2012 KIA OPTIMA

5 recalls, 1,263 complaints - 362 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may... Read more

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2... Read more

1,730,192 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Defect Description

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

Consequence

A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.

257,998 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

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 Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi... Read more

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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 service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

71,653 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

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 circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploy... Read more

Consequence

If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

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 between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to in... Read more

507,587 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Defect Description

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Consequence

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

618,160 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

1,263 total complaints 40 crashes 90 fires 53 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	370
STEERING	187
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	125
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	88
POWER TRAIN	73
SERVICE BRAKES	50
AIR BAGS	46
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	45
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	41
STRUCTURE:BODY	28

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

My 2018 Honda Odyssey EX-L has an ongoing Honda Sensing failure. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Forward Collision Warning cannot be activated using their controls. No dashboard warning lights or error messages are displayed. Honda of Lake Jackson stated that it could not perform f... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

Campaign 6524A Recall was completed in JUNE 2024. The recall repair has now failed and the steering is sticking/malfunctioning when you turn the steering wheel. Reliable Mazda dealership in Springfield Missouri informed me yesterday the recall was already completed and now I will be responsibilit... Read more

Incident date: Jan 21, 2025

The vehicle has experienced a pattern of recurring electrical failures beginning shortly after purchase, involving driver door controls (window, lock, mirror, and interior lighting functions), which have required four separate repair attempts over approximately three years, including replacement of ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

Manufacturer has delayed repaired vehicle under campaign 23V905. Loss of use / unable to use this unsafe vehicle. It has been at the dealership and supposedly awaiting parts since September 2025. Manufacturer’s customer service people cannot provide additional details around delivery dates. Cust... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

My problem was with the cooling system. My car has run great. Absolutely love my car on the way home 2 weeks ago. The coolant hose busted. I towed it to the mechanic shop and he informed me that it wasn't just a busted hose that somehow my coolant is leaking into my motor somewhere. It has not been ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

I was heading home from my vacation with my lady and had cruise control on and then all of a sudden my Rpms shot through the roof and then a flashing check engine light showed up and a message that said “acceleration reduced drive with care” when I took it to the dealer they told me it was due t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

Truck is experiencing sudden downshifting with loss of acceleration, and the speed odometer & MPG will both drop to zero. Recall #19S07 was issued in 2019 for Ford Motor Co. for this reason, but NHTSA site is showing that my truck is not covered under the recall (based on vehicle VIN), even though ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was upside down and eve... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

On 11 October 2025, I was driving on the Interstate when an error message appeared in the cluster "Active Lane Management (ALM) Unavailable Service Required". The Lane Assistance turned OFF and could not be turned back ON until vehicle was restarted. I called the dealership and requested an appoin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

This is what came up on my screen.Steering wheel assist reduced.Drive with care. My hot and cold gauge drop to C and stayed there for about 4 days and my a/c was blowing out hot air. I was told a lot of these Suvs have done this.

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

My breaks do not work in reverse. Pump valve seems to be bad

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

My breaks do not work in reverse. Pump valve seems to be bad

Incident date: May 16, 2025

NHTSA Recall 24V832000 covers a drive inverter defect that can cause complete loss of drive power. This recall was identified as active on my vehicle when I drove cross-country to XXX. Tesla Pensacola [XXX] ) told me "nothing was wrong" and did not perform this recall despite having the vehicle in ... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2026

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) randomly quits working, produces a yellow warning light and digital message saying it has failed and service required. This failure happens at completely random times and last for hours to days and then randomly starts working again. This began happening after purchas... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2026

Check engine light came on, car lost power on highway. Car continues to have the same issue after repairs have been made. Ford App says engine misfire, after every repair. Ford mechanics fix spark plugs, coils, electrical. None of which has fixed the issue of stalling on the highway which poses risk... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2026

