How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 54 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 Optima, making up 6% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.

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

No related recalls are listed for the fuel system on the 2012 Kia Optima in the provided data.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

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

What specific fuel system problems do owners describe?

Owners describe hard starts, loss of acceleration, stiff gas pedals, high-pressure fuel pump failures, and a gasoline smell while driving.

Are 2012 Optima fuel system complaints linked to fires?

Of the 54 fuel system complaints, the data notes 5 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries across the broader fuel system complaint set.

2012 Kia Optima Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 54 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 6% of that year's 919 total complaints. No fuel-system-specific recall is listed. The median mileage at failure is 80,000 miles.

Fuel System complaints: 54; 6% of 919
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 80,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report hard starting followed by hesitation or stiffening of the gas pedal while driving.
Several complaints describe high-pressure fuel pump failure, sometimes leaving the car unable to start or accelerate.
Some drivers noticed a gasoline smell inside or near the vehicle while driving, though no leak was visibly found.
One report describes sudden unexpected engine surging from idle to rapid acceleration when starting from a stop.
A few complaints mention fuel pump failure occurring alongside unrelated electrical problems, such as loss of dashboard lights or radio.

When 2012 Kia Optima fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 20, 2012, latest Jun 21, 2025.

54 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2012 to Jun 2025; peak Feb 2016 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Fuel System complaints by Optima model year

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

20101 (1%)
201127 (5%)
201254 (6%)
2013123 (9%)
201449 (8%)
201556 (6%)
201662 (8%)
201723 (9%)
201813 (6%)
201917 (8%)
202012 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 54 Fuel System complaints for the 2012 Optima, making up 6% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima fuel system?: No related recalls are listed for the fuel system on the 2012 Kia Optima in the provided data.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2012 Optima is 80,000 miles.
What specific fuel system problems do owners describe?: Owners describe hard starts, loss of acceleration, stiff gas pedals, high-pressure fuel pump failures, and a gasoline smell while driving.
Are 2012 Optima fuel system complaints linked to fires?: Of the 54 fuel system complaints, the data notes 5 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries across the broader fuel system complaint set.