How many visibility and wipers complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 28 complaints in this area for the 2012 Optima, 3% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima's sunroof or mirrors?

No related recalls are listed for the Visibility & Wipers area on the 2012 Kia Optima.

What is the most common visibility problem reported?

Owners most often describe sunroof glass shattering suddenly while driving or parked, along with side mirrors detaching from their housing.

At what mileage do these visibility issues typically occur?

The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2012 Optima is 47,500 miles.

Did any of these complaints involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 0 crashes tied to this problem area, but 2 fires and 3 injuries are listed among all complaints for the 2012 Optima.

2012 Kia Optima Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 28 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 3% of that year's 919 total complaints. No related recall exists for this area, and the median mileage at failure was 47,500.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 28; 3% of 919
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 47,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Side mirrors detach or fall off unexpectedly while driving at highway speed, sometimes with only a cable keeping them attached.
Sunroof glass shatters or 'explodes' with a loud bang while driving or while the vehicle is parked, showering occupants with glass fragments.
Sunroof failures occur across a wide range of conditions, including highway driving, garage parking, and moderate temperatures, with no visible cause such as road debris or overpasses.
Rear headrest design is reported to block a large portion of rear window visibility, creating blind spots for the driver.

When 2012 Kia Optima visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 8, 2011, latest Aug 18, 2025.

28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2011 to Aug 2025; peak Jul 2014 (2).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Optima model year

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

20102 (3%)
201111 (2%)
201228 (3%)
201321 (2%)
201412 (2%)
20158 (1%)
201636 (5%)
20174 (2%)
20181 (0%)
20193 (1%)
20201 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many visibility and wipers complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 28 complaints in this area for the 2012 Optima, 3% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima's sunroof or mirrors?: No related recalls are listed for the Visibility & Wipers area on the 2012 Kia Optima.
What is the most common visibility problem reported?: Owners most often describe sunroof glass shattering suddenly while driving or parked, along with side mirrors detaching from their housing.
At what mileage do these visibility issues typically occur?: The median mileage at failure for Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2012 Optima is 47,500 miles.
Did any of these complaints involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 0 crashes tied to this problem area, but 2 fires and 3 injuries are listed among all complaints for the 2012 Optima.