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Service bulletins for the 2012 Kia Optima

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

294 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
TSBTRA0682017-11-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB - HCU/TCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1744 (400 MESH EQUIPPED TRANSMISSIONS ONLY) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) on some 2011-2012MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV), produced from February 15, 2011 through December 28, 2012, and both the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on some 2013-2015MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from January 15, 2013 through March 27, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp illumination with DTC P1744. To correct this concern, apply the improved logic to the HCU only (11-12MY) or HCU and TCU (13-15MY) using the KDS ECU Upgrade function as described in this bulletin. For confirmation that the latest reflash has been applied to a vehicle you are working on, verify the ROM ID using the table on page 3 of this bulletin.
TSB-ELE091R12017-08-31. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the Direct Exchange Program (see Parts Bulletin 91-961-0005).
PS4742017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.
TSBTRA059R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN. TSB:HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100 MESH SOLENOID EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin provides information related to a software upgrade of the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) of some 2011~2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) after replacement of the transmission with improved 100 mesh solenoids has taken place. To apply the improved logic, the HCU/TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS download, as described in this bulletin.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-CLI017R42017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. 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).
TSB-ENG160R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
PS3382017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. 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.
PS3282017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE. 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.
TSB-ELE0602017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMA (QF) AND SOUL (AM) AVN AND BASE AUDIO SYSTEM UPGRADE (SA168) - This bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the navigation system and base audio system software of some 2012MY Optima (QF) and some 2012MY Soul (AM) vehicles, to improve Bluetooth® connectivity.
TSB-ENG1382017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMA (QF) EWGA INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT (SA119A) - On some Optima (QF) vehicles with a 2.0 T-GDI engine produced from start of production to December 13, 2011, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate with DTC P2562 and/or P2565. Inspect the voltage value for boost pressure actuator position control by using GDS.
TSB-FUE0262017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: MIL ON WITH DTC P0087 - DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - This bulletin provides information related to some Optima (TF/QF), Sportage (SL), Sorento (XM) and Cadenza (VG) vehicles, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the ECM (Electronic Control Module) system-related DTC P0087.
TSB-ENG1602017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
TSB-ELE044R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. TSB: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin outlines the ordering and return procedure for high-voltage Lithium-ion batteries equipped on EV/hybrid vehicles (hereafter referred to as "high-voltage batteries" or HVBs). Every Kia-approved EV/hybrid dealership?s parts and service departments should follow these procedures to ensure the fastest handling time and to minimize the possibility of charge-backs.
PS235R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. PITSTOP: HORN ANSWER BACK OR PARKING LAMPS INOP WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH RKE/SMK FOB - When addressing a customer complaint related to an inoperative parking light confirmation flash, and/or audible answer back when locking the vehicle with the RKE/SMK fob, ensure each door lock position switch (viewable in BCM > Current Data) is displaying the appropriate status and the pad-lid switch (hood switch depressor) is in place on the hood.
PS3162017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
PS2922017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. 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.
TSBELE0892017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 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.
PS3872017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 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:
PS365R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
PS2352017-02-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP: HORN CHIRP AND PARKING LAMPS INOP WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH RKE FOB - THIS GIVES INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF YOU ENCOUNTER A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT RELATING TO THE VEHICLE NOT PRODUCING AN AUDIBLE TONE OR HORN CHIRP, AND THE PARKING LAMPS NOT FLASHING WHEN LOCKING THE VEHICLE WITH THE RKE FOB.
PS2342017-02-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
TSBELE0442017-02-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. "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 DEALERSHIP’S PARTS AND SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SHOULD FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE FASTEST HANDLING TIME AND TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY OF CHARGE-BACKS."
TSBENG132R12017-02-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE - DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (VER.2) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A CONTROLLER SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR ALL 2011~2012MY OPTIMA HYBRID VEHICLES.
TSBELE060R12017-02-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: OPTIMA (QF) AND SOUL (AM) AVN AND BASE AUDIO SYSTEM UPGRADE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE FOR UPGRADING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND BASE AUDIO SYSTEM SOFTWARE OF SOME 2012MY OPTIMA (QF) AND SOME 2012MY SOUL (AM) VEHICLES, TO IMPROVE BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIVITY.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.