How common are electrical system problems in the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 146 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 16% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima electrical system?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this specific electrical system problem area.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Optima?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Optima is 80,000 miles.

Do the electrical complaints involve fires or crashes?

Yes, NHTSA data tied to this problem area includes 18 fires, 8 injuries, and 5 crashes for the 2012 Optima.

How does the 2012 Optima compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2012 Optima's 16% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2011 model's 24% share but higher than the 2020 model's 9% share.

2012 Kia Optima Electrical System Problems

The 2012 Kia Optima has 146 electrical system complaints, 16% of its 919 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles. NHTSA lists no related recall for this specific issue, though 18 fires and 5 crashes are tied to these reports.

Electrical System complaints: 146; 16% of 919
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 18
Injuries reported: 8
Median mileage: 80,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden engine stalling at highway or city speeds accompanied by smoke or fire from the engine compartment.
Several complaints describe a burning smell and visible flames near the door sill lettering or under the hood while the car is parked or idling.
Some owners noticed a melted ground wire and smoke pouring from under the hood after the vehicle shut down at a stoplight.
Multiple reports describe the vehicle failing to restart after stalling, with the engine catching fire during restart attempts.
A few owners report the climate control, defroster, and radio malfunctioning at the same time the engine lost power.

When 2012 Kia Optima electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 21, 2012, latest May 7, 2026.

146 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q1 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q1 (10).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201014 (19%)
2011143 (24%)
2012146 (16%)
2013175 (13%)
201475 (13%)
2015150 (15%)
2016140 (19%)
201736 (14%)
201842 (18%)
201925 (12%)
202013 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical system problems in the 2012 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 146 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 16% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima electrical system?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this specific electrical system problem area.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Optima?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Optima is 80,000 miles.
Do the electrical complaints involve fires or crashes?: Yes, NHTSA data tied to this problem area includes 18 fires, 8 injuries, and 5 crashes for the 2012 Optima.
How does the 2012 Optima compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2012 Optima's 16% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2011 model's 24% share but higher than the 2020 model's 9% share.