2012 Kia Optima Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 441 of 919 total complaints (48%) filed on the 2012 Kia Optima. NHTSA lists two related recalls covering premature bearing wear and fuel pipe issues, with a median mileage at failure of 98,130 miles and 63 reported fires.
- Engine complaints
- 441
- 48% of 919
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 63
- Injuries reported
- 8
- Median mileage
- 98,130 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls suddenly at highway speeds (55-70 mph) with no warning and cannot be restarted, sometimes leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic.
- Smoke or fire develops in the engine compartment shortly after a stall, in several cases spreading quickly and producing visible flames.
- Owners describe a strong electrical burning smell along with reports that the starter and fuses were found completely burnt after a stall.
- Some owners report excessive engine smoke paired with premature sludge buildup, leading dealers to recommend a full motor replacement.
- A loss of engine power at speed forces drivers to coast to the shoulder while smoke emerges from under the hood.
- One owner reported the engine seizing after prior recall-related inspection work, followed by a stall in moving traffic.
When 2012 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 8, 2011, latest Jul 29, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima
- 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.
- NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Engine complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2012 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 441 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 48% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima engine?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 17V224000 for machining errors causing premature bearing wear, and recall 18V907000 covering a fuel pipe inspection/replacement tied to prior engine replacement work.
- At what mileage do 2012 Optima engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA's data shows a median mileage at failure of 98,130 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.
- Do 2012 Kia Optima engine failures involve fires?
- NHTSA records 63 fire incidents and 5 crashes among the complaints tied to this model year, along with 8 reported injuries.