How many suspension, wheels & tires complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 31 complaints in this area for the 2012 Optima, which is 3% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima's suspension or tires?

No related recalls are listed in the data for this problem area on the 2012 Optima.

At what mileage do these suspension and tire problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 25,500 miles, though some owners reported issues within the first few hundred miles.

Have these suspension and tire issues led to crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 6 injuries associated with the 31 suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2012 Optima.

How does 2012 compare to other Optima model years for this issue?

The 2013 Optima has more complaints in this area (43, 3%), while 2011 had a higher share at 5%; later years like 2016-2019 show fewer complaints (3 to 8) and lower shares.

2012 Kia Optima Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 31 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 3% of that year's 919 total complaints. Four crashes and six injuries are tied to this area, with a median failure mileage of 25,500. No related recalls are on file.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 31; 3% of 919
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 25,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Owners report the car drifting or wandering left and right at highway speeds, sometimes described as a catch in the steering that makes it easy to over-correct.
Several owners say dealers checked alignment and tire pressure repeatedly but could not resolve the wandering or pulling.
Multiple complaints describe the vehicle having no spare tire, only an inflation kit or fix-a-flat can, leaving occupants stranded after a flat or blowout.
One owner reports a rear suspension creaking noise that worsened over time and recurred a week after being greased.
One owner describes losing control in a dangerous skid on a snow-covered street, citing a structural defect in the tires.
One owner reports brakes squeaking after a repair with slower response time, linking it to ongoing suspension problems since an earlier recall.

When 2012 Kia Optima suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 20, 2011, latest Jun 3, 2026.

31 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2011 to Jun 2026; peak Feb 2012 (2).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Optima model year

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

20102 (3%)
201129 (5%)
201231 (3%)
201343 (3%)
201414 (2%)
201514 (1%)
20168 (1%)
20174 (2%)
20183 (1%)
20195 (2%)
20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheels & tires complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 31 complaints in this area for the 2012 Optima, which is 3% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima's suspension or tires?: No related recalls are listed in the data for this problem area on the 2012 Optima.
At what mileage do these suspension and tire problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 25,500 miles, though some owners reported issues within the first few hundred miles.
Have these suspension and tire issues led to crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 6 injuries associated with the 31 suspension, wheels & tires complaints for the 2012 Optima.
How does 2012 compare to other Optima model years for this issue?: The 2013 Optima has more complaints in this area (43, 3%), while 2011 had a higher share at 5%; later years like 2016-2019 show fewer complaints (3 to 8) and lower shares.