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

Sudden engine failure while driving with no warning. Vehicle began jerking, shaking, and losing power. RPMs dropped unexpectedly and the engine stalled intermittently. Multiple misfire codes were present (cylinders 1, 3, and 4), and the engine was found to have low or no compression in cylinder 1. T... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same m... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

brake booster that was a recall that toyota said expired in 2020 when i bought the vehicle and the toyotal dealer didnt inform me of the recall to fix it said everything was fine when it was not, i had a dc inverter sensor brake booster issues and now it ills off my 12volt battery every time i put o... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 7, 2026

1 injured

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

RECALL NO: 19V-868 | VIN: [XXX] | CASE #: [XXX] VEHICLE: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (X204) DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY PROBLEM: This complaint concerns a failure to adequately remedy NHTSA Recall 19V-868. Since [XXX], my vehicle has been grounded at Mercedes-Benz of Westmont. The dealer performed the recal... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

Incident date: Mar 31, 2017

The sunroof exploded, causing the glass to shatter, while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. The noise from the glass shattering caused ear pain, headache, and tinnitus, which has been evaluated by a doctor. State Farm insurance has aided in the situation. The vehicle is in the body s... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

Steering sticking when traveling over 40mph. It is a minor sticking when implementing a adjustment. Upon review of the NHTA complaints there are other issues related to the steering box. NHTA # 11710516 issue 1/12/2026 NHTA # 11707737 issue 12/9/2025 NHTA # 11707168 issue 12/25/2025 NHTA # 11... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

Incident date: Feb 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions, while stopped, while the accelerator was depressed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact was almost rear-ended several times when the failure occurred. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle idl... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2017

- the iccu failed and was towed to the dealership and inspected by the service team. - the car needed to be pulled over to safety because of the failure, i had my daughter with me. - yes, the problem has been confirmed by a hyundai technician. - yes, a hyundai technician - i had 2 prior brief error... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2022

While driving at low speed and turning, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by engine knocking. The engine stalled and would no longer operate normally. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, who found metal fragments/shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal engine d... Read more

Incident date: Oct 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact ws unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

On [XXX], my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line AWD (VIN: [XXX] ) was damaged in a deer collision, requiring replacement of the right headlight assembly (P/N 5NL941114D/E, adaptive IQ.Light matrix with turning signal). The part was ordered June 9, 2025, via New Motors VW (Erie, PA) but remains on nat... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

On 12/5/2025, while driving my 2025 BMW X3 at approximately 35 mph on Milwaukee Ave (IL Route 21) during rush-hour traffic, the vehicle displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” warning and immediately lost propulsion; the engine completely shut down. The vehicle could not be driven under its own pow... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

FORD HAS A RECALL FOR 2015 AND UP 25S89 REAR-VIEW CAMERA INSPECTION, MY CAMERA HAS EXACT SAME ISSUE IN FACT THESE PARTS INVOLVED IN RECALL ARE THE SAME!!! HOW IS IT THAT FORD STARTS RECALL WITH 2015?? AND DOESNT GO BACK TO 2013??? MAKES NO SINCE WHATSOEVER!! I'VE WORKED FOR FORD FOR 35 YEARS AS A T... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Incident date: Nov 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2025

I have had my crv suddenly brake on me on multiple occasions when absolutely no one is around to cause it. It’s created many of close calls and given me mild whip lash in the past. But yesterday it happened in a way much worse than ever bc I was on the interstate and it abruptly stopped (again no... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Nov 5, 2025

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 26, 2025

After purchasing vehicle (4Sep25) the following week's notice wet spots in drive way first assumed to be from A/C but not the it is November and A/C is off the wet spots are still showing up. Checked under the vehicle and noticed oil all around the PCV tube. Took vehicle to Allentown Kia. They confi... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

2023 Covered Wagon 8.5' x 28' x 7' Gold Mine Series Enclosed Trailer VIN # [XXX] Purchased New: 01/20/2024 Mileage: Less than 10k miles GVWR: 9,990 lbs Gross Weight At Time of Failure: 7,900 lbs WestLake SuperST (ST225/75R15) D 8 PR. Tire #1 - 4321, Failed 9/18 Tire #2 - 4321, Failed 9/21 WestLak... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

