CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 5 fires, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (72 reports).
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
The air bag control unit in these Kia vehicles may short circuit during a crash.
Most common 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Problem areas named in the 109 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 72 |
| Electrical System | 21 |
| Power Train | 10 |
| Steering | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Structure | 3 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while idling or while driving, the message "Hybrid Warning System - Check Brake - Stop Driving Immediately" was intermittently displayed. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electriconic braking moduel with "Check Brake" indication light and"Hybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its risky to drive.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to drive uphill and on gravel with the Electric Drive Mode activated, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact pressed the button to deactivate the Electric Drive Mode, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and a recall repair appointment was scheduled with the dealer. The contact stated that while d
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated the engine was previously replaced under an unstated NHTSA recall. The contact stated that five months after the repair, the malfunction indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the replaced engine was defective and affected the high hybrid battery. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to replace the engine and the high hybrid battery; however, the vehicle remained at the local dealer because part
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 that when the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated with the âHybrid - No Driving Modeâ message displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. 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 but
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid questions
Does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Based on 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (72), Electrical System (21), Power Train (10).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.