MYRModel Year Report

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

○ Not enough data
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:38:59.808Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
108
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

67% of complaints

Complaints per year

2011: 34 complaints 2012: 108 complaints 2012 108 2013: 55 complaints 2014: 31 complaints 2015: 12 complaints 2015 2016: 4 complaints 2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 3 complaints 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint
2011: 34 complaints 2011 2012: 108 complaints 2012 108 2013: 55 complaints 2013 2014: 31 complaints 2014 2015: 12 complaints 2015 2016: 4 complaints 2016 2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 3 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020
2011: 34 complaints 2011 2012: 108 complaints 2012 108 2013: 55 complaints 2013 2014: 31 complaints 2014 2015: 12 complaints 2015 2016: 4 complaints 2016 2017: 26 complaints 2017 2018: 3 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 1 complaint 2020

2012: 108 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
201134
2012108
201355
201431
201512
20164
201726
20183
20190
20201

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

67% · 72 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-15

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated and failed to exceed 20 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had started to overheat.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-05

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-12

Electrical system

19% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing traction battery and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-14

Also filed under Service brakes

Service brakes

10% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Power train

9% · 10 reports

Steering

8% · 9 reports
CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  2. R
    2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  4. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  5. R
    2021-01-25Engine20V750000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  7. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  8. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
  9. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  10. R
    2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 72 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
  • Recall 20V750000 · Engine
  • Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.