2012 KIA OPTIMA Complaints

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while idling or while driving, the message "Hybrid Warning System - Check Brake - Stop Driving Immediately" was intermittently displayed. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!

The dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the previously completed Safety Recall Campaign SC147 (NHTSA Campaign 17V224000). The engine is currently exhibiting clear signs of connecting rod bearing failure—the exact mechanical hazard SC147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed internal engine failure, and verified that SC147 was completed on this VIN. However, they denied coverage citing an incomplete software update (Product Improvement Campaign PI1803) associated with a separate class-action lawsuit. The dealer is incorrectly conflating the requirements of the class-action warranty with the vehicle's independent eligibility under the safety recall. Independent of the class-action parameters, I am requesting a repair under the standalone 15-year/unlimited-mileage extended warranty provided specifically for vehicles that completed SC147 (detailed in the SC147 Safety Recall Campaign Q&A dated May 22, 2017, and Kia Warranty Bulletin 2017-09, both uploaded with this submission). The vehicle is well within this 15-year extended warranty period. Additionally, the PI1803 Knock Sensor Detection System update is a diagnostic detection tool, not a physical remedy for the underlying crankshaft machining defects identified in 17V224000. A manufacturer and its dealer network should not be permitted to use an unrelated class-action software prerequisite to invalidate a pre-existing, federally mandated safety recall warranty.

Entire vehicle got burned while driving on the highway, the car is available at the impound shop for inspection. I was driving the car on the highway during the hours of rush hour when the car started burning, there were many drivers around on the other lanes. The NY Fire Department battalion and the NYPD responded to the scene and we have reports. The car was inspected by the NY fire department and a KIA inspector. There were no lamps or any warnings signs nor messages of any problem or failure.

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. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its risky to drive.

Engine faílúre on June 26, 2026.Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic.I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in advance for the traffic to move around me. This is a second engine failure for my Kia. The engine was replaced in December 2023/ January 2024. Incident #11558201. It does not immediately restart. After some time (about an hour) it takes a long time for it to kick over then finally starts. When beginning to move forward it travels approximately 100-150 feet then dies again. A gentleman stopped to see if he could help. He thought the fuel gauge was broken and just needed gas. (Gas tank was full). Then he put the car in neutral and pushed me home with his truck. Then he helped me push it up into my driveway. I haven't gotten to the dealership (Ferguson Imports) Kia because of the cost of towing which I am responsible for if I wish to have it seen by a service specialist. It is available for inspection upon requést.

I had a engine replacement under Pi1803 they gave me the vechile back w active abs light exuast leak and damaged click spring refused ti look at till I paid dx fee this all appeared the day I went to pick uo vechicle

I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak

I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going

The clock spring keeps failing which is causing the air bag light to remain on; the horn to not work; various functions of the dashboard; and steering wheel heat.