MYRModel Year Report

2012 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2012 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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
919
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2012 919 2013: 1,383 complaints 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2012 919 2013: 1,383 complaints 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 919 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2012: 919 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

43% · 398 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-28

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

I was involved in a life threatening accident that caused my car to be totaled when the engine made a loud knocking noise and the engine seized while in motion on a busy highway at a speed of 65 MPH without any sudden warning and my family in the...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-30

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving approximately 45 MPH, smoke was suddenly present inside the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, flames were discovered under the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-07

Steering

20% · 188 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29

Electrical system

13% · 123 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and horn.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

'Takata recall' I'm currently buying a Kia Optima 2012 and everything was working fine and had maintenance up to date at Kia of orange.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-08

Service brakes

10% · 88 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Power train

6% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift.

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2012Complaint volume 919 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
  3. R
    2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  5. R
    2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS)...

    Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  8. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  9. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  10. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  11. R
    2022-09-26Structure22V560000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

    Remedy: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  13. R
    2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 398 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 188 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 123 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 22V560000 · Structure
  • Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Kia Optima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.