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Electrical systemPart report

2011 Kia Optima Electrical system Problems

Complaints
63about this part
Share
11%of 594 total for the year
Median mileage
85,650miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 63 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Kia Optima, 11% of the 594 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,650 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“The engine seized. Ive been waiting for this recall. Kia has had tis vehicle for a month and I can't seem to get the approval for the current recall. It was in motion driving at 30 miles per hour smoke came from the engine and never turned on again.it was 300 downtown salt lake city. A city street. We had the vehicle towed home. The dealership seized the engine and quoted us 6500.00 to fix the entire car. Replace the engine.”

NHTSA complaint #11403352, filed 2021-03, 130,000 miles

“Takata recall as soon as I turn the key the airbag light shows up, steady. It is on all the time, whether I am stationary or in motion. I have no idea if the airbags even work. There are also issues with the electrical system as the door often unlocks on its own, alarm goes off on it's own, lights flash inside every time I make a turn, left or right and the radio spazzes out”

NHTSA complaint #10979742, filed 2017-04, 84,000 miles

“Car was running and sat at a red light. Went to go... My rpms shot down to 0, battery and oil light came on and car died in the middle of the street. Everything in the car worked. Lights, windows, wipers..... The car still wouldnt turn. Think its the alternator. I think you should recall them and get them fixed. Theres alot of complaints about faulty alternators on these optimas.”

NHTSA complaint #10870289, filed 2016-05, 89,000 miles

“My husband and I were on our way to the coast when we passed another vehicle and as soon as we passed the other vehicle we lost all power in the car we were able to get over to the side of the road where the check engine light came on.second try car did start but was making a loud knocking noise from the engine vehicle was towed to dealer it was an internal engine malfunction car was still under warranty dealer replace engine.”

NHTSA complaint #10714292, filed 2015-05, 57,456 miles

“My car loses power when I use the horn. It happens while parked with the engine on and in traffic. Initially, I thought it was faulty electrical problem because there were 3 active recalls needing to be fixed. I recently took my vehicle to a certified Kia service center to get the recalls taken care of and additonally, had the A/C compressor, struts, and a belt replaced. I also described the issue of engine power loss when I use the horn with service tech and attempted to demonstrate. However, my car didn't duplicate the issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11360016, filed 2020-09, 95,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020149%
20192311%
20183314%
20172510%
201610414%
201513513%
20146010%
201314611%
201212213%
20116311%
20101317%
20091614%
20081510%
2007148%
20062315%
20052920%
20044520%
20032518%
20021413%
20011712%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Optima

Engine
256 complaintsSteering
100 complaintsExterior lighting
88 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsOther or unknown
41 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Optima

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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