25 complaints reported

2012 Kia Optima SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
25
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 -60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact became aware of smoke emitting from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not being driven. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2024
May 2025 Fire Injury

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving approximately 5 minutes, then pulling into a carwash and placing the vehicle in the park, the vehicle lost power and a thick gray smoke began coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle however, the fire had consumed the vehicle, and caused the building the vehicle was parked in front of caught fire. The fire department had put out both fires. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was filed. The contact stated they were pregnant at the time of the fire and ended up having a miscarriage. Medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2024
Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that several times the brake pedal was depressed approximately a half-inch to an inch. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the brake master cylinder. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, his wife observed a burning odor inside the cabin. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 158,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
May 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
May 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Feb 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Feb 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Feb 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the contact smelled burning fumes on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer cleaned up some spilled oil underneath the hood. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Dec 2023 Fire

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH with someone in the front passenger seat, she noticed smoke, and then fire coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. Both the contact and her passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire extended significantly and the vehicle burned from the front end to the rear seats. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact could not confirm whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that she related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023
Nov 2023 Fire

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, he noticed that there was smoke inside the cabin. The contact stated that while making a turn, a significant amount of smoke and heat was coming through the A/C vents, causing him to recline the seat. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road and shifted from drive (D) to reverse (R) until the vehicle stopped. The contact then parked and turned off the vehicle, grabbed his belongings, and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle caught on fire, exploded, and collapsed as he was running away from the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire, and a fire department report was filed. There was no police report filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer sent a field inspector, who inspected the vehicle and determined that the failure occurred due to a damaged serpentine belt. However, the contact stated that an independent mechanic had replaced the serpentine belt 11 days prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it remained. The independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the serpentine belt was not damaged. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that he related to the failure. The contact followed up with the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 215,500.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2012 Kia Optima has 25 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.