2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

○ Not enough data

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:03:44.189Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2012: 107 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2011	34
2012	107
2013	50
2014	31
2015	12
2016	4
2017	25
2018	3
2019	0
2020	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 67%

67% of complaints: engine — 72 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE LOST POWER STATED SMOKING ALL OVER TRUNK ENGINE GOING 60 MPH ON RT15 THURMONT MARYLAND OUTSIDE OF CAMP DAVID, OIL WAS EVERYWHERE LOUD BOOM, MY GRANDSON WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AT THIS TIME AS WELL, DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THEY ARE NOT AT FALT OR...

NHTSA ODI report, 20180115

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated and failed to exceed 20 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had started to overheat.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240105

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230912

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TODAY I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY FOR THE BRAKES FAILING IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THE MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THEY LET ME LEAVE WITH IT I WAS IN...

NHTSA ODI report, 20180614

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

R 20180928 — air bags

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector.

Campaign 18V363000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

R 20210125 — engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (72 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 18V363000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 20V750000 (engine) has been completed.
Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.