2012 Kia Optima lights problems

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Engine, Lights · PA

Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicle Vehicle Information: [Year] Kia Optima Hybrid Dealership Name: Kia on the Boulevard Dealership Address: 11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Complaint Description: 1. The Safety Incident: While operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick smoke poured from the engine compartment, followed by immediate stalling. This presented a severe fire risk and safety hazard. 2. Dealer Misconduct & Illegal Charges: I towed the vehicle to Kia on the Boulevard (11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia) for the active engine recall remedy. The dealership: * Refused to perform the recall repair free of charge. * Forced me to pay a $199 "diagnostic fee" just to look at the recall-related defect, which should be covered by the manufacturer. * Threatened me with $45/day storage fees if I did not pay the $199 and remove the vehicle immediately. 3. Current Status: Under the threat of accumulating storage fees, I was coerced into paying the $199 and towing the vehicle back to my residence. The dealership knowingly released a vehicle with a catastrophic engine failure (smoke/fire risk) back to the owner without performing the federally mandated remedy. The unsafe vehicle is now sitting at my home unrepaired. 4. Conclusion: I request an immediate investigation into Kia on the Boulevard's refusal to honor the recall and their practice of charging customers for recall-related inspections.

Filed Dec 19, 2024 · Lights · NC

My 2012 Kia optima headlamps are extremely dim, even though I’ve replaced the lightbulbs with the highest possible lumens, multiple times, the headlamp assembly continues to dim. This requires that I ride with my high-beams on to drive at night. The lights have been dimming for more than 20,000 miles, but they are almost useless at this point.

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Engine, Lights · CA

Desconocido

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 24,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the brake lights continuously remained illuminated. The taillight bulbs blew out on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there were several unknown warning lights flashing. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · 113,000 miles · CA

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated after pulling up to her residence and exiting the vehicle, the contact observed that there was smoke coming from the passenger’s side headlight. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the dealer could not determine the cause of the smoke. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. 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 Jul 16, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · DE

Because the brake stopper or brake switch are messed up and my brake tail light stays on all night causing it to drain the battery If the car is braking while I’m driving it and the traction control light comes on and the speed is decreasing as I’m driving because the car is braking on it’s own it has nothing to do with the lights Nor the battery the root of the issue is the brake line because the tail light will not cut off because the brakes are still engaged even when the car is off causing the tail lights to stay on so the lights is what is draining the battery the lights stay on all night in a car the battery dies but the battery nor the lights is the issue it’s the brakes

Filed May 18, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · NC

I was driving on the highway and all of sudden my car started decelerating. I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed the brake lights were illuminated although I was NOT pressing the brake pedal.

Filed Sep 17, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

The brake light stays on.. causing the battery to drain. Even the vehicle is completely stopped / ignition off.

Filed Mar 11, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 105,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated that after turning off and exiting the vehicle, the interior lights remained illuminated. Due the failure, the battery was drained on several occasions requiring a jump start to be able to start-up and drive the vehicle. Additionally, the battery had been replaced twice within two months. The contact had taken the vehicle to vision kia of east rochester (201 e linden ave, east rochester, ny 14445) where they informed him that the exterior wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.