2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: 3 recalls, 109 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V363000 · 2018 · 507,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 deploying.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Engine Vehicle recall #20V750000 · 2020 · 294,756 vehicles
What's wrong: An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the knock sensor detection system (ksds) software,…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (72): the most common themes are noise or vibration (33), warning light on (22), stalls / loses power (18).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), warning light on (3).
- Steering (9): the most common themes are steering problems (8), noise or vibration (6).
The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has 109 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 Optima Hybrid model years for complaints (3.6× the average Optima Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (32 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 87,200 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (34 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (55 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 38 | 36 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (72), electrical (20), transmission & drivetrain (10).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.