2011 Kia Optima electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 7, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-652 / Kia SC284TF involving the HECU fuse. The dealership replaced the HECU multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally. The same day I picked the vehicle up after the recall repair, the vehicle began dying while I was driving. I also noticed a burning smell. I returned the vehicle to Rockwall Kia.…

   NHTSA complaint #11762544 · source
2. Filed Aug 20, 2026MIFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I was having trouble with my left driver tire. 2 mechanics went to test drive the car to see what the problem was. As they were driving, the car died. They got it started but it ran horrible back to the garage. When they pulled in the driveway of the garage, the car started on fire. It was an engine fire but undetermined what exactly was the cause. The vehicle was looked over by the insurance claims adjustor. I am not sure if sluggish driving had anything to do with the…

   NHTSA complaint #11758178 · source
3. Filed Jun 4, 2026LAFireElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, he noticed the vehicle started smoking heavily from under the hood, and shortly thereafter, the vehicle fully ignited into flames. The vehicle was occupied during the fire. The contact stated that he noticed smoke emerging from the driver-side section of the hood. Furthermore, the contact noted that the power door locks failed to unlock automatically, requiring him to…

   NHTSA complaint #11742198 · source
4. Filed Jun 21, 2025GABrakesElectrical SystemWheels & Tires

   The car just keep doing weird stuff with the lights. It want go off all the time the key went work the cv joints are popping. Have to trigger the battery sometimes to start up

   NHTSA complaint #11668296 · source
5. Filed Jun 20, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngine

   Recall states to not drive vehicle due to HECU which can result in an engine compartment fire. I have contacted 3 dealerships and corporate. There are 15,000 dealerships/service centers that have technology/technical issues. I have spent 3 days, and 12 hours trying to get assistance. I'm being told corporate is not providing any additional support or payment to individually owned dealerships. Expecting them to cover additional expenses. I am disabled and need to go to…

   NHTSA complaint #11595587 · source
6. Filed May 17, 2024COElectrical System

   Recall for HECU fuse. Dealer made appointment to fix the cancelled saying fix was no longer available by Kia. Kia should not have said there is a remedy available when there is not.

   NHTSA complaint #11589302 · source
7. Filed Mar 4, 2024180,000 miNCElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after not being drive for a while. The check engine warning was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed with an unknown result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11575335 · source
8. Filed Mar 1, 2024CAElectrical System

   Defect discovered by KIA September 2023 Affected owners not notified until November 2023 As of March 1, 2024, no updates. After six months, if no "fuse" is available, entire HECU should be replaced. Vehicle's exterior has significantly deteriorated since being required to park outside. Additionally, seriousness of fire hazard restricts use of car.

   NHTSA complaint #11574860 · source
9. Filed Feb 24, 2024NJElectrical System

   HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) can start a fire, I was informed not to park the car in a garage or near other cars, also it can also catch fire while driving the car!! I was notified months ago of this problem !! I called a KIA dealer that got me no where !! KIA recall #SC284TF

   NHTSA complaint #11573771 · source
10. Filed Feb 13, 2024NCAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    There's something going on at the Kia dealership in Wake Forest (Westgate). Per the current recall notice, the lights came on that were highlighted in the notice ( ”MIL” , ABS warning light) so I had my car towed into the dealership. They claimed my car had a bad battery and the problems were not due to the recall situation. I took my car out of there and straight to auto zone, about 200 feet from the dealership. My battery tested fine. Not only this, the lights (check…

    NHTSA complaint #11571620 · source
11. Filed Aug 1, 2023NEElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    My car won’t crank. Starter is not working. Ask if warranty or recall. Let’s see if they accept warranty for starter replacement. My car towed to Kia of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska where the car parked there right now. Please contact Kia at Lincoln and I better hope warranty are accepted and diagnostic are free too. Thank you!

    NHTSA complaint #11535907 · source
12. Filed Apr 4, 2023LAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    It appears I have a defective oil pump in the car which I think is what caused the engine to go bad to begin with. I am requesting that KIA of Denham Springs be authorized by the main office of KIA to install a new oil pump in my car after the new motor is installed, otherwise the new motor will probably go bad and will result in Kia having to install another motor for the car. I hope you can step in and assist me in getting a new oil pump installed as this would be a safety…

    NHTSA complaint #11515384 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology