2012 Kia Optima Hybrid power train problems

10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid — 9% of all complaints for this model year.

Power Train complaints

share of all complaints

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median reported incident mileage

0 / 0

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“Without warning the engine overheated while driving in the highway. The engine made a loud noise and began smoking ... The vehicle became immobilized I pulled off to the side of the road and opened the hood. There was so much smoke. The car turned on afterwards but the engine did not start. Within…”
filed May 27, 2019
“The hybrid system broke down at 85k. Was replaced by kia after threatening legal action. At 103k. We never missed maintenance or a oil change. The engine through a rod on a 5 lane interstate doing 65mph, blowing and destroying the engine. Putting my family of 5 at serious risk. Kia wants 4500k or…”
filed Apr 19, 2019

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

TECHNICAL 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…
TSB_TRA046_R5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 17, 2025
This 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.
TSB_TRA046_R4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 16, 2024
TECHNICAL 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. A flush is required…
TSB_TRA046_R3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 18, 2022