Kia Optima 2011–2015 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation · TF (K5 in Korea/China)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20264,740 complaints, 2,874 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2011 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 628
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine275 reports · median 101,000 mi
- Steering102 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Exterior lighting88 reports · median 86,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Air bags — air bag/restraint control module
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 81,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,029
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine470 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Steering197 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Electrical system142 reports · median 80,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Structure — body · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,441
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine626 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Steering217 reports · median 40,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise195 reports · median 70,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Structure — body · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 621
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine300 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Steering99 reports · median 12,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise93 reports · median 62,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 79,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,021
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine627 reports · median 86,000 mi
- Electrical system140 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise140 reports · median 62,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2014, and the 2011 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2015 Kia Optima reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 81,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 145,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,874
- Recalls
- 11
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine48.5% of complaints · median 96,000 mi
- Steering14.5% of complaints · median 50,000 mi
- Electrical system12.4% of complaints · median 79,000 mi
Owners filed 4,740 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2015 Kia Optima; the engine leads with 48.5% of them, and half of the 2,874 that record an odometer reading came by 81,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 45,000 to 115,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2015 Kia Optima last?
On the 2011–2015 Kia Optima, half of the 2,874 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 81,000 miles and 90% by 145,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
255 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 41 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Optima reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Kia Optima 2011–2015 · 2,874 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 242 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 41 complaints (1.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 9,000
- 25%
- 45,000
- Median
- 81,000
- 75%
- 115,000
- 90%
- 145,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 242 | 8.4% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 55 | 1.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 68 | 2.4% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 44 | 1.5% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 52 | 1.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 35 | 1.2% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 67 | 2.3% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 62 | 2.2% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 81 | 2.8% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 68 | 2.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 81 | 2.8% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 83 | 2.9% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 115 | 4.0% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 99 | 3.4% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 102 | 3.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 120 | 4.2% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 124 | 4.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 122 | 4.2% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 96 | 3.3% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 135 | 4.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 132 | 4.6% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 74 | 2.6% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 91 | 3.2% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 79 | 2.7% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 96 | 3.3% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 69 | 2.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 90 | 3.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 52 | 1.8% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 49 | 1.7% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 36 | 1.3% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 52 | 1.8% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 27 | 0.9% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 30 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 20 | 0.7% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 27 | 0.9% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 11 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 22 | 0.8% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 10 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 3 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 41 | 1.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Optima problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Kia Optima 2011–2015
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Steering686 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 10,000–89,000
- Body structure315 reportsmedian 63,000middle half 40,000–95,000
- Problems owners could not categorise562 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 47,000–100,000
- Electrical system589 reportsmedian 79,000middle half 46,000–105,000
- Transmission and driveline237 reportsmedian 79,000middle half 35,000–107,000
- Fuel and propulsion system253 reportsmedian 85,000middle half 60,000–117,000
- Engine2,298 reportsmedian 96,000middle half 65,000–122,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2,298 | 48.5% | 96,000 | 65,000–122,000 |
| Steering | 686 | 14.5% | 50,000 | 10,000–89,000 |
| Electrical system | 589 | 12.4% | 79,000 | 46,000–105,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 562 | 11.9% | 70,000 | 47,000–100,000 |
| Body structure | 315 | 6.6% | 63,000 | 40,000–95,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 253 | 5.3% | 85,000 | 60,000–117,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 237 | 5.0% | 79,000 | 35,000–107,000 |
| Brakes | 225 | 4.7% | 47,000 | 9,500–85,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 205 | 4.3% | 78,000 | 52,000–113,000 |
| Airbag system | 195 | 4.1% | 84,000 | 52,000–109,000 |
Known problems with the 2011–2015 Optima
Engine 2011–2015
Theta II 2.4L GDI and 2.0L turbo GDI connecting-rod bearing failure. Metal debris left in the crankshaft oil passages during machining at Hyundai's Alabama plant restricts oil to the rod bearings; the bearings wear, producing a knock, then seizure, stalling, and in some cases fire. Addressed by NHTSA recalls 15V-568 and 17V-224 among others, a knock-sensor detection system software update, and warranty extension to 15 years/150,000 miles. NHTSA assessed Hyundai and Kia a combined $210 million in civil penalties in 2020 over the handling of these recalls.
Body/Glass 2011–2015
Panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattering; subject of NHTSA investigation and Kia service action.
Steering
Electric power steering column motor and torque sensor faults causing sudden loss of assist.
Before you buy a 2011–2015 Optima: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,874 mileage-tagged complaints, 11 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2011–2015 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check Body/Glass on 2011–2015 cars.
- Check steering.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Optima problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi33% below | At 90k mi56% below | At 120k mi77% below | At 150k mi91% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 65,000–122,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 10,000–89,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 46,000–105,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 47,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 40,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 60,000–117,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 35,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Kia Optima 2011–2015 · 2,874 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 33% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 56% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 77% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2011–2015 Kia Optima recalls (11)
NHTSA records 11 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
3 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (3), the fuel system (2), the engine (2) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2023 · 2011–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of…
Aug 2022 · 2012–2013 · StructureA plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
What can happen. A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…
Feb 2022 · 2013–2014 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
What can happen. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this…
May 2021 · 2013–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What can happen. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing…
Dec 2020 · 2011–2013 · EngineAn engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free…
Aug 2020 · 2013–2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideIf the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What can happen. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles…
Feb 2020 · 2013–2014 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine…
What can happen. If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be…
Dec 2018 · 2011–2015 · EngineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product…
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Jun 2018 · 2011–2013 · Air BagsIf the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the…
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags…
What can happen. If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these…
The free fix. Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector…
Mar 2017 · 2011–2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingBearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
What can happen. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Apr 2013 · 2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009…
What can happen. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the…
The free fix. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 4,740 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 160 (3.4%)
- Fires
- 353
- Injury reports
- 107
- Fatality reports
- 8
Optima problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,441, most of them about the engine, and the 2014 the fewest, 621. A typical year drew about 1,021.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 628 | 451 | 90,000 | Engine (275) | 6 |
| 2012 | 1,029 | 739 | 81,000 | Engine (470) | 6 |
| 2013 | 1,441 | 816 | 82,000† | Engine (626) | 10 |
| 2014 | 621 | 363 | 68,000† | Engine (300) | 7 |
| 2015 | 1,021 | 505 | 79,000† | Engine (627) | 4 |
What Optima owners reported
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled and shut off. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it…
2014 · 146,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a rattling and knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the…
2012 · 183,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving and exiting a parking lot, the vehicle turned off, causing the vehicle to lose power. The contact stated that there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with an audible clicking sound coming from the starter…
2011 · 78,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort was required to control or turn the steering wheel. The contact’s son also became aware of an electrical burning odor…
2014 · 153,000 miles · Steering
Built from 2,874 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Optima generations
- Optima 2001–2005 575 reports with mileage, most about latches and locks
- Optima 2006–2010 524 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Optima 2016–2020 554 reports with mileage, most about the engine