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Problems with 2011 Kia Optima ENGINE

On average, the 2011 Kia Optima starts to “feel” problems with the ENGINE and its various aspects after 115 859 miles.

Recently reported ENGINE problems on 2011 Kia Optima

I was driving in highway in july 2017. the steering wheel was drifting and slippery. it was about 84,000 miles in it. so, i brought my car in kia dealer. they showed me worn out steering coupling. i asked them to change steering coupling only but they changed whole steering wheel column and charged me $1,402. however, i found that kia extended warranty for 10 years/unlimited mileage in 2016. i am not sure why they charged me for steering issue. i complained kia motors america and sent all information that i have including the bills. they did not respond any letter yet. i like to have my money back. another issue that i found in may 2018 was fast engine oil burn out. i was driving to work in highway and engine oil warning sign was blinking. so, i immediately pulled over and checked engine oil level. it was almost gone and so dark. the dealer just changed engine oil a few months ago and less than 3,000 miles driven after that. i filled up 3 quarts of blended engine oil and checked every other day. about two weeks later, it looks the level of engine oil was way lower (about 1 and half quarts were gone). i called the dealer that they said it was only engine oil burning issue not engine failure. they said it would not cover by recalls. i checked lots of complaining about engine failure issue from the internet. based on that in many cases the engine oil burn out issue happened before engine failure. i strongly think that kia should install new engine under warranty or recalls because i really concern about me and family's safety.

My kia optima 2011 has been having major engine problems but the dealers are giving me the run around they keep on making things up they said they drain oil to check for metal particles in the oil.n they said they did the sc147 recall i went to go pick up my car. i checked the motor oil it was dark n dirty meaning they never drained the oil afer they told me that my car had past the test .they said they can hear the knocking noise but n order for them to assist me further i would have to authorise for them to tear down the engine.ibut i would have to pay out of my pocket if its not the engine something regarding the recall engine failer problem.

There is an active recall on my kia optima 2011 and i never receieved anything in the mail to service it. the engine shakes a lot when the car is idle. who do i contact with information about this recall?

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving 55 mph, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine and the engine seized. there were no warning indicators illuminated during the failure. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) as a possible cause of the failure. the failure mileage was 104,000. *tt

Motor oil keeps disappearing; i change the oil on schedule and 2-3 weeks after it is dry. i'm afraid of engine failure or lock up due to this. raising the hood does not show any oil splatter. electrical problems; lnterior lights keep going out or go completely dim.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and black smoke emerged from the engine compartment. in addition, the check engine and tire pressure warning indicators illuminated. the contact pulled over, exited the vehicle, and noticed flames under the hood. the contact used a towel and a bottle of water to extinguish the fire. the fire department was called, but arrived after the fire was extinguished. the vehicle was towed to the dealer (courtesy kia of brandon, 9205 e adamo, tampa, fl 33619) where it was diagnosed that the engine block failed and the engine needed replacement. the contact also mentioned that the vehicle was at the dealer for an evaluation per nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). the dealer stated that it was ok to drive the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and case number: 12673181 was opened. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

In march of 2017, kia issued a recall for there engines in the optima for the year i own. we still have not yet received any information from kia about bringing our kia optima in for this recall. our vin shows that our car is part of this recall. a year later we still haven't heard from kia. our car is now starting to stall when we sit at red lights. we would like for kia to finally reach out to us to remedy this matter.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. the contact received an unknown recall notification regarding the engine. the vehicle was taken to sunset kia of bradenton (4770 14th st w, bradenton, fl 34207, (941) 752-1000) where the engine was tested and passed. the contact stated that the engine had been sputtering prior to the test. the dealer stated that the failure was due to lack of oil, although the vehicle recently had an oil change. the dealer also stated that they did not find metal shavings while conducting the test and the check oil indicator was not illuminated. approximately one week later, while driving, the engine seized in the middle of the road. the vehicle was towed back to the same dealer who stated that a new engine was needed due to the recall. the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle was towed to another unknown dealer where additional recalls were discovered. the unknown dealer found a deteriorated clamp that caused the hose to become loose and the engine to jolt. the vehicle was repaired, but there was no mention of the deteriorated clamps on the invoice. when the contact retrieved the vehicle, the air bag indicator illuminated. the dealer stated that the indicator was illuminated when they received the vehicle. the contact also noticed a fuel odor and noticed that the fuel pump was gushing fuel. the contact researched the failure and found that it was caused by the initial engine replacement and the brake booster hose was not properly secured. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 86,000.

