2012 Kia Optima Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 48 airbag complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, about 5% of its 919 total complaints for the year. These include 8 crashes and 10 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 84,000, and a related recall (18V363000) covers the airbag control unit.
- Airbags complaints
- 48
- 5% of 919
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 10
- Median mileage
- 84,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed rear-end or frontal collisions, sometimes with injuries.
- Some owners describe the airbag warning light illuminating and dealers diagnosing a faulty clock spring that needed replacement.
- One owner reported the vehicle was previously repaired under recall campaign 18V363000 but the airbags still failed to deploy in a later crash.
- A few complaints mention non-deployment even after low-speed impacts with parked vehicles or other cars, with the front end sustaining damage.
- One report links airbag warning light issues to loss of steering wheel controls and a heater malfunction, attributed to a worn clockspring.
When 2012 Kia Optima airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 15, 2012, latest Jun 9, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima
- 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.
Airbags complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 48 airbag-related complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, which is about 5% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for airbag problems on the 2012 Kia Optima?
- Yes. Recall campaign 18V363000 covers 2011-2013 Kia Optima and related models for an airbag control unit that may short circuit and prevent airbag deployment in a crash.
- Were there injuries linked to airbag problems in the 2012 Optima?
- NHTSA data shows 10 injuries and 8 crashes associated with the 48 airbag complaints for the 2012 Optima.
- At what mileage do airbag problems tend to appear on the 2012 Optima?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2012 Optima is 84,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the recall fully fix the airbag deployment issue?
- NHTSA complaint records include at least one report where a vehicle previously repaired under recall 18V363000 still had an airbag failure in a later crash.