How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA list for the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 48 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 5% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2012 Kia Optima?

Yes. Recall 22V560000 covers the right and left headliner plates, which may not be secured properly and can detach if the side curtain air bag deploys. Kia's remedy is to secure the plates free of charge.

Were there any fires or crashes linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data shows 8 fires and 4 crashes among the 48 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Optima, along with 7 reported injuries.

At what mileage do these problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2012 Optima is 47,700 miles.

How does the 2012 Optima compare to other model years for this problem area?

The 2012 Optima's 48 complaints (5% share) are lower than 2013's 134 complaints (10% share) and 2015's 78 complaints (8% share), but higher than 2017's 6 complaints (2% share).

2012 Kia Optima Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 48 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 5% of all complaints for the year, including 4 crashes and 8 fires at a median 47,700 miles. A related recall (22V560000) covers detaching headliner plates near the side curtain air bag.

Structure & Body complaints: 48; 5% of 919
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 8
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 47,700 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Owners report engine-bay fires with smoke or flames appearing under the hood, sometimes while driving on the highway and sometimes while parked in a driveway.
Several drivers describe brakes that failed to grab or stop the car normally right before a front-end collision.
Some complaints describe the vehicle catching fire and being fully engulfed within about a minute after smoke was first noticed.
One owner described the front passenger seat mounted too low, allowing a passenger to slip under the seat belt.
A few reports mention the fires occurring after owners had already received recall notices, including the headliner-plate recall 22V560000.

When 2012 Kia Optima body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 7, 2012, latest Aug 26, 2025.

48 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2012 to Aug 2025; peak Feb 2020 (2).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

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.

Structure & Body complaints by Optima model year

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

20105 (7%)
201123 (4%)
201248 (5%)
2013134 (10%)
201453 (9%)
201578 (8%)
201651 (7%)
20176 (2%)
20188 (3%)
201916 (8%)
20202 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA list for the 2012 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 48 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 5% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2012 Kia Optima?: Yes. Recall 22V560000 covers the right and left headliner plates, which may not be secured properly and can detach if the side curtain air bag deploys. Kia's remedy is to secure the plates free of charge.
Were there any fires or crashes linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data shows 8 fires and 4 crashes among the 48 Structure & Body complaints for the 2012 Optima, along with 7 reported injuries.
At what mileage do these problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2012 Optima is 47,700 miles.
How does the 2012 Optima compare to other model years for this problem area?: The 2012 Optima's 48 complaints (5% share) are lower than 2013's 134 complaints (10% share) and 2015's 78 complaints (8% share), but higher than 2017's 6 complaints (2% share).