Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Families, commuters, individuals seeking a balance of comfort, efficiency, and value
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Design Philosophy:
European-inspired design, premium interior feel for its class
Value Proposition:
Strong feature set for the price, excellent warranty coverage (at time of sale)
Manual Advantage:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level repair knowledge, reducing reliance on dealerships and specialized shops
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, engine control (ECU/ECM), turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (AT) and Manual transmission (MT) - overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), axle shafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, caliper and rotor specifications, brake fluid type
Steering Systems:
Power steering (hydraulic/electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body Systems:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, bumpers, glass, seals
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnosis
Infotainment Systems:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), display units
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Special Tools:
Required special tools and equipment for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including scan tool data interpretation and electrical circuit tracing
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Tolerances:
Engine component clearances and tolerances for rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded electrical wiring diagrams
Engine Code 1:
G4KD (2.4L Theta II MPI)
Engine Type 1:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement 1:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
87.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.5:1
Horsepower 1:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery 1:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 2:
G6DJ (3.5L Lambda II GDi)
Engine Type 2:
V6, DOHC, 24-Valve
Displacement 2:
3470 cc (3.5 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
274 hp @ 6400 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
245 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery 2:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (Minimum)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for most 2011 models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with specific safety features)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Esc:
Standard (Electronic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Airbags:
Front, front side, and side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
75,000 miles (120,000 km) for 2.4L (NGK Iridium) / 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for 3.5L (GDi - Long Life)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions (severe duty may require more frequent changes)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 (Synthetic Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Spec:
API/ASTM D3306, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, premixed 50/50 (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of oil consumption in early 2.4L Theta II engines, potential for steering column clunk, minor HVAC control panel issues, potential for water pump leaks
Recall Information:
Refer to NHTSA website for any applicable recalls for the 2011 Kia Optima
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Growth:
Known for offering value-oriented vehicles with improving quality and design
Generation Introduction:
Second generation (TF) Optima, introduced for the 2011 model year
Design Influence:
Significant styling update, adopting Kia's 'Tiger-nose' grille and a more sleek, coupe-like profile, heavily influenced by Peter Schreyer's design direction
Manufacturing Locations:
Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA
Production Years For Gen:
2011-2015