Incident date: Oct 16, 2025

While driving all warning lights were activated and power steering completely failed. The vehicle was in drive and fully charged

Incident date: Aug 7, 2025

In my 2024 Tuscon, Hyundai has connected their cruise control to their driver assistance function. This system includes a camera on the steering column that watches the drivers eyes. If for any reason, they cannot see your eyes they will shutdown cruise control without warning. This can be caused... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2025

My EGR system caused a check engine light. P0401 This is an extremely well documented issue on Gen2 Volts, especially 2017 models. Simply searching "EGR" on the Volt subreddit or forums returns hundreds of related threads. This issue can lead to a clogged EGR valve, causing further damage. A tempora... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the message "Loss of Engine Power" was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0087, P2291, and P2A00 were retrieved. The vehicle was n... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2025

Lifters failed

Incident date: Sep 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system was displaying a frozen screen. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2025

Driver side headrest deployment while parked without collision

Showing 50 of 1,263 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA OPTIMA

2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	9.6%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA OPTIMA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	33.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	34.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	34.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA OPTIMA

362 manufacturer communications from 224 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	54
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	50
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	34
350000 EQUIPMENT	33
010000 STEERING	30
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	18
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	11
100000 POWER TRAIN	8

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Modu

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supp

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS - This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. So

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin are

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressur

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

160000 STRUCTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R6: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bul

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA447) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and replace the Fuel Tank Air Filter, and, if necessary, the N

350000 EQUIPMENT

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN - AUXILIARY CANISTER INSTALLATION AND EVAP LEAKAGE TEST (SC189) - This bulletin provides information on the installation of an auxiliary EVAP canister on some 2011-2015MY Opti

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Owner Notification Letter - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an auxiliary evaporative canister in your vehicle to

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Questions and Answers

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Proof of Completion Card

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Completion Label

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Completion Label

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Dealer Parts and Service Manager Memo - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an Auxiliary Canister Kit to improve evaporative system performa

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Dealer Principal Memo - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an Auxiliary Canister Kit to improve evaporative system performance on certain 2

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z_Rev3) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802YZ/1803YZ.

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly o

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin pr

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - CLOSED - This bulletin has been superseded by PI1803Y/Z.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - REV 5 -KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update t

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owner Letter - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - *** THIRD NOTICE *** - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2011-2013 MY Optima v

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803W/X_R5: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Servi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R4: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides informatio

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of t

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803). This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Co

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

TSB: ECU UPGRADE - STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the MDPS ECU software upgrade for some 2012-2014MY Optima (QF), produced from Au

010000 STEERING

TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDP

012000 STEERING:COLUMN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: TF/TF-HEV HEADLAMP INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and/or replace the headlamp assembly on some 2011-2013 MY Optima (TF, TF-HEV) vehicles produced from August 12, 2010 to December 12, 201

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

wty014_OWNR: This document is the Owner Notification Letter advising the customers of the Warranty Extension on the Headlamp Assembly on the 2011-2013 MY Optima and Optima HEV vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This document is a Reimbursement Request that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

wty014_OWNR: This document is the Owner Notification Letter advising the customers of the Warranty Extension on the Headlamp Assembly on the 2011-2013 MY Optima and Optima HEV vehicles.

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NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optim... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Scope and Timeliness

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s asserti... ons of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Transmission Shift Cable Detachment

During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA across all model years (2001, 2019).

59 Total Recalls

10,397 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

536 Reported Crashes

485 Reported Fires

24 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2020	0	211	View
2019	1	321	View
2018	2	334	View
2017	3	355	View
2016	5	1,079	View
2015	4	1,403	View
2014	7	791	View
2013	9	1,889	View
2012 (current)	5	1,263
2011	5	781	View
2010	1	99	View
2009	1	166	View
2008	3	188	View
2007	2	218	View
2006	2	214	View
2005	0	180	View
2004	1	306	View
2003	2	190	View
2002	3	168	View
2001	3	231	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 KIA OPTIMA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA OPTIMA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA OPTIMA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA OPTIMA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models