2011 Kia Optima Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 594 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,266miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the visibility of the 2011 Kia Optima, 2% of the 594 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,266 miles.
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 constantly have to replace headlight bulbs,brake light bulbs and fog light bulbs like 2 to 3 times a year and my lights on dim is too dark and not aligned correctly,for the headlights one side shine up and the other shine down on several occasions I had to replace the whole headlight fixture because the bulb got so hot it melted into the fixture around it”
NHTSA complaint #11406166, filed 2021-04, 177,000 miles“I was on my way to work when I heard a big pop and realized my sunroof busted open. It was closed at the time it was not hot outside and no other vehicles around me.”
NHTSA complaint #10692031, filed 2015-03, 40,000 miles“I was driving my 2011 Kia Optima ex on a residential area. My speed was about 25 MPH when suddenly there was a loud explosion sound. At the time that this occurred there were no cars or semis near my vehicle. After my 4 year old daughter and I recovered from the initial shock, I pulled over to check my vehicle and I notice the back window sunroof had a hole in the middle close by the shark tale and was still shattering. At that point, I had no other choice and had to drive my daughter to school. …”
NHTSA complaint #10472025, filed 2012-08, 36,531 miles“Moonroof on our 2011 Kia Optima ex model exploded while traveling at 60 MPH december 25th 2013 - evening. Outside temperature was 36 degrees f at the time. Incident also caused body and paint damage to our trunk as well as peppered vehicles behind us with glass fragments. Upon reviewing multiple forums on line it appears this is not an isolated incident for Kia/hyundai as I learned multiple models made by this duo have also suffered similar scenario's. I'm sure NHTSA is quite aware that the hyundai veloseter has recalled several thousand vehicles mfg. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557506, filed 2013-12, 22,000 miles“Driving on freeway near north bend wa. State with wife and 2 grandkids in car when panaramic sunroof exploded. Large blast from nowhere and nobody in front of me. It shocked us and almost made us wreck. Kia of america was horible to work with and took no responsability for their defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10970045, filed 2017-04, 40 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109855Mar 21, 2017TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior…
- 10089850May 22, 2015"tech tip: buzzing noise from dash symptom: buzzing noise coming from dash area. Repair: operate the air-temp controls or the vent air position control setting. If the noise…
- 10116825Sep 25, 2013PITSTOP: TF/QF PANORAMA RESET/INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE - This article explains the instructions for resetting the "one-touch" open/close feature of the sunshade and/or panorama…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 21 | 2% |
| 2012 | 28 | 3% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 14 | 10% |
| 2007 | 33 | 20% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
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 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsSuspension
18 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