2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 76 of 109 total complaints (70%) on the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, the highest share of any model year. NHTSA recall 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires, and owners reported a median failure mileage of 92,000 miles, including 5 fires.
- Engine complaints
- 76
- 70% of 109
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 92,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden stalling or loss of power at highway speeds followed by smoke or flames from the engine compartment.
- Some describe hearing a banging, thumping, or loud boom noise under the hood right before smoke or fire appeared.
- Several owners report a 2-3 second hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop, sometimes with jerking or lunging motions.
- Owners noticed oil leaking from the engine area around the time of stalling, smoking, or fire incidents.
- A few report a tapping or knocking noise from the engine that grew louder over repeated dealer visits without a diagnosed cause.
- One owner reported a hybrid system warning telling them to stop and not drive, tied to repeated dealer visits for the same issue.
When 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 15, 2013, latest May 29, 2024.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 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.
Engine complaints by Optima Hybrid model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid engine reliable?
- NHTSA data shows engine-related complaints make up 70% of all complaints filed for the 2012 Optima Hybrid, the highest share among the model years listed, with a median failure mileage of 92,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have an engine fire recall?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000, reported December 2, 2020, covers 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid vehicles for engine compartment fires linked to fuel or oil leaks.
- How many fires were reported for the 2012 Optima Hybrid engine?
- NHTSA lists 5 fires and 1 crash among the 76 engine-related complaints for this year, with 0 injuries reported.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2012 Optima Hybrid is 92,000 miles.