| Issue ID | 1224112 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10778126 |
| Manufacurer | Kia Motors America |
| Brand | KIA |
| Model | OPTIMA HYBRID |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| File date | 06/05/15 |
| Component | ENGINE |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | Our car is currently at the dealer for the 4th time for the same problem. Last spring the engine warning light came on with the message "hybrid system warning! Safely stop and do not drive". The dealer said it was the battery (regular, not hybrid) so we had that replaced (out of warranty - we paid for that). This past august, the warning message appeared again - the dealer said there had been a technical bulletin, and they performed an update (covered by warranty). We had the car back for a few days and the message appeared again, as well as the following message "check charging system". The dealer replaced a wire (under warranty). A couple of weeks ago, the check engine light came on and the hybrid system warning appeared again. This time (4th time) the dealer said that the traction motor needed replacing and that we needed a new transmission (also under warranty). We believe that there is an inherent problem with this car. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 35000 |
| Number of Occurences | |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | LONG BEACH, NY |
| VIN pattern | KNAGM4AD0C5XXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | N |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 45 |
| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |