2012 KIA OPTIMA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima. This model year has 908 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2012 Kia Optima?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Optima. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 413 | 4 | 62 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 184 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 120 | 4 | 18 | — | |
| Brake System | 87 | 4 | 9 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 83 | 1 | 8 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 53 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 45 | 8 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 42 | — | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 40 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 39 | 4 | 8 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 35 | — | 7 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 31 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 13 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel System | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Gasoline | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 908 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when you give the car gas it will hesitate and will not accelerate. Another with the gas is that you can be driving at a higher speed such as 45 to 55 or so and you press down the gas pe…
Unknown but We were driving home from friant in motion when the car died and started smoking, no indication light were on before until after the incident all warning lights were on dash. Our lives were put at risk due to this. We were not able to control steering wheel or to get …
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was knocking at startup. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the manufacturer declined to honor the recall beca…
•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car coming from work and at the time. If I was in the car any longer than 5 more minutes it possibly could’ve been catastrophic. • All I know as of right now is that 5 d…
The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. We towed to a mechanic who said it was engine failure. Thankfully we had just exited off highway and on a side street when it became inoperable or it would have been detrimental.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the c…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the message to shift to park was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that there was a delay while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken t…
On or around October 17th 2025 I purchased a 2019 Kia OPT un aware that the vehicle had recall problems. Once I realized the vehicle had problems I took it to get it checked out. I only had the vehicle for 2 days before the problems occurred. The Kia service center fixed the reca…
The failure involves the component covered under the active safety recall campaign. The affected part/system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by the manufacturer, dealership, or NHTSA. Recall number : 23V6552 While driving in traffic…
Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicle Vehicle Information: [Year] Kia Optima Hybrid Dealership Name: Kia on the Boulevard Dealership Address: 11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Complaint …
To: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 USA Subject: Formal Safety Defect Claim Regarding Unaddressed Recalls — 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) From: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Phon…
June 26th 2025 my Kia optima 2012 EX quit on interstate 65 in Alabama was towed to dealership 10 days later was requested that I turn in maintenance records which I did. 10 days after that I was contacted and I was told that they could not read some of the records i so resubmit…
Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. IT would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that, while stopped and attempting to complete a left turn an SUV failed to yield and collided with the front driver side of her vehicle. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, spun across the intersection, an…
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in Kia Safety Recalls SC147, SC200, and SC201. On XXX, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition …
ABS system failing
While in park and driving the instrument panel will show, "Check Brake" and "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive". This is accompanied by the engine not responding to the gas pedal. The brake pedal will also loose pressure and once pushed the brakes will lock up m…
Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.
See attached document for complaint.
Doors unlock while driving
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Kia Optima.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Optima
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Optima. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Kia Optima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Optima reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2012 Kia Optima has 908 NHTSA owner complaints, 25 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (413 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (413 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (184 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (120 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Optima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Kia Optima?▾
The 2012 Kia Optima has 25 crash-related complaints and 76 fire reports out of 908 total NHTSA complaints. 34 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Kia Optima. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Optima?▾
The 2012 Kia Optima has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Optima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.