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2012 Kia Optima electrical complaints

Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 124, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Kia Optima electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 50,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact pressed on the horn, and the horn failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, upon starting the vehicle and attempting to adjust the driver’s side mirror, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the side-view mirror motor. The contact stated that several days later, the abnormal clicking sound ceased, and the driver’s side mirror failed to function as intended. On a separate occasion, the passenger’s side mirror motor was making an abnormal clicking sound. Several days later, the clicking sound ceased and the passenger’s side mirror failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to close the sunroof, the motor failed to function as intended and the sunroof was half closed. The contact had to place a tarp over the sunroof to protect inside the vehicle from the elements. No warning lights were illuminated. Recently the vehicle received maintenance and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had failed in the engine. The contact was unsure what part of the engine had been replaced. The failure recurred, and the contact had safety concerns about the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Electrical · NJ

Car thought I was breaking when I was pressing the gas and I was merging into a left lane. I was able to turn on the car without pressing the brakes due to the latter. The car doors are unlocking while im driving without warning. Also traction light on car cameo on

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 154,782 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The battery, oil, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal was firm. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There was smoke coming from the engine. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the transmission failed to shift to park. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 154,782.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Electrical · GA

I brought my Kia optima sx in at Kia Atlanta South dealership for a Hydraulic electronic control Unit recall to be service since the problem can result in a engine fire while driving or parked but the dealership did not do the recalled service and told me that it was done. I checked my engine fuse to see if the new fuse were installed and new label was put on in place of old fuse label and none of it was done.

Filed Feb 1, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

The car instrument panel showed two messages "check brake " and also "hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive" The brakes stopped working and the car will not accelerate. I stopped reset the battery and started the car as if nothing was wrong. this happens intermittently when i drive the car for over an hour. the brakes are brand new the brake cylinder is working fine. only when this warning come up the brakes feel like they are grinding. a lot of owners are complaining about this. I am wondering if there is a recall for this issue.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was performed; however, after the repair, the A/C system became inoperable, and the front passenger's side window failed to roll up or down when engaging the power window switch. The dealer was notified of the failure, but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Body, Electrical · NY

Snow White Pearl Paint is peeling at numerous location Rear driver's side window button not working Siruis XM radio not working .Dealt with XM and stated it was a Kia antenna however Kia tells me its Sirius xm problem

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · GA

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle experienced excessive steering efforts, which required keeping both hands on the steering wheel to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of the lane. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on one occasion, causing the passenger's side-view mirror to strike another vehicle, and the side-view mirror was damaged. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. Additionally, the contact stated that after the vehicle had been turned off for 10 minutes, the vehicle failed to restart and was jumpstarted. The contact stated that the failures recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering and electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired and was sold. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Body, Electrical · AL · fire

I did not know about this recall and my dad was driving my car caught on fire and blew up now I do not have a car please help.

Filed Mar 8, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Was driving on the road on the way back to work from lunch, started hitting the brakes at an upcoming stop light, and the car shut down. There was no lights indicating anything prior to the incident. I tried starting it again and it started smoking, I then opened the hood and all the smoke poured out. The engine bay smelled like something electrical melting or of some sort. I towed it to the dealership I work at and had my ex-kia technician coworkers look at it and said they've never seen anything like it, but did confirm the smell was electrical. OBD II reader was not reading anything at all. I was letting it sit for a while waiting for the recall to have some sort of remedy, but I've grown tired waiting so I decided to file a complaint. And I will reiterate again that NONE of the lights came on at all until my car decided to break down.

Filed Jan 26, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

While driving will will get “hybrid system. Warning check brakes”. Car will loose acceleration. After turning car off for five minutes, error goes away and car drives. Happens for no reason and has occurred 4 times in the last week

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NC

It has started burning oil, we have to continually check it. There are no leaks but oil burns too fast, we check it almost daily.

Filed Dec 22, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · LA

When driving the vehicle the engine light is on & under the hood is smoking . It smells like burnt rubber or just burning something. This started happening right after the engine light came on. It’s not safe to drive my vehicle at this point

Filed Dec 21, 2023 · Electrical · CA

I received a safety call notice my car was still working fine I’m waiting for the next notice according to this notice and my car breaks down still no notice said to call the number on it I did nothing, the car stopped in middle of the freakin traffic on a green light all cars going fast beeping at me and my car wont turn on its raining and my husband is passenger thank god my baby wasnt w me but what if she was , I expect kia to answer and not charge me to come get me when its their fault the car doesnt work what if we got hit my child would of lostvher parents we could of really been hirt smoke evrywhere car stinks like its burning up I really though we where about to explode the way it smoked up and smelled so bad cars passing by just thinking you cant gwt off an have to stay put until they stop I could have died

Filed Dec 18, 2023 · Electrical · CA

Still no remedy for fve safety recall and my car continues to smoke leaving it unable to be driven.

Filed Dec 17, 2023 · Electrical · PA

I contacted the Kia dealership in Wexford, PA on November 18 regarding the HECU safety recall and was told there is no fix available. The date of the notice was November 14, 2023 and I still haven't received an update from Kia. I haven't seen the MIL or ABS illuminated in my vehicle, but have experienced a slight burning smell over the past two days. My family's safety is paramount so I'm filing a formal complaint with the federal safety agency. Kia America must address this issue and provide an immediate solution.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Electrical · PA · fire

Vehicle is under recall 23V652 for HECU short circuit issue. Vehicle was running fine, driven to local mechanic for routine oil change and inspection. MIL was on with P0445 indicating a short circuit on Purge control valve. Mechanic replaced Purge control valve which did not reset maintenance light. Mechanic investigated and found evidence of a thermal event (fire) within the wiring harness near the computer. Mechanic contacted me and I notified him of Interim Recall notice. Vehicle was towed to local Kia dealer where they will not honor recall as there is no current solution. They said they can not prove the incident was HECU without replacing wiring harness which I must pay for.

Filed Dec 9, 2023 · Electrical · FL

The transmission automatic, shifter somehow disconnected from transmission, while driving, once it happened, stepping in gas pedal only revved engine, on highway in traffic, glided to to side of highway, and brakes did work, no transmission, dealer later stated and have dealer report, the piece that engages the trans to the shifter was defective and broke or fell off during vehicle operation, put a new 1 on, and then I could use gears again, regardless when it happened, any driver lost all power to stay, go or keep w, traffic, only attempt could be to safely get off highway.

Filed Dec 8, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · 130,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, she noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the taillights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 3, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · NJ

My car started losing its lights one by one. I lost the front right light first, then yhe right back side light, and now the brakes lights. I replaced all the bulbs and still does not work. Then my car just cut off while driving with no notification. I towed it in to Mavis. They checked and said the battery was not keeping charge. I paid to replace the battery ,belt and alternator. Four days later my check engine light, battery indicator, airbag indicator, door indicator came on and still is on.

Filed Aug 30, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

While driving down the highway the cars Hybrid warning system came on causing the car to lose all breaks and lose power. The component of the vehicle that failed is the HECU. Kia already did a recall for this but did not include the hybrids for the recall. This is very unsafe losing all breaking power, driving 65 mph down the highway with my children in the car! There was absolutely no warning, no check engine lights nothing. I had it towed to the dealership and upon them driving it, it also cut completely out and did it to the person at the dealership. This is going to cause someone to lose their life and when you call Kia, it’s the same run around that your year wasn’t included in the recall yet there was a whole lawsuit about this.

Filed May 16, 2023 · Electrical, Seat belts · TX

2012 Kia Optima EX with 67000 miles driver-side seatbelt dash warning goes off even it is buckled securely while driving.

Filed May 3, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · IN

the engine failed at 152000. it had a recall .so i took it in at 91000 and complained of the rod nock.and was told they checked the rod bearing clearance .and found nothing .i again took the car in again at around 111000 miles and complained of the rod nock again.and again was told they see no problem now im with out a car

Filed Apr 30, 2023 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · TX

Here I explain the problem better, when the car is at a low speed, such as when parking, the gasoline engine starts and it starts to rev up to 6k RPM and after that it brakes and hits hard, this would be dangerous on the highway and another problem is that when accelerating it has a delay of 1-3 seconds, and I want to report this problem to see if there is any solution

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Acceleration, Airbags · FL

My airbag light is on and I have no power to my steering wheel controls including my horn.

Filed Feb 27, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NC · fire

I was driving down the highway going 75 mph and all of a sudden my car tells me pull over safely do not drive and it shut down while I'm driving. It never turned back on. It started smoking and you could see orange light coming through the vents. I was stuck on a [XXX] bridge for 4 hours and I missed court that day. I called Kia and they came to pick up my car. They said it was free because my car has been recalled but ever since they've had it, they stop answering my phone calls and emails and now they are trying to charge me 5000 to get my car back and fixed. Before any of this happened, I noticed an oil leak at the gas station but was unsure whether it came from my car or not. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Electrical · FL

Rearview camera does not display when vehicle is in reverse. Is this system required to comply with FMVSS 111 even if it is out of the vehicle manufacturer's warranty period?

Filed Sep 28, 2022 · Body, Electrical · TN · crash

Vehicle was broken into and stolen…steering wheel column damage, wheel locked, wreck…usb cord used to crank car..police report filed #2209013764ME

Filed Aug 3, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Engine light keeps flashing and car stalls and will not go over 45 mph. One incident happened on a busy highway as merged on and was almost hit by a tractor trailer from behind.

Filed Jul 6, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · MA · fire

My car caught on fire while driving from somewhere near the engine. The fire was so severe that fire department nor my insurance company were able to determine cause of fire and I’d only had vehicle for 45 days, it was a single owner with no accidents and maintained its entire life up to that point. I am requesting someone to examine vehicle and tell me how this possibly happened.

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