2012 Kia Optima HybridService bulletins

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Technical Service Bulletins

135 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

10142244May 17, 2018Electrical system. TSB - BMS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1B70 - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Battery Management System (BMS) on some 2011-2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through July 22, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination with DTC P1B70 even though there is no actual malfunction.
10136505Apr 10, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. TSB - HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100MESH SOLENOID - EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. 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.
10133183Mar 21, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. TSB - HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100MESH SOLENOID EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. 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.
10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
10130104Feb 16, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
10126423Nov 20, 2017Electrical 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.
10123322Oct 31, 2017Exterior lighting. TSB - OUTSIDE REAR COMBINATION LAMP WATER INTRUSION - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the outside rear combination lamp pads on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), produced from August 12, 2010 through July 23, 2015, and some 2011-2016MY Optima (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through July 22, 2015, which may exhibit evidence of water intrusion in the outside rear combination lamps.
10123331Oct 12, 2017Electrical 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…
10109867May 11, 2017Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. 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…
10109834Apr 19, 2017Steering. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS1604) - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (QF/TF/TFH) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to December 18, 2013. The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
10109855Mar 21, 2017Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging.
10109817Feb 28, 2017Body and structure. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of…
10109813Jan 18, 2017Engine cooling. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking…
10116819Dec 16, 2016Suspension. TSB: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) and Rio (UB) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement. To resolve the noise concern, perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the front stabilizer…
10109874Dec 6, 2016Body and structure. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of…
10109877Dec 5, 2016Body and structure. Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc141 ? Underbody ? Additional anti-corrosion treatment
10109876Dec 5, 2016Body and structure. SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed…
10109875Dec 5, 2016Body and structure. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally…
10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
10109788Oct 31, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
10109676Oct 28, 2016Electrical system. 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…
10109686Oct 14, 2016Engine cooling, Equipment. 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…
10090945Sep 30, 2016Equipment. Pitstop: hvac receiver/dryer - desiccant replacement - in the event of a hvac system concern in which metal particles or shards have contaminated the system, the desiccant or the entire a/c receiver/dryer assembly may need to be replaced. This is due to the fact that it may be impossible to remove all metal contaminants from the receiver/dryer during the a/c flushing procedure. Refer to the included table for…
10090972Sep 19, 2016Engine. Owner notification letter (sc135) - dear kia owner, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program regarding the evaporative canister in your vehicle.
10090974Sep 15, 2016Engine cooling. Q and a (sc135/wty009) - evaporative canister voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program
10090970Sep 15, 2016Equipment, Engine. Dealer parts & service manager memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer parts and service managers, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to inspect the evaporative canister. Kia has determined that the following kia vehicles originally sold or currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used, may exhibit an evaporative…
10090969Sep 15, 2016Equipment, Engine. Dealer principal memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer principals, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to inspect the evaporative canister. Kia has determined that the following kia vehicles originally sold or currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used, may exhibit an evaporative canister leak due to prolonged…
10090943Sep 15, 2016Engine, Equipment. 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…
10090941Sep 13, 2016Steering. Tsb rev1: mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (cs1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 my optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from august 12, 2010 to december 18, 2013. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
10109752Aug 28, 2016Steering. PITSTOP: OILY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM MDPS STEERING COLUMN - On some Optima (QF/TF/TF HEV) vehicles, the customer may complain of an oily substance dripping onto the driver?s side floorboard area, especially in areas with high ambient temperatures. This article provides the process to resolve by cleaning excessive amounts of grease applied applied to the steering column tilt adjustment area.
10089602Aug 16, 2016Steering. Tsb: mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (cs1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 my optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from august 12, 2010 to december 18, 2013. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the…
10090090Aug 12, 2016Steering. Q and a: cs1604 - all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) flexible coupling customer satisfaction / warranty extension program
10090089Aug 12, 2016Steering. Owner letter: cs1604 - customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - dear kia optima owner: kia motors america, inc. Would like to thank you for your purchase of a kia optima vehicle. Because kia values you as our customer, we are conducting a customer satisfaction/warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) unit in all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my optima vehicles.
10090088Aug 12, 2016Steering. Request for reimbursement form: cs1604 - 2011-2013 and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the flexible coupling in the mdps replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that expense.
10090085Aug 12, 2016Steering. Dealer parts and service manager memo: cs1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my kia optima vehicles. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped.
10090052Aug 12, 2016Steering. Dealer principal memo: cs1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 my and some 2014 my kia optima vehicles. The mdps unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped.
10183610May 10, 2016Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. 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.
10089421May 10, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
10183608May 3, 2016Suspension, Equipment. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) and Rio (UB) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement.
10089422May 3, 2016Suspension. "front stabilizer link replacement - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some optima (tf/qf), optima hybrid (tf hev) and rio (ub) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement. To resolve the noise concern, perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the front stabilizer links…
10183431Apr 4, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones.
10080084Jan 29, 2016Back-over prevention (rear camera). Tsb: rear view camera diagnosis/replacement - this bulletin provides information to diagnose and/or replace the rear view camera of some kia vehicles (see table on pg. 6 for specific models and production dates) which may exhibit inadequate image quality from the rear view camera. Diagnose the concerns using the information in this bulletin and, if necessary, replace the rear view camera with an improved part by…
10088983Oct 19, 2015Electrical system. 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.
10089384Aug 14, 2015Electrical system. "pitstop: optima hybrid (tf hev) with dtc b1695 - lost communication with e-comp - when addressing a customer concern related to an a/c system not blowing cold air and dtc b1695 is active in the a/c control unit, this could be the result of one, or more, of the following conditions: a blown high-voltage (hv) fuse in the e-comp 270 volt supply circuit. a circuit concern between the a/c control unit and the…
10116821Aug 12, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. 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).
10089354Aug 12, 2015Electrical 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.
10089382Aug 3, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: 6-spd. A/t adaptive value reset /relearn - this bulletin provides the procedures necessary to reset and relearn the adaptive values after transmission replacement or reprogramming/replacement of the pcm/tcm. After the adaptive values are reset, the transmission computer adaptive values must be relearned by driving in a precise manner to teach the computer the proper solenoid duty and line pressure for the…
10197335Aug 1, 2015Other or unknown. Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) With DTC B1695 - Lost Communication With E-Comp
10092132Jun 26, 2015Electrical system, Equipment. 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.

← 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.