2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 9 Optima Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid ranks worst of 9 model years, with 109 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 3 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 70% of complaints, including 5 reported fires, making this the year to avoid most within the Optima Hybrid lineup.
- Complaints
- 109
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 34 city / 38 hwy
Top 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine76 (70%)
- Electrical System20 (18%)
- Brakes12 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (9%)
- Steering9 (8%)
- Other8 (7%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
- Fuel System4 (4%)
- Structure & Body3 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported while driving at highway speeds, with smoke and flames coming from under the hood.
- Sudden loss of engine power accompanied by banging, thumping, or loud boom noises before smoke appears.
- Oil leaking from the engine compartment alongside black or brown smoke during fire incidents.
- Vehicle shakes, jerks, or lurches unexpectedly while shifting out of park.
- Brake failure reported during driving, including one case where brakes reportedly failed leading to a collision.
- Airbags failing to deploy during a side-impact or rear-end collision.
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
- NHTSA 18V363000Jun 1, 2018Airbags507,587 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 34 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Optima Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Optima Hybrid ranks worst of the 9 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 109 complaints, mostly tied to the engine.
- What problems does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
- NHTSA data shows engine problems make up 70% of complaints, including 5 reported fires, followed by electrical system issues at 18% and brake complaints at 11%.
- Does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Optima Hybrid, covering brakes, an engine compartment fire risk, and an airbag control unit issue.
- At what mileage do 2012 Optima Hybrid engine problems occur?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 92,000 miles at the time engine-related complaints were reported, and 87,200 miles across all complaints for the year.
- How does the 2012 Optima Hybrid compare to other years?
- It has the highest complaint index (100) of the 9 tracked years; by contrast, 2015 has an index of 38 and a 'Good' verdict, while 2011 sits at 63 with a 'Caution' verdict.