2012 Kia OPTIMA HYBRID Manufacturer communications & TSBs.Page 2
Original record summaries, dates and identifiers for this model-year. Records 101–135 of 135, ordered newest first. Dated records on this page: Oct 5, 2012–Jun 26, 2015.
Read the applicability before drawing a conclusion.
This archive includes service bulletins, warranty notices, software instructions and other communications. Records may repeat or supersede earlier instructions. A model-year association is not proof that a document covers every engine, trim, VIN or reported symptom, or that a repair is free.
NHTSA download snapshot: Sep 28, 2026. These are communication associations for this vehicle, not unique defects. How records are joined and counted.
Jun 26, 2015Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TSBELE089
NHTSA communication ID: 10089742
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: NAVIGATION HEAD UNIT SD CARD REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE SD CARD EXCHANGE/REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE RELATED TO ERROR MESSAGES THAT MAY BE DISPLAYED ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WHEN THE INCORRECT SD CARD IS INSERTED. NOTE: ONLY NEW MODELS (DURING PDI INSPECTION OR AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE) OR COMPATIBILITY MISMATCHES THAT OCCUR AFTER HEAD UNIT REPLACEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS PROGRAM.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT MULTIPLE DTCS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS SHIFT SOLENOIDS ON 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES WITH DTCS P0741, P0743, P0748, P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768, P0773, P1778 AND P2709. REPLACE THE SOLENOIDS IF CURRENT OR HISTORY CODES ARE PRESENT; DO NOT REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE. TO REDUCE VEHICLE REPAIR TIME, THIS PROCEDURE CAN BE PERFORMED WITH THE TRANSAXLE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. REFER TO KGIS FOR SOLENOID PACK REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT MULTIPLE DTCS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS SHIFT SOLENOIDS ON 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES WITH DTCS P0741, P0743, P0748, P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768, P0773, P1778 AND P2709. REPLACE THE SOLENOIDS IF CURRENT OR HISTORY CODES ARE PRESENT; DO NOT REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE. TO REDUCE VEHICLE REPAIR TIME, THIS PROCEDURE CAN BE PERFORMED WITH THE TRANSAXLE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. REFER TO KGIS FOR SOLENOID PACK REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE.
Source components: POWER TRAIN · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM).
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
"TECH TIP: DTC P1A89 - DC/DC CONVERTER CURRENT SENSOR FAULT SYMPTOM: DTC - MIL P1A89 DC/DC CONVERTER CURRENT SENSOR FAULT AND ILLUMINATED BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LAMP IN THE CLUSTER. REPAIR: USE GDS/KDS TO CHECK THE LDC OUTPUT CURRENT UNDER LDC > CURRENT DATA (SEE IMAGE). IF THE OUTPUT IS ZERO AMPS, THIS MAY INDICATE AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE LDC MODULE INSIDE THE HYBRID POWER CONTROL UNIT (HPCU). REPLACEMENT OF THE HPCU WILL BE NECESSARY."
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: SMART PEDAL FEATURE - THE SMART PEDAL IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) FUNCTIONALITY WHICH MONITORS AND PREVENTS THE SIMULTANEOUS ACTIVATION OF ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. WHEN ENGAGED, THE FEATURE REDUCES ENGINE POWER TO IDLE. MOST CUSTOMERS WILL NEVER NOTICE THE SMART PEDAL FEATURE WHEN ACTIVE, HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS WHO TEND TO REST THEIR FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING MIGHT DESCRIBE A HESITATION OR DELAY SYMPTOM AND NOT REALIZE THAT THE EMS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE IS INTERVENING, AS DESIGNED.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: BLUETOOTH® ISSUES AFTER IPHONE® IOS 8 SOFTWARE UPDATE - THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO POSSIBLE BLUETOOTH CONCERNS WHEN USING AN IPHONE® WITH IOS 8.X (IOS 8, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, ETC.) WHILE PAIRED TO A HEAD UNIT.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: NAVIGATION HEADUNIT AND SD CARD COMPATIBILITY - THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE COMPATIBILITY ISSUES BETWEEN NAVIGATION HEAD UNITS AND SD CARDS WHEN REPLACING HEAD UNITS FOR MULTIMEDIA ISSUES. IF AFTER REPLACING A NAVIGATION HEAD UNIT THE ORIGINAL SD CARD DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE:
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM).
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: NOISE DURING BRAKE ACTUATION - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A BRAKE NOISE CONCERN ON SOME OPTIMA HYBRID (TF HEV) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2011 THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2013, WHICH MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAKING AND/OR HONKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES RAPIDLY. LISTEN TO THE SOUND FILE BELOW TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE PARTICULAR BRAKE NOISE AND, IF CONFIRMED, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN TO RESOLVE THE CONCERN.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: REAR VIEW CAMERA DIAGNOSIS/REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO DIAGNOSE AND/OR REPLACE THE REAR VIEW CAMERA OF SOME KIA VEHICLES (SEE TABLE BELOW FOR SPECIFIC MODELS AND PRODUCTION DATES) WHICH MAY EXHIBIT INADEQUATE IMAGE QUALITY FROM THE REAR VIEW CAMERA.
Source components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: EV AND HYBRID A/C SYSTEM SERVICING REQUIREMENTS - The Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) and the Optima Hybrid use an A/C compressor that is driven by a high-voltage electric motor rather than by a belt. Both the motor and compressor are in one housing with a mix of refrigerant and oil flowing through both sections. Because the oil flows through the motor windings, it must have a high electrical resistivity (low conductivity).
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: HEATER BLOWING COLD AIR WHILE IN EV MODE - When diagnosing a concern related to the heater intermittently blowing cold air while in EV mode, check the Electric Water Pump (EWP) for the A/C system (NOT the main cooling system EWP), located on the rear of the transmission (A), for proper operation. To test EWP operation, disconnect connector CHG31/C131 (B) and apply power and ground to the EWP.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: HESITATION IN ELECTRIC AND GAS MODES - When diagnosing an Optima Hybrid with an off idle hesitation concern that can be duplicated, and no DTC(s) codes (active or history) are stored, access MCU > Current Data to check the status of the MCU warning flag.
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: SLIGHT VARIATION IN THE ?SET? SPEED AFTER SETTING CRUISE CONTROL - A few customers have complained about their vehicle briefly accelerating beyond the set cruising speed and then slowing down to the "set" speed. This Article addresses that concern.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PIT STOP: ?HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING!? MESSAGE IN CLUSTER AND MIL-ON WITH DTC P1784 - When diagnosing an Optima Hybrid with a ?Hybrid System Warning!? message (A) in the cluster, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on and DTC P1784 (EOP 3-Phase Wiring Line Open), in either active or in history, check for contact between the Electric Oil Pump (EOP) harness and the oil cooler hose clamp (B). If the harness is visibly damaged from contact (C), repair or replace as needed.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PIT STOP: DTC P1B70/P1B74/ P1B96 - HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY SENSOR CIRCUIT FAULT - When addressing a customer complaint related to a battery warning lamp illuminated in the dash and drivability issues, access GDS to check for any active DTC(s). Also, review the BMS > Current Data to inspect for one or more HEV battery cells showing one (1) volt, or more, lower than the than rest of the cells.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PIT STOP: HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) INSULATED GLOVES RE-CERTIFICATION - The purpose of this Pitstop is to remind dealer personnel about the importance of having the High Voltage (HV) insulated gloves, used by technicians to service hybrid electric vehicles, recertified on a six month or yearly basis.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TECH TIP: DTCs POC17 and P1C76 not clearing - Perform the motor/HSG resolver calibration located in the S/W management section of the ?Motor Control Unit? (MCU) system.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: PANORAMA SUNROOF & SUNSHADE MOTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the panorama sunroof and sunshade motors on some 2012-2013MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 9, 2011 to August 14, 2013, which may exhibit a loss of the "one-touch" open/close feature of the sunshade and/or panorama roof.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: SEAT BACK COVER REMOVAL PROCEDURE - THIS BULLETIN OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE FRONT SEAT BACK COVERS ON OPTIMA (QF) AND SORENTO (XMA).
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
SERVICE ACTION: REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE (SA150) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON SOME OPTIMA (TF), OPTIMA (QF) AND OPTIMA HYBRID (TF HEV) VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2011 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2012, THAT ARE IN STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED FOR DE-ICING IN THE WINTER MONTHS.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
KIA: INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING SOME VEHICLES, IN STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT IS USED FOR DE-ICING AND NEED TO HAVE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED, THAT RESULTS IN CORROSION THAT CAUSES A KNOCKING OR CLUNKING NOISE. MODELS 2011-2012 OPTIMA. *PE
Source components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · SUSPENSION:REAR.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: 6-SPEED A/T TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE VALUES RESET/RELEARN - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO RESET AND RELEARN THE ADAPTIVE VALUES AFTER TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT OR REPROGRAMMING/REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM/PCM.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: INTERMITTENT OPERATION FROM A/C OR HEATER DTC - P1237 - WHEN DIAGNOSING A CONCERN RELATING TO INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER OR THE HEATER, CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE OF DTC P1237 (ACTIVE AIR FLAP FEEDBACK VOLTAGE HIGH) IN THE ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF) SYSTEM.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: PCSV INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SA142) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PCSV (PURGE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE) ON SOME 2012MY OPTIMA HYBRID VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 TO NOVEMBER 18, 2012.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: FORCE-STARTING OPTIMA HYBRID ENGINE USING GDS: IF YOU ENCOUNTER AN OPTIMA HYBRID WITH A NO-START CONDITION, CHECK IF THE READY LAMP IS FLASHING IN THE CLUSTER AND VERIFY THE HYBRID BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE (SOC) RANGES FROM 15% TO 20%. IF THESE CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT, A TECHNICIAN MAY USE GDS TO FORCE START THE ENGINE AND RESOLVE THE CONCERN.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: AXLE SHAFT SERVICEABILITY BY MODEL - THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING AXLE SHAFT SERVICEABILITY FOR KIA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. REFER TO THE TABLE BELOW FOR A DETAILED LIST OF VEHICLE MODELS. INDIVIDUAL SERVICE PARTS SUCH AS AXLE BOOTS, JOINTS AND HARDWARE FOR INNER JOINT ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR PARTS DEPARTMENT.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
"TSB: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - THIS BULLETIN OUTLINES THE ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FOR OPTIMA HYBRID VEHICLES (HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS ""HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERIES"" OR HVBS). EVERY KIA-APPROVED HYBRID DEALERSHIPS PARTS AND SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SHOULD FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE FASTEST HANDLING TIME AND TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY OF CHARGE-BACKS."
Source components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
PITSTOP: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMPWITH DRIVE MOTOR DTC P0A41 OR P0A42 - THIS GIVE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF SOME OPTIMA HYBRID CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON CONDITION OR AN INTERMITTENT HYBRID SERVICE INDICATOR LAMP (SIL) ON CONDITION WITH ONE OF THE ABOVE DTCS IN THE MOTOR CONTROL UNIT (MCU) SYSTEM, EITHER IN ACTIVE, PENDING, OR HISTORY STATE.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE - THE OPTIMA HYBRID (TF HEV) OFFERS CUSTOMERS THE POTENTIAL OF EXCELLENT FUEL ECONOMY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE SOME CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ACHIEVING THE PUBLISHED EPA-RATED CITY/HIGHWAY NUMBERS, THEY MAY BRING A VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED SO THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL BE WELL INFORMED TO ANSWER THE CUSTOMERS CONCERN AND, IF NECESSARY, TO TROUBLESHOOT THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA source summary · Original PDF not reviewed by Recallfolio
TSB: INFORMATION FOR DEALER UVO UPGRADE / RETAIL CUSTOMER - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE RETAIL CUSTOMERS PROCEDURE FOR UPGRADING THE KIA UVO (YOUR VOICE) SYSTEM. KIA UVO OWNERS HAVE THE OPTION TO DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE UPGRADES DIRECTLY FROM THE KIA.COM WEBSITE AND CAN PERFORM THE UPGRADE THEMSELVES OR HAVE THE DEALER PERFORM THE UPGRADE IN WHICH CASE ADDITIONAL LABOR CHARGES MAY APPLY. FOR CUSTOMERS WHO PERFORM THEIR OWN UPGRADE, KIA PROVIDES THE CUSTOMER WITH SOFTWARE AND UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS. IF THE CUSTOMER OPTS TO HAVE THE DEALER PERFORM THE UPGRADE, THE UPGRADE PROCEDURE IS OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN.