Vehicles / Kia / Optima / 2012

2012 Kia OptimaUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

919 federal complaints (1,263 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 7 federal investigations · 233 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 20 model years of the Kia Optima →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
22 city / 33 hwy
Federal complaints
919
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
417
Steering
188
Electrical system
123
Other
88
Brakes
88
Power train
54
Fuel system
54
Air bags
48
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 70 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 38 complaints3 years old: 38 complaints4 years old: 94 complaints5 years old: 89 complaints56 years old: 84 complaints7 years old: 128 complaints8 years old: 103 complaints9 years old: 64 complaints10 years old: 51 complaints1011 years old: 69 complaints12 years old: 30 complaints13 years old: 35 complaints14 years old: 12 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 919 of 919 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 61 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 39 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 71 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 109 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 88 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 77 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 88 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 36 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 15 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 5 complaints200,000+ miles: 14 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 603 of 919 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

417 complaint records62 fire reports4 crash reports
"CODE P1326 CAME UP INDICATING VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE OR A KNOCK SENSOR OR AND ENGINE BEARING IS ABOUT TO NEED REPLACING..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Steering

188 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"ELECTRICAL RACK AND PINIONS RECALL. STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE. STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

123 complaint records18 fire reports4 crash reports
"2012 Kia Optima EX with 67000 miles driver-side seatbelt dash warning goes off even it is buckled securely while driving...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
AQ23002
opened Nov 2023
OPENService Brakes, HydraulicHyundai 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.
DP22003
opened Sep 2022
closed Dec 2023EngineLoss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain...
EA21003
opened Dec 2021
closed Feb 2024EngineEngine Fires - led to recall 23V877
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on...
DP21003
opened Nov 2021
closed Jun 2023Vehicle Speed ControlThrottle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on...
PE19004
opened Mar 2019
closed Dec 2021Unknown Or OtherNon-crash Vehicle Fires - led to recall 21V844000
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle...
Show 2 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP18003
opened Aug 2018
closed May 2019Unknown Or OtherNon-crash Vehicle Fires - led to recall 19V204000
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and...
RQ17003
opened May 2017
closed Dec 2021EngineScope and Timeliness - led to recall 19V101000
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
23V652000PARK OUTSIDEService Brakes, HydraulicKia 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...Normally free
22V560000StructureKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 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...Normally free
18V907000Fuel System, GasolineKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor...Normally free
18V363000Air BagsKia 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.Normally free
17V224000Engine And Engine CoolingKia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2023529
2023-09-26
Brakes276,225Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
2020597
2020-12-04
Engine39,658Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI or 2.4 L Theta II MPI engine, an engine compartment fire could occur while driving.
2019153
2019-03-21
Engine29,501Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails.
2018742
2018-12-28
Fuel System2,878On certain vehicles, when repairs were completed under recall campaign 2017-199 (Kia RC109), the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on the fuel pump outlet.
2018301
2018-06-08
Airbag65,548On certain gasoline and hybrid engine vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control unit may become damaged.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2017199
2017-04-07
Engine37,504On certain vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.4L engines, the engine may contain residual metallic debris from factory machining operations.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R2
Jun 2026
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_CS2312_R1
Feb 2026
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_CS2312
Dec 2025
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19,...
CS2312_OWNR
Dec 2025
StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign.
TSB_TRA046_R5
Apr 2025
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB_ENG222_R8
Apr 2025
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R7
Feb 2025
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2303_TSB_R4
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA046_R4
May 2024
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R7
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2310_TSB_R1
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
CS2303B_OWNR2
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the...
CS2303A_OWNR2
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the...
CS2303_TSB_R3
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2310_TSB
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY...
CS2303_TSB_R2
May 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2303D_OWNR
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject...
CS2303_TSB_R1
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2303B_OWNR
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject...
CS2303_TSB
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2015MY...
CS2303A_OWNR
Feb 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject...
TSB_TRA046_R3
Nov 2022
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model.
TSB_SST067_R2
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST).
PS720
Apr 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingPITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS - This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z.
TSB_ENG222_R6
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R5
Jan 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R6
Dec 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R4
Dec 2021
EquipmentTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R5
Nov 2021
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_SST067_R1
Nov 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated...
TSB_CHA084_R8
Oct 2021
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI2002YZ_TSB_R2
Sep 2021
EquipmentTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_BOD055_R1
Sep 2021
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R3
Sep 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI1803_TSB_R6
Jul 2021
EquipmentTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R6: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
PI2002YZ_TSB_R1
Jun 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA084_R7
Mar 2021
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R2
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R1
Jan 2021
EquipmentTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_FUE049
Jan 2021
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA447) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and replace the Fuel Tank Air Filter, and, if necessary, the Natural Vacuum Leak Detector (NVLD) on...
TSB_CHA084_R6
Nov 2020
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R4
Nov 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA084_R5
Nov 2020
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PS675
Aug 2020
Service BrakesPITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
SC189_TSB
Aug 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN - AUXILIARY CANISTER INSTALLATION AND EVAP LEAKAGE TEST (SC189) - This bulletin provides information on the installation of an auxiliary EVAP canister on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles equipped with Theta...
SC189_OWNR
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVoluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Owner Notification Letter - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an auxiliary evaporative canister in your vehicle to ensure the evaporative canister is not...
SC189_DP
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVoluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Dealer Principal Memo - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an Auxiliary Canister Kit to improve evaporative system performance on certain 2011-2015 MY Kia Optima vehicles...
SC189_DPSM
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVoluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Dealer Parts and Service Manager Memo - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an Auxiliary Canister Kit to improve evaporative system performance on certain 2011-2015 MY Kia Optima...
SC189_Label
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVoluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Completion Label
SC189_POC
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVoluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Proof of Completion Card
SC189_QA
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingVoluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Questions and Answers
PI1803YZ_TSB_R3
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z_Rev3) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R2
Jun 2020
EquipmentTSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_ENG205_C
Apr 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802YZ/1803YZ.
TSB_TRA046_R1
Apr 2020
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model.
TSB_CHA091_R2
Apr 2020
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R1
Apr 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018...
PI1803WX_TSB_R5C
Apr 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - CLOSED - This bulletin has been superseded by PI1803Y/Z.
PI1803_TSB_R5
Mar 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - REV 5 -KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
PI1803Y/Z_TSB
Mar 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.

Showing 60 of 233 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Kia Optima →