VehicleVerdict

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 151 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 5.5× the Optima Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Optima Hybrid years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 49% of all reports (74 of 151), far ahead of electrical system at 20. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

151

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

7

Investigations · 1 open

12

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Optima Hybrid years?

Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted151 complaints2011: 47 complaints2012: 151 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 51 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 38 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7449%
Electrical System2013%
Brakes107%
Transmission107%
Steering96%
Other75%
Speed Control53%
Airbags43%
Fuel System43%
Body & Structure32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts11%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

18V363000AirbagsJune 1, 2018 · 507,587 units

Defect

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 deploying.

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 install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ENGINE LOST POWER STATED SMOKING ALL OVER TRUNK ENGINE GOING 60 MPH ON RT15 THURMONT MARYLAND OUTSIDE OF CAMP DAVID, OIL WAS EVERYWHERE LOUD BOOM, MY GRANDSON WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AT THIS TIME AS WELL, DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THEY ARE NOT AT FALT OR REPLACING ENGING,AS I SEE A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 12, 2018 · fire

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIGH SPEED, REAR END COLLISION IN WHICH I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 55MPH WHEN ANOTHER LARGE VEHICLE CHANGED LANES FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING ME TO COLLIDE WITH THEM. THE RESULT WAS SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND SIGNIFICANT BODILY INJURY TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2018 · crash

“OVER THE LAST MONTH, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MANY TRANSMISSION ISSUES WHERE THE MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID IS HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS 2-3 AND 5-6; SAME WHEN DOWN SHIFTING. I HAVE HAD TO BREAK EXTRA LONG BECAUSE OF THE DOWNSHIFTING, THE CAR 'LURCHES' FORWARD, AND I FAIL TO GET SUFFICIENT POWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 10, 2016

“TODAY I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY FOR THE BRAKES FAILING IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THE MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THEY LET ME LEAVE WITH IT I WAS IN LAKE WORTH TODAY DOING 45 MILES PER HOUR AND IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 14, 2018 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 10, 2013 · crash

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 151 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 10 Optima Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Optima Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Optima Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (74 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints), transmission (10 complaints).

Does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Optima Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima Hybrid years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.