2011 Kia OptimaService bulletins
2011 Kia Optima Technical Service Bulletins
228 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2011 Kia Optima. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.
- 10147324Oct 26, 2018Equipment. DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, OCTOBER 26 2018 UPDATE - Dear Kia Retailer, We wrote to you in late August to provide you with an update regarding news reports regarding non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and NHTSA?s announcement of the opening of a Defect Petition for fire cases involving the 2011-14 Sorento and Optima vehicles.
- 10147449Oct 25, 2018Electrical system. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE UPDATE - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
- 10147425Oct 25, 2018Electrical system. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Service Managers, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
- 10147424Oct 25, 2018Electrical system. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
- 10145149Aug 28, 2018Equipment, Electrical system, Engine. DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS - Dear Kia Retailer, You and your customers may have seen recent media reports regarding thermal incidents in Kia vehicles or NHTSA?s announcement of the opening of a Defect Petition for fire cases involving the 2011-14 Sorentos and Optimas, and I want to update you on KMA?s response to this issue.
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10130099Feb 23, 2018Steering. TSB - ECM UPGRADE ? STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT -This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the MDPS ECU software upgrade for some 2011 ~ 2014MY Optima (TF/QF) vehicles, produced from Job #1 through July 27, 2014, which may experience a notchy feel in the steering wheel.
- 10130104Feb 16, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 10127029Dec 13, 2017Fuel system, Transmission and drivetrain. TSB - SERVICE ACTION: TURBO OIL FEED LINE REPLACEMENT (SA300) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the turbo oil feed line on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), produced from November 1, 2010 through August 30, 2011, 2012-2015MY Optima (QF), produced from August 31, 2011 through October 2, 2015, and 2011-2015MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from December 30, 2010 through November 6, 2015, equipped with…
- 10126423Nov 20, 2017Electrical system. TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.
- 10123322Oct 31, 2017Exterior lighting. TSB - OUTSIDE REAR COMBINATION LAMP WATER INTRUSION - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the outside rear combination lamp pads on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), produced from August 12, 2010 through July 23, 2015, and some 2011-2016MY Optima (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through July 22, 2015, which may exhibit evidence of water intrusion in the outside rear combination lamps.
- 10119127Sep 1, 2017Equipment. WTY - SC147 Claims Processing Procedures - REVISED - Authorization of Claims Processing for SC147 - See this bulletin for specific handling procedures regarding SC147.
- 10119116Sep 1, 2017Engine. PARTS BULLETIN - THETA II ENGINE SAFETY RECALL (SC147) - This bulletin provides information related to the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the engine assembly on certain 2011 to 2014 model year Optima, Sorento, and Sportage vehicles. For repair information please refer to Technical Service Bulletin SC147.
- 10115242Jul 26, 2017Engine cooling. WARRANTY BULLETIN: 2017-09.R4 - SC147 Claims Processing Procedures - This Warranty Bulletin accompanies TSB SC147 Theta II Engine Inspection and/or Replacement and is provided to dealers for specific guidance with claim administration and processing of SC147 warranty claims.
- 10115238Jul 14, 2017Engine cooling. PARTS BULLLETIN: 20201-0002 (Revision 3.1) - This bulletin provides information related to the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the engine assembly on certain 2011 to 2014 model year Optima, Sorento, and Sportage vehicles.
- 10115245Jul 10, 2017Engine. Customer satisfaction bulletin 2016-09 - retired for certain optima model vehicles. See customer satisfaction bulletin 2017-01. For other optima models, see wty bulletin2017-09 (sc147)
- 10116101Jun 27, 2017Electrical system. PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.
- 10109835Apr 21, 2017Equipment. TSB: A/C EVAPORATOR FREEZE-UP DURING EXTENDED DRIVE - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the evaporator temperature sensor of some 2011-2014MY Optima (TF/QF) and 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles ONLY (see production dates on Page 3), which may experience freezing of condensation on the evaporator core and the following A/C performance related concerns below. Do NOT refer to this bulletin or the…
- 10109834Apr 19, 2017Steering. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS1604) - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (QF/TF/TFH) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to December 18, 2013. The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
- 10109855Mar 21, 2017Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging.
- 10109817Feb 28, 2017Body and structure. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of…
- 10109813Jan 18, 2017Engine cooling. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking…
- 10116819Dec 16, 2016Suspension. TSB: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) and Rio (UB) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement. To resolve the noise concern, perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the front stabilizer…
- 10109874Dec 6, 2016Body and structure. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of…
- 10109877Dec 5, 2016Body and structure. Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc141 ? Underbody ? Additional anti-corrosion treatment
- 10109876Dec 5, 2016Body and structure. SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed…
- 10109875Dec 5, 2016Body and structure. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally…
- 10109774Nov 15, 2016Engine, Electrical system. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10109788Oct 31, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
- 10109686Oct 14, 2016Engine cooling, Equipment. TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles…
- 10109683Oct 11, 2016Engine, Electrical system. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY…
- 10090945Sep 30, 2016Equipment. Pitstop: hvac receiver/dryer - desiccant replacement - in the event of a hvac system concern in which metal particles or shards have contaminated the system, the desiccant or the entire a/c receiver/dryer assembly may need to be replaced. This is due to the fact that it may be impossible to remove all metal contaminants from the receiver/dryer during the a/c flushing procedure. Refer to the included table for…
- 10090972Sep 19, 2016Engine. Owner notification letter (sc135) - dear kia owner, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program regarding the evaporative canister in your vehicle.
- 10090974Sep 15, 2016Engine cooling. Q and a (sc135/wty009) - evaporative canister voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program
- 10090970Sep 15, 2016Equipment, Engine. Dealer parts & service manager memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer parts and service managers, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to inspect the evaporative canister. Kia has determined that the following kia vehicles originally sold or currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used, may exhibit an evaporative…
- 10090969Sep 15, 2016Equipment, Engine. Dealer principal memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer principals, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to inspect the evaporative canister. Kia has determined that the following kia vehicles originally sold or currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used, may exhibit an evaporative canister leak due to prolonged…
- 10090943Sep 15, 2016Engine, Equipment. Tsb: voluntary emissions service campaign: evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (sc135) - this bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some optima (tf) vehicles, produced from september 2, 2010 through november 29, 2014, some optima hybrid (tf hev) vehicles, produced from february 15, 2011 through november 29, 2014, some rondo (un) vehicles…
- 10090941Sep 13, 2016Steering. Tsb rev1: mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (cs1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 my optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from august 12, 2010 to december 18, 2013. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
- 10109752Aug 28, 2016Steering. PITSTOP: OILY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM MDPS STEERING COLUMN - On some Optima (QF/TF/TF HEV) vehicles, the customer may complain of an oily substance dripping onto the driver?s side floorboard area, especially in areas with high ambient temperatures. This article provides the process to resolve by cleaning excessive amounts of grease applied applied to the steering column tilt adjustment area.
- 10089602Aug 16, 2016Steering. Tsb: mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (cs1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 my optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from august 12, 2010 to december 18, 2013. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
- 10090090Aug 12, 2016Steering. Q and a: cs1604 - all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) flexible coupling customer satisfaction / warranty extension program
- 10090089Aug 12, 2016Steering. Owner letter: cs1604 - customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - dear kia optima owner: kia motors america, inc. Would like to thank you for your purchase of a kia optima vehicle. Because kia values you as our customer, we are conducting a customer satisfaction/warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) unit in all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my optima vehicles.
- 10090088Aug 12, 2016Steering. Request for reimbursement form: cs1604 - 2011-2013 and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the flexible coupling in the mdps replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense.
- 10090085Aug 12, 2016Steering. Dealer parts and service manager memo: cs1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my kia optima vehicles. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped.
- 10090052Aug 12, 2016Steering. Dealer principal memo: cs1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my kia optima vehicles. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped.
- 10094572Jun 30, 2016Engine. Warranty bulletin: wty004 - 2011-2014 my optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (wty004) - this warranty bulletin provides information related to the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the engine short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014 my optima vehicles with 2.4l gdi or 2.0l turbo gdi engine to 10 years…
- 10094576Jun 10, 2016Engine, Equipment. Owner letter: wty004 - dear kia optima owner: kia motors america takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, kia is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the engines short block assembly on 2011-2014 model year optima vehicles with 2.4l gdi or 2.0l turbo gdi to 10 years starting from the date of first service or 120,000 miles…
- 10094137Jun 8, 2016Air bags, Equipment. Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty002 - 2008~2011my rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (wty002) - kia motors america, inc. Is extending the warranty coverage for the front passenger occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat for certain 2008-2011 my rio vehicles produced after december 8, 2007 and all 2006-2010 my optima vehicles to 15 years/unlimited mileage, starting from the date…
← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.