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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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Bulletins, newest first
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.
TT0402017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 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.
TT0392017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM. TECH TIP: Issues with Eco Gauge Needle - The ECO gauge needle never reaches the green shaded portion of the cluster, even on wide open throttle.
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-BOD097R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. TSB: FUEL FILLER DOOR INSPECTION AND UPGRADE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure for inspecting and repairing a potential concern with the fuel filler door operation on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2010 to December 2011.
PS2802017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. TURBOCHARGER OIL LINE INSPECTION - Follow the procedure in this article to properly inspect/clean the oil feed and return lines.
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-CHA044R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - Rev 2 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped. This condition may be caused by premature wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS.
TSB-SC135R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through July 30, 2010, and some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through June 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with DTC(s) P0442 or P0455. For vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the twenty-eight (28) salt belt states, (AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV, KS, KY, NE, ND, SD and UT), the evaporative canister will be inspected, and if no leak is found, the mounting bracket will be replaced with a new improved part. If a crack in the evaporative canister is found, the canister will be replaced with a new improved part. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. For vehicles in other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the evaporative canister from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever occurs first starting from the date of first service. Follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin to resolve the concern.
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.
PS3272017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. PITSTOP: RESETTING CYLINDER BALANCE ADAPTATION VALUES - When addressing a cylinder balance concern on a vehicle equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine, it is important to note that the DTC may recur after replacement of any faulty component(s) and resetting adaptive values. See this Article for information on resetting cylinder balance adaptation values.
PS3252017-08-02. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. 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.
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.
TSB-CLI0242017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: TESTING A/C COMPRESSOR FUNCTION USING GDS - This bulletin provides information on a new procedure to test A/C compressor function using the GDS.
TSB-CHA044R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped.
PS3222017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PIT STOP: DTC P0456 AND CHARCOAL CANISTER LEAKS - When addressing a concern related to a DTC P0456 (Evaporative Emissions System ? Small Leak Detected), and an inspection of the vapor lines, connections and fuel cap reveal no abnormalities, closely inspect the mounting holes of the charcoal canister for visible cracks.
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.
PS3152017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS. PIT STOP: GDI INJECTOR SPRAY TIP DEPOSITS - A design feature of vehicles equipped with a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system is the placement of each fuel injector directly into the engine cylinder head assembly. Therefore, it is completely normal for the combustion process to create deposits on the injector spray tip surfaces.
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.
TSB-TRA0512017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? DTC P0741 - This bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of the Damper Clutch (D/C) Solenoid on 6-speed automatic transaxles with DTC P0741 (active or history), instead of replacing the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed with the transaxle installed in the vehicle.
TSB-CHA0442017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped. This condition may be caused by premature wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS.
TSB-BOD1042017-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. TSB: DRIVER?S SIDE SEAT CUSHION COVER DETACHING - This bulletin provides information about some 2012~2013MY Optima (QF) models, produced from August 9, 2011 through April 11, 2013, which may experience a loose or disengaged driver?s side seat outer trim cover.

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