Three problems related to power train have been reported for the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid based on all problems reported for the 2011 Optima Hybrid.
Car stalled all of sudden with shudder on route 7 in virginia and then immediately was yaken into parking lot for safety reasons. In trying to park car would not shut off. The car was on for about fifteen minutes then randomly stopped. After another ten minutes car would not start and then randomly started. Car was ASAP driven with engine shudder back to home drivieway and parked for safety. Car now again would nit shut down and kept running. On bith times while car refused to shut down the gauge showed cehck engine eps light and indicated that car needs tk be put in park mode even though car was jn park mode. Gearbox would not shift and car did not recognize lower gear modes as it kept saying car is not in p. Dealer was contacted and they said they were closed due to weekend. Will now need to tow the car as it will not start since previous inability to shutoff probably has killed battery.
When driving my kia, as I approach a stop and the automatic transmission downshifts, the car will lurch forward - almost as if a car is hitting us from behind. It is forceful and happens frequently. Now, after only 5 years of ownership, the car has serious transmission problems. It is no longer safe to drive on the streets.
When applying gas pedal to pull away from a dead stop--such as a stop sign or red light---car stumbles and hesitates. At times car will not even respond when gas pedal is pushed. Push the gas pedal and nothing happens--then you push pedal a bit more and it jerks and shoots forward. Not a comfortable situation when trying to pull into traffic from a intersection. Happens virtually every time. Cold or warmed up--same problem--except a lot worse at cold start. Once above 30 mpg things smooth out--but the big danger is trying to pull out into traffic. I have been to the dealer several times. They do a re-flash or whatever--then tell me it drives normal. No fault with the dealer at all--they have been excellent really--but--can't fix the hesitation. But driving normal--that's not true. They know they have a problem with this hybrid system--there is a web page that addresses this problem---everyone has the same problem. I can't even allow a friend or one of my kids drive this car. If you don't know how the cars going to react---your open to a serious accident. I have had a camry hybrid and two prius hybrids--no problems. I know how a hybrid car should drive. This car is unsafe for the driver and other mortorists on the road. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
| Power Train problems | |
| Vehicle Shudder problems |