My 2011 kia optima is consuming large quantities of oil. i have received 10 oil changes since february 2018 (oct as of today) after my car's oil light would blink every 1000 miles when driving. the dealer said their was no visible leak and performed a consumption test which showed my car was consuming oil at an alarming rate. this issue has been identified as a know problem with kia motors and has yet to addressed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving on the highway, the engine power reduced and the vehicle shut off. the vehicle was unable to restart. the vehicle was taken to koons volvo cars owings mills (9610 reisterstown rd, owings mills, md 21117) to be repaired per a manufacturer recall for the engine, but the remedy failed. the vehicle was not able to be safely driven. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving various speeds, the contact heard a knocking noise coming from the engine. in addiiton, the check engine, tire pressure, oil, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to phil smith kia (4250 n federal hwy, lighthouse point, fl 33062, (954) 545-7200) where a gds test was done, but the engine was not repaired. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. the approximate failure mileage was 120,454.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact heard an abnormal knocking noise and the air bag warning indicator illuminated, which was a safety concern. the contact called cerame kia (11655 new halls ferry rd, saint louis, mo 63033) and was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. the vehicle was repaired, but the parts were not available for the air bag warning indicator. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 103,000. the vin was not available.

This happened twice.the first time my son was driving the car to austin tx on the freeway when the car shut off while driving about 60mph.the we had the car toed to a local mechanic and after he checked the motor we were informed the motor seized up.i purchased a used motor at a junk yard with 22,000 miles and the mechanic installed it. dec.26 2017 we spent christmas in austin tx and was on our way back on i10 around sealy tx the motor shut off.i was able to start the car up again.i found a kia dealer in katy texas and decided to take the car there, it was about 8 miles away however we didn't make it.i stayed in the right lane driving really slow 55-60mph and there was a loud pop and then smoke the motor locked up.the car is at the kia dealer but i am still waiting for an authorization to get he engine replaced,

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving 35 mph, the engine stalled and lost power. the contact stated that all the warning indicators illuminated at time of the failure. the vehicle was not able to reset and was towed to ricart kia (4255 s hamilton rd #210, groveport, oh 43125 (614) 836-6503) where the diagnoses was unknown. the contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced because there was a recall on the vehicle. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the contact researched the failure online and found nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) and had not received a recall notice from the manufacturer. the approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

My car cut off in the middle of the street causing a accident

Started hearing my engine knocking the night before. knocking still evident, followed shortly by 2 engine stalls on the highway! vehicle had to sit abandoned overnight until a tow could be arranged, which resulted in cancelling an out-of-state move!

Engine light on. knocking noise coming from engine. car won't start on several occasions. engine "rattles" at acceleration and stalled today while i was driving going about 60 mph.

Vehicle in motion on florida i-10e doing about 70 mph. car started making a ticking sound and gas peddle started pulsating. tried to make it to nearest exit 112 but noise kept getting louder and louder and then there was a loud bang. white smoke appeared, engine and oil lights came on, and car completely shut down. was able to move to side of road and called for tow.

I was driving at 55 mph when the engine turned off. all electrical was working. i pulled over to the side of the road, and tried to restart. nothing. no smoke, no clicking. electrical system was fine. i had the optima towed to the closest mechanic, when tried to turn the crank and found that the engine had seized. oil was full, no over heating warning. i still owe on this car.

Turbo oil supply line leeks

Well my 2011 kia optima ex stalled in traffic and was able to push it into a parking lot to be towed, come to find out my engine went out on me. i started to hear a knocking noise that came out of nowhere and then my car died and check engine light came on. come to find out that i have a recall on my vehicle for this problem. i am very uspet to find out this has been going on for a year or so and have never ever been notified of it via mail or anything! i could of killed someone let alone myself or my family! i had to do repairs o n8/19/17 because my car out of nowhere started making a knocking noise and battery died. i had to get a new battery and then have my car checked out which all costed $350 and still died on me and my airbag light is on now then... only to find out my engine was bad. i'm looking into legal action.

Problems starting a few years ago. heard knocking, brought it in for recall, and it wasn't doing it anymore. had problem with emissions. recall was done and i was told that the problem led to engine problems. now engine is burning through oil, and local trusted mechanic says it is going to need a new engine by winter. in research have seen others are having similar problems.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. the contact took the vehicle to airport kia naples (3325 westview dr, naples, fl 34104) for routine maintenance and a recall repair for the engine. the contact stated that the dealer informed her that the engine was operable and did not need to be replaced. while leaving the dealer, the contact heard a knocking noise. the contact called airport kia naples at (239) 732-8910 and was instructed to bring the vehicle back. while driving back to the dealer, the engine stalled and lost power. the vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. the contact stated that the vehicle was ready for pick up after four days. while leaving the dealer, the contact noticed that the air conditioner started to blow heat, smoke appeared from the rear of the vehicle out of the exhaust, and the knocking noise recurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake manifold was replaced, which caused the smoke. the dealer repaired the air conditioner as a courtesy. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the manufacturer was notified, opened an investigation, and provided case number: 12451212. the failure mileage was 101,958.

