2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 11%of 109 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, 11% of the 109 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had 2 issues: my uvo system has malfunctioned multiple times and my system is going to be replaced again today. I have had brake issues, my master cylinder was replaced and its going back in today for brakes. Now my car is pulling to the left! I have 25,000 miles on this car!”
NHTSA complaint #10537233, filed 2013-08, 2,000 miles“Today I just got my car back from the dealership yesterday for the brakes failing in the hybrid system they told me everything was fine but the mechanic said to me that we don't know what's going on with the car so they let me leave with it I was in lake worth today doing 45 miles per hour and it did it again and said check brake car shut off my brakes failed and I ran into a median to stop my car. Kia corporation is not doing nothing about this the dealership does he even have an answer for me and that is gunther Kia. …”
NHTSA complaint #11101949, filed 2018-06, 140,000 miles“On two separate occasions, I was driving with my children in the car and have lost brake functions to my car. The first time, I was on the freeway. In the morning with alot of traffic. I had to swerve into the emergency lane and grind the brakes trying to stop the car. There was a loud grinding and scrapping sound but car did not stop. I had to use emergency brake to stop the car. I turned off the car and restarted it and the brakes worked again. I was able to exit the freeway and slowly made it to my home. I then had the car towed to an auto shop near by. …”
NHTSA complaint #11024510, filed 2017-09, 80,000 miles“I was approaching a stop sign traveling 30 MPH. When applying the brakes to slow down they were initially working and I was reducing speed, however suddenly I heard a very loud crunching/grinding noise and I lost all brake functionality. To stop the vehicle I had to place the vehicle in park. If a car was in front of me I would have crashed into it. Additionally, because I lost brake functionality I went into the intersection. If cars were crossing the intersection or if a person was crossing the street I would have crashed into them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10749549, filed 2015-08, 35,000 miles“Electriconic braking moduel with Check Brake indication light and Hybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its risky to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11751228, filed 2026-07Related recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia Optima Hybrid 2011–2013, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
- 10090177Dec 11, 2014Tsb: noise during brake actuation - this bulletin provides information to address a brake noise concern on some optima hybrid (tf hev) vehicles, produced from february 15, 2011…
- 10057236Dec 1, 2014Kia optima hybrid 2011-2013 : concerns of brake noise when applying the brakes.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
72 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology