2012 Kia Optima recalls
Safety recalls listed by NHTSA
5
A recall on the model year does not always mean your car is affected. Your VIN decides. Confirm open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
All 5 2012 Kia Optima recalls, newest first
Sep 25, 2023Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited SlipPark outsideKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010 to 2019 Borrego, 2014 to 2016 Cadenza, 2010 to 2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015 to 2018 K900, 2011 to 2015 Optima, 2011 to 2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012 to 2017 Rio, 2011 to 2014 Sorento, and 2010 to 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1 800 333 4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · Kia America, Inc.
Aug 1, 2022Structure, BodyKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012 to 2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
Risk: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1 800 333 4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
NHTSA campaign 22V560000 · Kia Motors America
Dec 19, 2018Fuel System, Gasoline, DeliveryKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 to 2017 Optima, 2012 to 2017 Sorento and 2011 to 2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1 800 333 4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · Kia Motors America
Jun 1, 2018Air Bags, Air Bag/restraint Control ModuleKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010 to 2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011 to 2013 Kia Optima and 2011 to 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.
Risk: 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.
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 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · Kia Motors America
Mar 31, 2017Engine And Engine Cooling, EngineKia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 to 2014 Optima, 2012 to 2014 Sorento and 2011 to 2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1 800 333 4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · Kia Motors America
Other Kia recalls
FAQ
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima. Not every car of this model year is affected, so check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.
How do I check if my 2012 Kia Optima has an open recall?
Enter your 17 character VIN in the NHTSA lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call any franchised dealer of the brand. The VIN check tells you which recalls are still open on your exact car.
Are recall repairs free?
Yes. Under federal law the manufacturer must fix a safety recall for free at an authorized dealer, no matter who owns the car or how old it is. Some recalls on very old vehicles may be limited, so ask the dealer.
How long does a recall repair take?
Most recall fixes take under two hours once the dealer has the parts. When parts are short the dealer may need weeks, and for do not drive recalls they often offer a loaner or towing.