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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
TSB_ENG205_C2020-05-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802YZ/1803YZ.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R12020-05-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1803, Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
PI1803WX_TSB_R5C2020-05-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - CLOSED - This bulletin has been superseded by PI1803Y/Z.
PI1803Y/Z_TSB2020-04-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1803, Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
PI1803_TSB_R52020-04-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - REV 5 -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_ELE1482020-02-04. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connector concern. To correct this concern, replace the connector with a new and improved part.
TSB_CHA091_R12020-02-04. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly on some models listed below, which may exhibit a ticking noise while turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped. This condition is caused by a worn lining on the steering gear box yoke assembly. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly with updated parts.
PI1803_OWN#3_OPT2020-01-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Owner Letter - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - *** THIRD NOTICE *** - 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").
PI1803WX_TSB_R52019-12-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803W/X_R5: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1803_TSB_R42019-12-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R4: 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.
TSBCHA084_R42019-12-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. Follow the MDPS Flowchart (page 2) along with the MDPS DTC Table (page 3) procedure outlined in this bulletin before replacing the C-MDPS Motor, ECU or Steering Column Housing.
TSBCHA084_R32019-11-07. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
PI1803_TSB_R32019-11-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: 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
PS6162019-11-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is secured by seven (7) retaining bolts. Installation of the two (2) long bolts in the incorrect location may cause puncture or damage to the oil pan in the event that the vehicle is bottomed out while driving. If the oil pan is damaged or punctured, the engine oil may leak, possibly causing engine damage. This
TSBCHA060_R52019-08-07. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR; STEERING. TSB: ECU UPGRADE - STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the MDPS ECU software upgrade for some 2012-2014MY Optima (QF), produced from August 2, 2010 through July 27, 2014, and 2016-2018MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles, produced from October 27, 2014 through August 22, 2017, which may experience a notchy feel in the steering wheel. To correct this condition, the vehicle should be evaluated using the MDPS Effort Measurement Software detailed in the repair procedure starting on page 2 to determine whether an improved steering logic should be installed in the MDPS ECU, or if the Steering Column and Housing Assembly replacement is required.
WTY014_REIMB2019-07-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This document is a Reimbursement Request that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch.
WTY014_QA2019-07-04. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WTY014_QA: This document is the Question and Answer guide for the warranty extension on the Headlamp Assembly for the 2011-2013 MY Optima and Optima HEV vehicles.
WTY014_PSM2019-07-04. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WTY014_PSM: This document is the notification to the Parts and Service Managers advising them of the warranty extension on the Headlamp Assembly on 2011-2013 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid vehicles.
WTY014_OWNR2019-07-04. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. wty014_OWNR: This document is the Owner Notification Letter advising the customers of the Warranty Extension on the Headlamp Assembly on the 2011-2013 MY Optima and Optima HEV vehicles.
WTY014_DP2019-07-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. WTY014: This document is the Dealer Principal Notification advising of the Warranty Extension Program for the Headlamp Assembly on 2011-2013 MY Optima and Optima HEV vehicles.
TSBELE1812019-07-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. TSB: TF/TF-HEV HEADLAMP INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and/or replace the headlamp assembly on some 2011-2013 MY Optima (TF, TF-HEV) vehicles produced from August 12, 2010 to December 12, 2013. The internal reflective chrome film in the low beam headlamp housing may deteriorate over time, resulting in gradual dimming of the low beam headlamp(s). Follow the headlamp assembly inspection and/or replacement outlined in this bulletin.
TSBCHA084_R22019-07-04. Service bulletin. STEERING; STEERING:COLUMN. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on the Kia models listed on the chart below with a column mounted C-MDPS unit.
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.
TSBENG201_R12019-05-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE. TSB: THETA ENGINE SERVICE KIT - This bulletin provides the procedure to install the Theta Engine Service Kit on 21101 2GK05QQKR and 21101 2GK07QQKR engines for 2011-2013MY Optima (QF, TF) and Sportage (SL) vehicles. Due to process changes, certain components of these assemblies were not installed during the manufacturing process. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to install the listed components during the engine replacement procedure outlined in related bulletins (SC147, PI1803W/3, etc.).
TSBENG205_R12019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.

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