart report

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Engine Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
56%of 34 total for the year
Median mileage
99,700miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, 56% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,700 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“Driving on ramp to i10 in chandler az , suddenly I've lost power on the car, no warning lights on or any sound heard .I coast to the emergency line and try to start the engine again but nothing happened. Aaa tow the car to Kia dealer and they said the engine is seized. Only 64000 miles . No warning lights on , no engine check light on .”

NHTSA complaint #11094133, filed 2018-05, 64,000 miles

“While driving, the engine began making a loud cyclical knocking sound. We had it towed to the local Kia dealer whose reported diagnosis was characteristic of rod bearing failure and we were informed that the only remedy was to have the engine replaced. Informed by local dealer that Kia had declined the claim to have it replaced and that the only course of action was to take it up with Kia consumer affairs. …”

NHTSA complaint #11119469, filed 2018-08, 104,253 miles

“My 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid had an engine failure, car kept stalling so bought a 300 dollar battery. Well the car stalled again while driving, took it to the Kia service center just to tell me the engine was blown. There's been several consumer complaints about engine failure on these vehicles so whats taking long to recall these engine mishaps. Called customer care and was informed with no help whatsoever. Several consumers have come out of pocket for these neglected engine failures and nothing is being done.”

NHTSA complaint #11203947, filed 2019-04, 91,000 miles

“Our car began exhibiting a clacking noise when driving that would worsen with acceleration. Within 1-2 drives, it quickly progressed to be quite loud and constant, so we took it to our local dealership. We were informed that our engine had thrown a rod and would need to be completely replaced. We are just outside the 100,000 mile warranty and bought the car brand new in 2012 (yes, the year after the model date, taking advantage of the price break in buying old stock), so it is still a fairly young engine to be having this problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #11191408, filed 2019-03, 126,000 miles

“Took my car to the dealer in camp springs, maryland to have an analysis done and to install a new air bag recall from dmv. One of the issues was to check my fluids and to see why my car hesitates and makes a clanking noise after driving a period of time. Now, it didn't happen all the time. Just when it was driven for a few hours straight. One of the dealers service rep reported that the engine was burning oil. After reading the report, I would constantly check the oil. When I first notice the clacking noise, I would check the oil. …”

NHTSA complaint #11196419, filed 2019-04, 148,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20171662%
2015542%
20141652%
20131425%
20127266%
20111956%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Electrical system
6 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 28, 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