Hybrid system warning
I have a 2012 kia optima hybrid. The engine does not start. Hybrid system warning safety stop and do not drive
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2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Owning a Kia will never be hip or sexy, but it may very well be smart. The 2012 Optima Hybrid continues to make inroads in the midsize sedan market with Kia's first (and only) hybrid car. Going head-to-head against hybrid versions of the Camry, Fusion and Sonata, the Optima Hybrid offers a few distinctions, most notably in its price and its standard features.
Introduced last year, the Optima Hybrid sees few changes for 2012. Under the hood, the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 166 hp combines with a 40-hp electric motor to make 206 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The lithium-polymer battery resides in the trunk area, which does cut back considerably on trunk space (it has just 9.9 cubic feet), but a pass-thru is included for hauling longer items.
It's the host of standard features that attract discerning buyers to the Kia line, and the Optima Hybrid is no exception. USB, Bluetooth, push-button start, power doors and windows, a temperature-controlled glovebox, auto-dimming rear-view mirror—these are treats usually reserved for more luxurious trim levels, and you get them all and more with the Base (the only trim available for the car). Dual front-side airbags as well as antilock brakes and electronic stability control are part of a bevy of included safety features.
But the Optima Hybrid is certainly not very sporty with a 0-to-60 time of over 9 seconds. Most hybrids have a tangible disconnect between the gas pedal and engine response, and it's here in spades. Thanks to a "wet clutch" link between the gas and electric motors, the Optima Hybrid relies on electric power up to 62 mph, when the combustion engine finally kicks in. That sounds all well and good, but it doesn't seem to amount to any earth-shattering mpg savings (it's rated at 35 mpg city/40 highway, behind its rival the Camry Hybrid). Still, reports are that the ride is smooth and comfortable overall.
And there is the price. As it stands now, the vehicle is on the low end of hybrid models in its class. Adding the optional Premium Technology package ramps up the price considerably, but you'll end up with extra features such as a panorama roof and heated seats that aren't available on competitor's models.
The Optima Hybrid, with its aggressive front end, alloy wheels and gentle roof curvature is one of the better-looking sedans in its class. When you factor in all the goodies, you can rest assured that you're not only getting a good bargain, you are also helping curb those pesky greenhouse gases.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
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by Jeff B
Dec 23, 2021
Absolutely loved this model. Very elegant looking and the 30+ mpg is a bonus. It took some time to learn about all the features and how starting the car worked. It was so quiet, I kept pressing the start button because it did not sound like it was running. My first hybrid, embarrassing but a learning curve. Dec 23, 2021
by Anonymous
Sep 03, 2021
This car is unreal! I’ve had gold packages and service done to own a second one ! Car has shift shock I was told after it shut down on me one day driving, error hybrid system, take to dealer ! They can’t fix it ! 6 years I drove that car shift shocking around ! Told it doesn’t do that hard shifting I’m a crazy person. Finally I’ve had the hybrid transmission replaced, stopped shifting hard now but that wrench light came back on now with another code ! Kia dealers won’t help service sucks there ! 4 dealerships not just one ! Not one can help with that wrench light. Told to go to another mechanic to them to reset code today ! I’ll never buy another Kia in my life ! Sep 03, 2021
by Jared H
Jul 15, 2021
Don’t buy! The car drives and looks amazing. Unfortunately, this particular year has had MAJOR MECHANICAL ISSUES and a big lawsuit. Engine failure makes this car unpredictable and Kia will only honor the recall on the engine up to 150,000 miles or 15 years whichever comes first. Buying this car used is a very bad gamble. Jul 15, 2021
User rating:
by Jeff B
Dec 23, 2021
Absolutely loved this model. Very elegant looking and the 30+ mpg is a bonus. It took some time to learn about all the features and how starting the car worked. It was so quiet, I kept pressing the start button because it did not sound like it was running. My first hybrid, embarrassing but a learning curve. Dec 23, 2021
by Anonymous
Sep 03, 2021
This car is unreal! I’ve had gold packages and service done to own a second one ! Car has shift shock I was told after it shut down on me one day driving, error hybrid system, take to dealer ! They can’t fix it ! 6 years I drove that car shift shocking around ! Told it doesn’t do that hard shifting I’m a crazy person. Finally I’ve had the hybrid transmission replaced, stopped shifting hard now but that wrench light came back on now with another code ! Kia dealers won’t help service sucks there ! 4 dealerships not just one ! Not one can help with that wrench light. Told to go to another mechanic to them to reset code today ! I’ll never buy another Kia in my life ! Sep 03, 2021
by Jared H
Jul 15, 2021
Don’t buy! The car drives and looks amazing. Unfortunately, this particular year has had MAJOR MECHANICAL ISSUES and a big lawsuit. Engine failure makes this car unpredictable and Kia will only honor the recall on the engine up to 150,000 miles or 15 years whichever comes first. Buying this car used is a very bad gamble. Jul 15, 2021
by Eric B
Feb 19, 2015
The fuel mileage for this car is great for the size, typically between 37 and 42 mph overall. The interior is spacious and comfortable. A great family sedan. The audio system and backup camera are average, but better than not having them at all.Feb 19, 2015
What users have asked
Battery 2012 Kia Optima
The dashboard started flickering in my car and then the car would not start. I had AAA come out to start the vehicle. But I am being told that only dealerships carry the batteries for this car. Would the dashboard lights flickering be caused by the regular car battery or would it be caused by the electric battery? Where can you purchase the batteries for this vehicle?
104 views
Where is the exact location of the crank shaft position sensor
I’m trying to replace the crankshaft position sensor in my 2012 Kia Optima hybrid can’t locate it looked on YouTube and Google can’t make out the photos and the videos are wrong vehicle
83 views
1630 views
How do I manually start my hybrid?
owner's manuals shows a keyhole in the glove box. When key is inserted, cars says it's not detected. What am I doing wrong?
597 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?Compare this car
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,800 to $25,800Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.32
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 40 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 35 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 166 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 154 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4250
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent