2012 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 97 brake complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 11% of its 919 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 77,000 miles. A related recall, campaign 23V652000, covers the hydraulic service brakes and tells owners to park outside away from structures.
- Brakes complaints
- 97
- 11% of 919
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 10
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 77,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of brake power at highway speeds, causing the car to crash into the vehicle ahead.
- Some describe the ABS indicator illuminating before the brakes failed and staying lit.
- Several report smoke or fire starting under the hood, in some cases linked to recall 23V652000 for the hydraulic service brakes.
- Owners report squeaking brakes and slower brake response even after a repair was performed, in one case leading to a rear-end accident.
- Multiple owners state that after receiving the recall notice, the replacement part was unavailable and the repair was delayed beyond a reasonable time.
When 2012 Kia Optima brake complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 21, 2012, latest Jun 3, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Brakes complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
- NHTSA lists 97 brake complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 11% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Kia Optima?
- Yes. Campaign 23V652000 covers the hydraulic service brakes on the 2012 Optima and other Kia models. Kia advises owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is done.
- At what mileage do 2012 Kia Optima brake problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints is 77,000 miles.
- Have brake issues on the 2012 Kia Optima caused crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint category shows 4 crashes, 10 fires, and 6 injuries reported.
- Is the 2012 Kia Optima's brake complaint rate high compared to other years?
- Its 11% share of complaints is among the higher figures listed, matched by 2019 also at 11%, while years like 2016 and 2017 show lower shares of 4% and 3%.