2012 Kia Optima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#3 most-complained of 11 Optima years
The 2012 Kia Optima has a complaint index of 80 and ranks 3rd worst out of 11 model years, earning an 'Avoid' verdict. NHTSA lists 919 complaints, 5 recalls, and 77 fires, with Engine problems making up 48% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 919
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 25 / 77
- Injuries / deaths
- 34 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 24 city / 34 hwy
Top 2012 Kia Optima problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine441 (48%)
- Steering188 (20%)
- Electrical System146 (16%)
- Brakes97 (11%)
- Other91 (10%)
- Fuel System54 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain54 (6%)
- Airbags48 (5%)
- Structure & Body48 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (3%)
What owners report
- Engine can suddenly stall while driving at highway speeds, sometimes requiring the engine to be towed and replaced.
- Owners report the vehicle drifting or wandering left and right at speed, with dealers finding no fix after repeated alignment checks.
- Some drivers describe a stalled engine combined with a check engine or actuator warning light after a low-speed impact.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a rear-end collision, and the seat belt did not lock to restrain the occupant.
- A fuel-line gasoline smell was noticed while driving, though no visible leak was found under the hood.
- One owner reported a tire and axle failure recurring four times, causing the vehicle to veer into a median.
2012 Kia Optima recalls
5 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 22V560000Aug 1, 2022Structure & Body257,998 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
Risk: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
2012 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,400
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Optima reliable?
- Compared with other Optima model years, NHTSA data ranks it 3rd worst out of 11, with a complaint index of 80 and an 'Avoid' verdict. Engine problems account for 48% of its 919 complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Kia Optima?
- The Engine is the top problem area, with 441 complaints (48% share), 63 fires, and a median mileage at failure of 98,130 miles.
- Does the 2012 Kia Optima have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 17V224000 for machining errors causing premature bearing wear, and recall 18V907000 for a related fuel pipe inspection after engine replacement.
- How does the 2012 Optima compare to other years?
- The 2012 model (complaint index 80) is worse than 2010 (0), 2011 (50), 2017 (20), 2018 (30), 2019 (40), and 2020 (10), but slightly better than 2013 (100) and 2015 (90).
- Are there any 'do not drive' recalls for the 2012 Optima?
- No. NHTSA shows 5 recalls for the 2012 Optima, none marked as do-not-drive, though one advises parking outside due to fire risk.