How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 54 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, which is 6% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima transmission?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component and model year.

At what mileage do 2012 Kia Optima transmission problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 78,992.5 miles.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 fire among the transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, with 0 injuries reported.

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

The 2012 Optima's 54 complaints and 6% share are lower than the 2016 model year's 73 complaints and 10% share, but higher than the 2014 model year's 20 complaints and 3% share.

2012 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 54 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 6% of its 919 total complaints that year. No related recalls are listed. Median mileage at failure was 78,992.5 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 54; 6% of 919
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 78,993 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the shifter cable detaching, leaving the transmission unable to be put into Park while the car was in motion.
Several drivers describe rough, clanking downshifts and hard jerking or thudding when the transmission shifts into reverse or drive.
Some owners report sudden loss of power on the highway, with RPM spiking above normal while the car would not accelerate past a limited speed.
One complaint describes the front axle shaft detaching from the transmission, producing a grinding noise at highway speed.
A few owners mention the transmission failing to shift into gear at all, with dashboard warning lights activating and the vehicle becoming stuck.
One owner reported repeated stalling and loss of power tied to the engine control module, requiring multiple dealer visits.

When 2012 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 8, 2012, latest Apr 30, 2026.

54 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to Apr 2026; peak Oct 2019 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

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

201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 54 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, which is 6% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima transmission?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component and model year.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Optima transmission problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 78,992.5 miles.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 fire among the transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, with 0 injuries reported.
How does 2012 compare to other Optima years for this problem area?: The 2012 Optima's 54 complaints and 6% share are lower than the 2016 model year's 73 complaints and 10% share, but higher than the 2014 model year's 20 complaints and 3% share.