How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?

NHTSA lists 20 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Optima Hybrid, which is 18% of the 109 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid electrical system?

No related recall is listed in the data for the Electrical System on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Optima Hybrid?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on this model year is 101,250 miles.

Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to Electrical System complaints on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, with 0 fires reported.

Is the 2012 Optima Hybrid worse for electrical problems than other years?

The 2012 model's Electrical System share is 18% of its complaints, lower than the 2013 (41%), 2015 (50%), and 2016 (50%) model years, but the 2012 has the second-highest raw complaint count at 20.

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 20 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, 18% of its 109 total complaints, with 2 crashes and 1 injury reported. No related recall is listed for this component. Median mileage at failure was 101,250.

Electrical System complaints: 20; 18% of 109
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 101,250 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the 'hybrid system warning, shut off vehicle and do not drive' message appearing while driving, followed by sudden loss of power or a full stall.
Several owners describe the car shutting off completely at highway speed, sometimes with the brakes going soft or failing to stop the vehicle right after the shutdown.
Some report the car losing acceleration while cruise control is engaged, with the gas pedal producing no response until the vehicle is restarted.
Owners note the orange wrench warning light appearing intermittently along with a temporary loss of power, even when no trouble codes are stored.
A few describe the electric motor hydraulic pump or hybrid battery being cited as the failure point, sometimes accompanied by a knocking noise or burning smell.
Some owners mention rear window switches failing to roll windows up or down alongside other electrical faults.

When 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 15, 2013, latest Aug 19, 2026.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2013 to Aug 2026; peak Jun 2018 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Optima Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20116 (18%)
201220 (18%)
201322 (41%)
201411 (35%)
20156 (50%)
20162 (50%)
20177 (27%)
20181 (33%)
20201 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?: NHTSA lists 20 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Optima Hybrid, which is 18% of the 109 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid electrical system?: No related recall is listed in the data for the Electrical System on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Optima Hybrid?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on this model year is 101,250 miles.
Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to Electrical System complaints on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, with 0 fires reported.
Is the 2012 Optima Hybrid worse for electrical problems than other years?: The 2012 model's Electrical System share is 18% of its complaints, lower than the 2013 (41%), 2015 (50%), and 2016 (50%) model years, but the 2012 has the second-highest raw complaint count at 20.