Car caught fire from the engine bay while driving on highway and has been entirely burned out in 5 minutes.

First i would like to say that up until now i loved my kia!!!! unfortunately beginning just before the car had 100,000 miles on it, the car began to burn oil. it is burning approximately 1 quart every 1000 miles. i took the car in to the dealer for the latest engine recall and while there i communicated with the dealership that the car has been burning oil at the rate of a quart every 1000 miles. the dealership changed my oil when checking it for the engine recall, afterwards they directed me to bring it back in at 1000 miles. the car is currently at the dealership now for this check. the car is at 900 miles and a quart low. i hope kia will do the right thing and fix this. i have read other peoples experiences with the engine failure and one of the common symptoms seems to be the car suddenly beginning to burn oil. i do not want to be on the interstate and suddenly have engine failure in and not be able to get my car out of the line of traffic.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact coasted into a neighborhood parking lot and had the vehicle towed home. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). while driving, the contact heard a knocking noise under the hood. the vehicle was taken to galeana chrysler jeep kia (180 greystone blvd, columbia, sc 29210, (803) 779-7300) where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing needed to be replaced, but the parts were not unavailable for the recall repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed by the service manager to call back during business hours. the failure mileage was 66,606.

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.

2011 kia optima recently went dead. while driving roughly 35 mph, the engine seized up with no warnings; no loud noises, no pops. 99k miles on the car at the time of engine failure. had the vehicle towed to the dealership. service department then notified me that the engines had been recalled, april 2017. first, the dealership would conduct an inspection, required before securing eligibility for the recall. so i am patiently waiting to hear back from the dealership. i have no vehicle to commute to work. my insurance coverage does not afford rental vehicles in the events of mechanical failures.

Was waiting for red light and car just stopped running it started but sounded terrible. parked for awhile and has been fine since.

Beginning in spring 2017 my 2011 kia optima ex turbo (i bought it brand new, only owner) began stuttering while in motion (as if someone were pumping the brakes). the car stalls and dies at red lights and stop signs and needs restarted. it also stalls and dies while in motion, most disturbing in high speed, high traffic intersections and at 70 mph highway speeds. i will be traveling on high speed interstates and the car just dies and i have to hope i have enough momentum to safely get over to the breakdown lane without causing an accident. the check engine light usually goes on and off at least four times in between each service attempt. it has been analyzed and given attempted repairs by a kia dealership four times since late may 2017 (see attached records), but the stalling and stuttering problems persist. i picked up the car from its last service on 10/18/17 and the same problems began manifesting again. this is now the fifth time. i have no idea what the problem with the car is (unknown) and it seems kia's service help line for mechanic assistance does not either. the most recent time the car was at the dealership for service, kia sent out a national service specialist to investigate the car, to no avail. 1) 5/31/17 - replaced map sensor (i paid $600 and it did not fix the problem) 2) 6/30/17 - tested grounds and replaced connections 3) 7/25/17 - replaced turbo and intercooler system 4) 10/12/17 - replaced engine computer 5) unknown - still problematic - asking for replacement vehicle from kia the car has 91,410 miles and is still covered under the 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. this car is a major safety hazard, especially when it stalls and dies out in high speed, high traffic intersections and on freeways while traveling 70 mph. kia obviously does not know how to fix it.

My kia was making a whistling noise on and off for awhile then my oil light would flicker so i figured i need an oil change. got my oil changed and then the car started make a knocking noise and would get worse with acceleration and would have a hard time accelerating. it would jolt and vibrate and make knocking and flapping noises. turn on my road to go home and lost power. my car slowly came to a stop i could not accelerate at all. my engine, battery, oil, and eps light came on. i tried starting it up and would come on for about 5 seconds make a lot of noise and the engine would turn off but my radio and windows still worked. my ac was on but not cooling. all the cabin lights work still but my brake are stiff.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving approximately 60 mph, the engine seized. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

I was driving and my car stalled and would nogo when i pressed the gas it started making loud noises and smoked car cut off would not crank shop says engine failure bearings and rods

2011 kia optima. engine seized while driving on the highway. almost crashed. swerved off the road, it made a funny noise under the car and then i had no control and the engine died. i just had the oil changed and the mechanic said the oil was black. it sucked up all the oil causing this to happen. very dangerous. never received a recall or letter anout this. two weeks in the ahop and still no engine.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while parking the vehicle, it stalled and smoke was seen under the hood. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was pushed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine seized and needed replacement. the vehicle was not repaired due to a possible future recall. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,255.

While driving about 30 mph on country road, vehicle just stalled and would not restart. no warning lights or anything. had it towed to mechanic garage and he found the engine was seized. all recommended maintenance had been kept up on the vehicle and it had been running without any issues.

While i was driving on the city streets i was preparing to make a left turn and the light was about to turn red, so as i was in the middle of the intersection my car's engine just completely stalled on me and i could not accelerate while my car was slowly rolling through the intersection with oncoming traffic which created a dangerous situation for me. this happened to me a second time again while i was taking a left turn with on coming traffic there was no lights or stop signs posted on this particular road and my car just lost power while i was still in the middle of the road in motion, which caused another dangerous situation for me and the other drivers where they either had to slam on their brakes or quickly change lanes to avoid hitting my stalled car

While traveling in a 65mph zone the vehicle stalled with out indication or dash lights. vehicle lost steering and control, putting myself and others at risk of danger. stopped the vehicle. while trying to start the vehicle, turned the key and all dash lights were present but the vehicle would not start, click or turn over. issue resulted as an engine failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving 15 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound under the hood. the contact continued driving and the engine stalled. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. the contact also noticed a knocking sound under the hood. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rod bearings at the bottom of the motor failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was an upcoming recall, and that the recall notices would be sent in may. the approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

I have was driving on the highway a d my engine just turned off and all the engine light turned on on the dashboard. i was told by dealer my engine gave out and it is covered based on the recent recall

I was on interstate 65 i was going about 55mph and began to accelerate when the vehicles engine stalled. there were cars coming from behind i quickly got over into the emergency lane and came to a stop. there were no warning lights that came on prior to this occurring. i never heard any type of knocking from the engine either. it was a terrifying moment having the car stop for some unknown reason. 4 days later there as was an announcement of a recall from kia regarding the connector rod. i have been told the motor is locked up but no one has told me why. kia corporation has been slow to respond. they have said that its not an official recall until the end of may. they have provided me with a case number but the case specialist has yet to call me back.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the barnes crossing kia dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy due to parts being on backorder. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. the contact had not experienced a failure. parts distribution disconnect.

Leaking oil , struts making noise.

Vehicle sized on the hyw while approximately 65mph. it was towed to kia, who stated they would replace the engine with a new one. however they replaced it with a manufacturer or modified engine. my car now vibrates and has inconsistent fule injection. i have reported to this to the service manager and to kia corporation. i have yet to hear back from either about correcting the issue.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. while driving approximately 72 mph, the vehicle stalled and began to skid off the road. all the instrument panel warning indicators were illuminated. there were no injuries. the contact also noticed smoke under the hood. when the contact lifted the hood, he found that the smoke was coming from the starter. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the part was on backorder. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia optima. the contact heard a knocking noise and the engine lost power. the vehicle was unable to restart. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 138,000.

01/19/2017 kia optima sx 2011, engine knocking, loss of power. towed to orlando kia west (okw). 03/03/2017, okw completed rebuild of 2.0t theta ii engine with $4000.00 short block assembly provided by kia motors america. diagnosis was, defective connecting rod #3 bearing. 05/26/2017, engine lost power/function. okw diagnosed as cylinder #3 misfire. 06/01/2017, replaced #3 fuel injector, $600.00. okw stated engine still not operating as designed. diagnosed turbocharger seal failure. replaced turbocharger $2810.00. engine still not operating as designed. okw diagnosed cylinder #3 not holding compression. reason unknown. 06/12/2017, okw offered rental, but only if i paid in advance $2810.00 open ticket for turbocharger. i refused. kia motors america persuaded okw otherwise. 06/26/2017, currently in rental car waiting for information. nhtsa recall 17v224

Engine seized without warning in the center lane of the highway at 65mph. luckily, i was able to coast to the shoulder without incident and wait for a tow truck. had it towed to the repair shop, who confirmed that the engine was seized and needs replaced. kia knows about these engines having a problem yet continues to leave them out there. it's a matter of time before someone is injured or killed when their engine seizes at highway speeds and they are unable to safely get to the shoulder.

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