2011 Kia Optima Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 3%of 594 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,300miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2011 Kia Optima, 3% of the 594 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,300 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine knocking and check engine light on and stability light for speed control. Took car several times to dealer and they finally told me about the engine need work done to it because they have done all they can do to solve the problem. I paid for them to replace oil control selenoid and the code poo11 still comes up. The car cuts off in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10971223, filed 2017-04, 140,300 miles“Kia Optima 2011 took a turn for the worst on july 2 2018, my Kia Optima caused me to plummet into traffic after my brake didn't perform l. That's car had been taken to Kia for all service need and car still perform poorly. Have to restart my car multiple time just for it to act right. Car stops one me in the middle of the street one day. I have a 3 old and that day she could have been with me. I lost my license and my money I invested for a safe car for me and my child.”
NHTSA complaint #11326474, filed 2020-05, 130,600 miles“We were driving on a slightly curvy and hilly road where the speed limit was around 45 and the car lost all RPM and the oil pressure light and check engine light started flickering, there was a notable engine knocking heard during this time. We pulled over at that time.”
NHTSA complaint #11001242, filed 2017-06, 93,300 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“Vehicle will not start. Engine and ignition replaced due to bearing wear recall. Transmission replaced 2 weeks ago for rebuilt one, and now car won't start. It's been 2 days and Kia has not been able to tell me what is wrong with it. The reason I wanted to submit this complaint is because I believe there should be a recall on transmissions installed in these vehicles. Kia wanted me to wait from 10 sep to mid dec because these transmissions are on back order. Which means there's so much demand that dec is the earliest they could receive it. Their shop is full, mostly of these cars (Optima). …”
NHTSA complaint #11141365, filed 2018-10, 111,000 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 13 | 5% |
| 2016 | 29 | 4% |
| 2015 | 36 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 4% |
| 2013 | 39 | 3% |
| 2012 | 40 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 8% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2011 Kia Optima
256 complaintsSteering
100 complaintsExterior lighting
88 complaintsElectrical system
63 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsOther or unknown
41 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsBody and structure
21 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 30, 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