KiaOptima2011Overview/kia/optima/2011/base/

2011 Kia Optima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Optima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2011 Kia Optima is a passenger car defined by an engine requiring 4.8 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 API oil, a mechanical baseline overshadowed by 590 total owner complaints and 5 recalls primarily centered on that very engine. Situated within the Optima's 2001-2020 complaint history, this model year registers well above the lowest-water mark of 75 complaints set by the 2010 model, yet falls significantly below the 2013 peak of 1371. Consequently, while the 2011 Optima avoids the absolute worst of the generation's reliability pitfalls, its concentrated engine issues mean it remains a year requiring careful scrutiny from researchers.

Model year2020201920182017201620152011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnOFFOEM · verified

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Optima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.1–9.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.10 sec — 2011 SX Turbo
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-46.10 sec14.50 sec274 hpFWD
2011SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-46.40 sec15.00 sec274 hpFWD
2011SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-46.50 sec274 hpFWD
2011SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.60 sec274 hpFWD
2011SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-47.40 sec15.70 sec274 hpFWD
2011EX 2.4L I-47.80 sec16.20 sec200 hpFWD
2011EX 2.4L I-47.90 sec16.10 sec200 hpFWD
2011Hybrid 2.4L I-4 + Elec 30-kW 1.4-kWh8.40 sec16.40 sec206 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.2
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.9
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.5
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts123-130 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts123-130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts36-40 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub159-188 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.56-..68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.59-.68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Timing5, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.15-1.27 lbs
Oil GroupPOE
Oil Capacity3.70-4.40 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.15-1.18 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46

Service checks

Pressure Test14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature190 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)61.0-66.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)72.0-73.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance1.25 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance1.18-1.31 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression171-192 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle58-72 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle47-54 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.078 in
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs, Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-12511 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-12511 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20-23 ft. lbs., Step 3: 120-12511 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 7,500 miBody Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Suspension System (torque)
Every 7,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect)
At 30,000 miBody Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Suspension System (torque)
Every 30,000 miClutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Kia Optima marks the debut of a new generation, and the federal record shows a sharp escalation in complaints and recalls compared to prior years. The 2011 model logged 590 complaints and 5 recalls, a massive jump from 2010’s 75 complaints and 1 recall, and it sits at the beginning of a multi-year spike that peaks with 1,371 complaints and 9 recalls in 2013. Across the 2011–2016 generation, complaint and recall counts remain elevated, with 2011 already showing 228 TSBs—a clear sign of early, widespread issues. The top complaint areas for 2011 are engine (181), steering (76), exterior lighting (66), and electrical system (23), plus 23 crash and 32 fire complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. This pattern indicates that the 2011 model year is part of a problematic generation, and as the first year, it likely carries higher risk. **Given the steep rise in complaints and recalls from the prior generation and the persistent issues that follow, the 2011 Kia Optima is not a recommended buy for a used vehicle.**

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
228
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
7
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
590
Owner complaints
23 involved a crash · 32 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 590 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine181
Steering76
Exterior Lighting66
Electrical System23
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Air Bags15
Power Train15
Unknown Or Other14

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V907000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 19/12/2018

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… Remedy: 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…

18V363000Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control ModuleReported 01/06/2018

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 228 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS2312_R12026-02-18StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS23122025-12-17StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2312_OWNR2025-12-17StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Optima. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Optima take?

4.8 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Optima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.