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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: Software are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
PI1803_TSB_R62021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R6: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSB_TRA0592020-12-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 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 2011-2016 MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles after replacement of the transmission with improved 100 mesh solonoid filters 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_PI1803_R22019-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
PI1803_OWN#2_OPT2019-04-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. OWNER LETTER: Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2011-2013 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("T-GDI") engines, and some 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L GDI and 2.0L T-GDI engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU").
VPI1803_DP2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals, Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBELE091R32017-12-22. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.
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).
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-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.
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-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.
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.
TSBSC114R12017-01-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ECM UPGRADE - MIL ON WITH DTC P0087 (SC114) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO AN ECM SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) IN CERTAIN 2012~2014MY SORENTO, 2012~2013MY OPTIMA, AND 2012~2013MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.4L AND 2.0L TURBO GDI ENGINES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE’S ENGINES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION (GDI) SYSTEM THAT UTILIZES A FLOW CONTROL VALVE (FCV) TO CONTROL THE SUPPLY OF FUEL. THE FCV NEEDLE MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR, EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN IMPAIRMENT OF FUEL FLOW. IF THAT HAPPENS, AND TO PROTECT THE ENGINE, THE ECU MAY REDUCE ENGINE ACCELERATION WHILE ILLUMINATING THE “CHECK ENGINE” OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL). THE ECU UPDATE WILL IMPROVE THE DURABILITY AND OPERATION OF THE FCV NEEDLE.
TSBELE0892017-01-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; 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.
TSBELE0912017-01-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - 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.
TSBSST0412017-01-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: KDS - AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) - THE GDS AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) WAS INTRODUCED IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2013. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) WAS DEVELOPED TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF UPDATING 2010MY, AND LATER, KIA AUDIO HEAD UNITS USING A GDS, AND NOW, THE SAME FUNCTIONALITY IS AVAILABLE ON KDS. SOME TECHNICIANS MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE BENEFITS THE AUM TOOL HAS TO OFFER. THE AUM ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR MULTIPLE USB FLASH DRIVES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS AND APPLICATIONS WHICH, IF MISAPPLIED, MAY RESULT IN AN IMPROPER AUDIO SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE AND/OR LOCKED UP HEAD UNIT. ADDITIONALLY, FIELD REPORTS HAVE INDICATED THAT USB DRIVES FOR AUDIO UPDATES ARE EASILY LOST OR MISPLACED.
TSB-CHA-0602016-09-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. TSB: ECM UPGRADE - STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE MDPS ECU SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2011 ~ 2014MY OPTIMA (TF/QF) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM JOB #1 THROUGH JULY 27, 2014, WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A NOTCHY FEEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE EVALUATED USING THE MDPS EFFORT MEASUREMENT S/W, DETAILED IN THE ATTACHED REPAIR PROCEDURE, TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN IMPROVED STEERING LOGIC SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN THE MDPS ECU, OR IF AN MDPS COLUMN REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED. TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE UPDATED MDPS ECU REFLASH APPLIES TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, OR WHETHER IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
0562016-03-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
0602016-03-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-0252013-11-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. KIA: DUE TO SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING AN ILLUMINATION MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED AND REPROGRAMMED WITH GDS DOWNLOADS TO PREVENT AND/OR CORRECT THIS SITUATION. MODELS 2011-2012 OPTIMA, SPORTAGE. *PE
TSB-1322013-08-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. KIA: SOME VEHICLES REQUIRE A CONTROLLER SOFTWARE UPGRADE. VERIFY THE NECESSITY FOR THE UPGRADE PER THE TABLES IN THIS BULLETIN. *JS

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