2012 KIA Optima Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the 2012 KIA Optima, 6% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 58,388 miles. The words owners use most often: “brake boost pump” (10% of reports).
- 52service brakes complaints
- 58,388median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brake boost pump: mentioned in 5 of 52 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 29 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 52 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury.
KIA Optima service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 7 | 5% | 2,900 |
| 2019 Optima | 18 | 8% | 18,663 |
| 2018 Optima | 17 | 7% | 29,913 |
| 2017 Optima | 6 | 2% | 51,763 |
| 2016 Optima | 22 | 3% | 43,257 |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% | 34,000 |
| 2014 Optima | 25 | 4% | 71,500 |
| 2013 Optima | 59 | 4% | 31,000 |
| 2012 Optima | 52 | 6% | 58,388 |
| 2011 Optima | 26 | 4% | 66,670 |
| 2010 Optima | 4 | 5% | 40,000 |
| 2009 Optima | 17 | 15% | 65,000 |
| 2008 Optima | 2 | 1% | 128,500 |
| 2007 Optima | 5 | 3% | 94,780 |
| 2004 Optima | 2 | 1% | 700 |
| 2003 Optima | 1 | 1% | 60,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 1 | 1% | 137,858 |
| 2001 Optima | 1 | 1% | 175,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outside
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when you give the car gas it will hesitate and will not accelerate. Another with the gas is that you can be driving at a higher speed such as 45 to 55 or so and you press down the gas pedal like your going…
â¢Iâm not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes itâs available for inspection. â¢I had just parked the car coming from work and at the time. If I was in the car any longer than 5 more minutes it possibly couldâve been catastrophic. ⢠All I know as of right now is that 5 days ago…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 KIA Optimas have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints about service brakes for the 2012 KIA Optima (6% of the 920 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 KIA Optima service brakes?
Yes: 1 safety recall list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes problems start?
The median reported mileage is 58,388 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the 2012 KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “brake boost pump”, in 5 of 52 complaints.
Other 2012 KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (398)
- Steering problems (188)
- Electrical System problems (122)
- Power Train problems (54)
See all 2012 KIA Optima problems or service brakes problems across all Optima years.