2011 Kia Optima fuel system problems

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of the federal safety agency 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. Their August 31, 2026 repair order documents my complaint and states that the vehicle would die while driving and that this problem “DID NOT BEGIN UNTIL AFTER RECALL COMPLETED.” The repair order instructs the technician to inspect whether the recall was completed properly and diagnose the concern. I am concerned because the HECU recall involves an electrical short/overcurrent condition and Kia's recall documentation specifically identifies burning/melting smell and smoke as warning symptoms. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this complaint and review whether the post-recall stalling and burning smell could be related to the HECU recall repair or indicate a continuing safety problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI · fire

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 fire. The car is totaled.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Brakes, Fuel system · 132,165 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid battery system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a short circuit fuse and a failed hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the battery and the fuse needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to assist with fifty percent of the repair cost for the replacement of the hybrid battery. The failure mileage was approximately 132,165. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 17, 2022 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

As I would drive the vehicle a rattling noise would occur when every time I accelerate from stopping at a traffic light. Then the engine light appeared on the dash board. When I went to have the engine light checked the results came back about an oil gasket. I then got an oil change soon after. The rattling noise and the same acceleration problem still occurred. Soon after it gotten worst to the point couldn’t go faster then 10 mph and then the car kept shutting off.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · FL · fire

While driving our 2011 Kia Optima on I-185 at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly had unresponsive accelerator and had decrease in power. Gauges were all normal range, no warning or indicator lights illuminated. I pulled over to the highway shoulder to clear traffic and placed car in park. Immediately light gray, then black smoke poured out from the hood. My wife and I evacuated the Kia just before the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The engine had been replaced in Sept 2021 due to a previous recall, and up to this incident the Kia performed within normal parameters.

Filed Aug 6, 2021 · Fuel system · ID

I have been getting a whiff of gas when I would drive it’s but recently it has been worse and my check engine light has showed up and the code for it says that it could be the fuel filter.

Filed May 31, 2021 · Fuel system · GA

Unknown. I just checkes the VIN # on this vehicle because I just bought it and saw that it has 4 recalls. But recently I have been smelling gasoline when I drive it long distances and sometimes when I am in town. It gets bad, even my kids complain about the smell. Im not sure if there is a problem but if so I would like for it to be corrected.

Filed Apr 23, 2021 · Body, Fuel system · 180,000 miles · TX · fire

I was driving my car on a highway at traffic time when I noticed a small gas odor my brakes got really hard after that I pulled to the emergency lane and when I pull the handle to open my hood smoke and flames immediately came out, the car its trash now police took it to impound because of the fluids the car was leaking and safety issues.

Filed Feb 15, 2021 · Fuel system · 170,000 miles · MO

When I go to fill up with fuel it won't allow me to pump but very little fuel before it spills out. I have to put very little in at a time before the pump clicks off. I haven't been able to completely fill up my tank since may without it taking 45 mins or so and it spilling out. I was parked at the gas station when this happened, with the car off.

Filed Dec 7, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

Lo qu pasa esq el carro tira gasolina y lo emos arreglado 4 veses y tira toda la gasolina ya isimos un reclamo y nos nos quieren dar ninguna compensacin lo que ase es que se le tira la gasolina y tengo miedo que se yegue a quemar porque cada vez que le a pasado solo empieza a tirar gasolina no importa si est parado a conduciendo la ltima vez qu pas lo estbamos conduciendo y me percat y me regrese y lo tengo en mi casa y ya no lo eh vuelto a mover porque tengo miedo que se queme estoy enviando una foto de la manguera un video de que es lo q le pasa tengo un video de pero no lo pude enviar .