2012 Kia Optima Technical Service Bulletins

241 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Kia Optima. 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.

• 10177739Jul 28, 2020Engine cooling. Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC189) - Dealer Principal Memo - Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to install an Auxiliary Canister Kit to improve evaporative system performance on certain 2011-2015 MY Kia Optima vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter engine manufactured from August 12, 2010 through July 23, 2015.
• 10177732Jul 1, 2020Engine cooling. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z_Rev3) - 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".
• 10176912Jun 9, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: 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".
• 10174518Apr 30, 2020Engine cooling. Technical service bulletin: service action: wiring signal interference check & engine noise inspection (sa379) - closed - superseded by pi1802yz/1803yz.
• 10174693Apr 24, 2020Steering. 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…
• 10174520Apr 24, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific…
• 10174431Apr 9, 2020Engine 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".
• 10174430Apr 2, 2020Engine cooling. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - CLOSED - This bulletin has been superseded by PI1803Y/Z.
• 10173258Mar 17, 2020Engine 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 "€œKnock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"€.
• 10173257Mar 17, 2020Engine 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.
• 10170778Jan 21, 2020Exterior 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.
• 10170773Jan 10, 2020Steering. 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…
• 10169800Dec 4, 2019Engine 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…
• 10168850Nov 26, 2019Engine cooling, Equipment, 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…
• 10168951Nov 7, 2019Engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment. 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 "€œKnock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"€.
• 10168949Nov 7, 2019Equipment, 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…
• 10167301Oct 15, 2019Steering. 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…
• 10167227Oct 10, 2019Engine 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
• 10163445Jul 5, 2019Steering. 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…
• 10162044Jun 21, 2019Steering. 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.
• 10162046Jun 14, 2019Electrical system, Exterior lighting. 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…
• 10162054Jun 11, 2019Equipment. 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.
• 10162051Jun 11, 2019Exterior lighting, 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.
• 10162053Jun 7, 2019Electrical system, Exterior lighting. 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.
• 10162052Jun 7, 2019Exterior 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.
• 10162050Jun 7, 2019Exterior lighting, Electrical system. 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.
• 10160837May 16, 2019Electrical system, 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.
• 10159275Apr 30, 2019Engine cooling, 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…
• 10159249Apr 10, 2019Engine 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…
• 10159236Apr 10, 2019Engine, Engine cooling. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - 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…
• 10159248Apr 5, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling. 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…
• 10159235Apr 3, 2019Engine, Engine cooling. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - 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…
• 10159232Apr 3, 2019Electrical system, 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 ("œGDI") and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("œT-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…
• 10158144Mar 21, 2019Steering. 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.
• 10157049Mar 19, 2019Engine cooling. TSB: THETA ENGINE SERVICE KIT - This bulletin provides the procedure to install the Theta Engine Service Kit on 21101 2GK05QQKR engines for 2011-2013MY Optima (QF, TF) vehicles. Due to process changes, certain components of these assemblies were not installed during the manufacturing process.
• 10156535Mar 19, 2019Engine cooling. TSB: THETA ENGINE SERVICE KIT - This bulletin provides the procedure to install the Theta Engine Service Kit on 21101 2GK05QQKR engines for 2011-2013MY Optima (QF, TF) vehicles. Due to process changes, certain components of these assemblies were not installed during the manufacturing process.
• 10154663Feb 15, 2019Steering. 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 2011-2014MY 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…
• 10154696Feb 11, 2019Engine. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: 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?.
• 10154695Feb 1, 2019Engine. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: 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?.
• 10152908Jan 25, 2019Engine cooling. RECENT KIA MEDIA REPORTS, January 25, 2019 Update - Dear Kia Retailer, At Kia, safety is a top priority and we wrote to you last August and again last October to provide you with updates regarding news reports about non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and the status of Kia?s cooperative work with NHTSA.
• 10152915Jan 18, 2019Fuel system. TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. In these engines highly pressurized gasoline is injected via a common fuel rail and injectors that deliver fuel directly into the combustion…
• 10152912Jan 18, 2019Steering. 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 2011-2014MY 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…
• 10152911Jan 9, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). TSB: PANORAMA SUNROOF CREAK OR RATTLE NOISE - This bulletin provides the procedure to apply felt tape on the panorama sunroof crossmember on some 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, equipped with panorama sunroof, produced from August 31, 2011 through September 22, 2015, which may experience a slight creaking or rattle noise at the sunroof area.
• 10152913Jan 4, 2019Steering. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR AND/OR ECU - 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 and/or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the listed Kia models with a column mounted C-MDPS unit.
• 10152920Jan 2, 2019Engine 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.
• 10152895Dec 20, 2018Steering. 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 2011-2014MY 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…
• 10151903Nov 28, 2018Steering, Electrical system. TSB: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - 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…
• 10151902Nov 16, 2018Steering, Electrical system. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR AND/OR ECU - This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor and/or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the listed Kia models with a column mounted C-MDPS unit. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin.
• 10152488Nov 9, 2018Engine. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803) 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…
• 10147450Oct 31, 2018Electrical system. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1803) - TSB - ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE UPDATE - This document is the Technical Service Bulletin for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.

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