Model Year Problem Record

Kia Optima Hybrid 2012 - Problems, Recalls, and Investigations

The complete public record for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: what owners reported, which systems drew recalls, and where complaints exist that no recall has ever covered.

109Distinct owner complaintsSource: NHTSA Complaints

3Recall campaignsSource: NHTSA Recalls

106Defect investigationsSource: NHTSA Investigations

19Complaints reporting a crash or fireOwner Reports, Unverified

Complaints by System

Distinct complaints naming each system, most reported first. Select a system for its own page.

Engine74

Brakes12

Vehicle Speed Control5

Air Bags4

Vehicle Structure3

Fuel and Propulsion System3

Hybrid and Electric Propulsion3

Did a Recall Cover It?

The join between complaints and recalls for this model year, system by system. A gap does not prove a defect - it means owners reported the problem and no recall campaign covers that system on this model year.

Engine74 complaints

74 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 20V750000.

Electrical System19 complaints

19 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Brakes12 complaints

12 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 23V652000.

Power Train10 complaints

10 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Steering9 complaints

9 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Unknown Or Other8 complaints

8 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Speed Control5 complaints

5 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Air Bags4 complaints

4 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 18V363000.

Vehicle Structure3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Fuel and Propulsion System3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Hybrid and Electric Propulsion3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Wheels2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Suspension1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seat Belts1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Lighting1 complaints

1 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Recall Campaigns

Every campaign covering this model year, in our own words. The campaign number is the official reference.

18V363000Reported June 1, 2018 - 507,587 vehicles potentially affected

Air Bags. Recall covering the air bags system, reported to NHTSA on June 1, 2018. The campaign covers an estimated 507,587 vehicles across all affected models.

20V750000Reported December 2, 2020 - 294,756 vehicles potentially affected

Engine. Recall covering the engine system, reported to NHTSA on December 2, 2020. The campaign covers an estimated 294,756 vehicles across all affected models.

23V652000Reported September 25, 2023 - 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

Brakes. Recall covering the brakes system, reported to NHTSA on September 25, 2023. The campaign covers an estimated 1,730,192 vehicles across all affected models. Owners are advised to park outside because of a fire risk.

Park Outside Advisory

Defect Investigations

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened these investigations touching this model year.

AQ23002Opened November 17, 2023 - Open

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP18003Opened August 21, 2018 - Closed May 10, 2019