WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

Service bulletins for the 2011 Kia Optima

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

283 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

By topic

Bulletins, newest first
WTY201709R42017-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. WARRANTY BULLETIN: 2017-09.R4 - SC147 Claims Processing Procedures - This Warranty Bulletin accompanies TSB SC147 Theta II Engine Inspection and/or Replacement and is provided to dealers for specific guidance with claim administration and processing of SC147 warranty claims.
PT20201-0002R32017-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PARTS BULLLETIN: 20201-0002 (Revision 3.1) - This bulletin provides information related to the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the engine assembly on certain 2011 to 2014 model year Optima, Sorento, and Sportage vehicles.
SC141QA2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC141 ? UNDERBODY ? ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT
SC141DPSM2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
SC141DP2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
TSB-SC1412017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV.
TSBTRA059R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN. TSB:HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100 MESH SOLENOID EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin provides information related to a software upgrade of the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) of some 2011~2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) after replacement of the transmission with improved 100 mesh solenoids has taken place. To apply the improved logic, the HCU/TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS download, as described in this bulletin.
PS4932017-08-02. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication.
TSB-CLI026R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: A/C EVAPORATOR FREEZE-UP DURING EXTENDED DRIVE - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the evaporator temperature sensor of some 2011-2014MY Optima (TF/QF) and 2011-2013MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles ONLY (see production dates on Page 3), which may experience freezing of condensation on the evaporator core and the following A/C performance related concerns below. Do NOT refer to this bulletin or the resistance specifications listed in this bulletin for ANY other models.
TSB-CHA072R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS1604) - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (QF/TF/TFH) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to December 18, 2013. The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped. Kia?s analysis has identified that this condition occurs mainly in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters due to the wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS, after extended usage over years. The extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. For vehicles sold or currently registered in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters, replace the flexible coupling with a new one if it has not been previously replaced under warranty. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of the affected VINs. For vehicles sold or registered in all other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the flexible coupling in the MDPS from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/unlimited mileage, starting from the date of first service in order to ensure customer satisfaction. If the MDPS unit experiences noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, replace the affected flexible coupling with a new one.
TSB-SC141R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV.
PS4692017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
TSB-GEN085R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-CLI017R42017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: EV AND HYBRID A/C SYSTEM SERVICING REQUIREMENTS - The Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) and the Optima Hybrid use an A/C compressor that is driven by a high-voltage electric motor rather than by a belt. Both the motor and compressor are in one housing with a mix of refrigerant and oil flowing through both sections. Because the oil flows through the motor windings, it must have a high electrical resistivity (low conductivity).
TSB-GEN0852017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
TSB-ENG160R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
PS3432017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. PITSTOP: OILY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM MDPS STEERING COLUMN - On some Optima (QF/TF/TF HEV) vehicles, the customer may complain of an oily substance dripping onto the driver?s side floorboard area, especially in areas with high ambient temperatures. This article provides the process to resolve by cleaning excessive amounts of grease applied applied to the steering column tilt adjustment area.
PS3382017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. PITSTOP: HEATER BLOWING COLD AIR WHILE IN EV MODE - When diagnosing a concern related to the heater intermittently blowing cold air while in EV mode, check the Electric Water Pump (EWP) for the A/C system (NOT the main cooling system EWP), located on the rear of the transmission (A), for proper operation. To test EWP operation, disconnect connector CHG31/C131 (B) and apply power and ground to the EWP.
PS3282017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE. PITSTOP: HESITATION IN ELECTRIC AND GAS MODES - When diagnosing an Optima Hybrid with an off idle hesitation concern that can be duplicated, and no DTC(s) codes (active or history) are stored, access MCU > Current Data to check the status of the MCU warning flag.
TSB-ENG099R32017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMA (TF) EWGA INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT (SA078) - On some Optima (TF) vehicles with a 2.0 T-GDI engine produced from November 1, 2010 to March 18, 2011, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate with DTC P2562 and/or P2565. Inspect the voltage value for boost pressure actuator position control by using GDS.
TT0402017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TECH TIP: DTCs POC17 and P1C76 not clearing - Perform the motor/HSG resolver calibration located in the S/W management section of the ?Motor Control Unit? (MCU) system.
TT0392017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM. TECH TIP: Issues with Eco Gauge Needle - The ECO gauge needle never reaches the green shaded portion of the cluster, even on wide open throttle.
TSB-BOD097R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. TSB: FUEL FILLER DOOR INSPECTION AND UPGRADE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure for inspecting and repairing a potential concern with the fuel filler door operation on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2010 to December 2011.
PS2802017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. TURBOCHARGER OIL LINE INSPECTION - Follow the procedure in this article to properly inspect/clean the oil feed and return lines.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.