NHTSA data · free2012 Kia OptimaProblems: Top Complaints, Recalls & Failures (NHTSA)
Every owner complaint and safety recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on file for the 2012 Kia Optima, ranked by the component that failed most.
Complaints on file
919
Recalls issued
5
Crashes reported
25
Fires reported
77
What breaks most
- Engine398 complaints · 43.3%
- Steering188 complaints · 20.5%
- Electrical System122 complaints · 13.3%
- Service Brakes88 complaints · 9.6%
- Power Train54 complaints · 5.9%
Recalls on this model year
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi
Campaign 18V907000 · reported 19/12/2018 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
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. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploy
Campaign 18V363000 · reported 01/06/2018 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine
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.
Campaign 17V224000 · reported 31/03/2017 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars
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.
Campaign 22V560000 · reported 01/08/2022 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Park outsideService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may
Campaign 23V652000 · reported 25/09/2023 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
What owners report
Engine
- The dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the previously completed Safety Recall Campaign SC147 (NHTSA Campaign 17V224000). The engine is currently exhibiting clear signs of connecting rod be
- Engine faílúre on June 26, 2026.Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic.I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in adva
- A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge
Steering
- 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. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing pro
- I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak
- I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
Electrical System
- The horn stops working, steering heat stop working, control functions and air bag warning. I changed the clock spring and it fixed all those issues the first time but within 6 months all those issues
- A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge
- 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 wer
Service Brakes
- I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
- 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 b
- •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 i
Power Train
- Sudden engine failure while driving with no warning. Vehicle began jerking, shaking, and losing power. RPMs dropped unexpectedly and the engine stalled intermittently. Multiple misfire codes were pres
- 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 con
- 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 manuf
Excerpts are anonymized owner complaints as filed with NHTSA, trimmed to 200 characters.
Check your own VIN
This page covers the 2012 Kia Optima in general. Enter your VIN for the recalls, complaints and crash ratings specific to your exact vehicle.
Buying a used 2012 Kia Optima?
A full vehicle history report checks title brands, accident records, and odometer readings for the specific VIN — none of which government complaint or recall data covers.
Run a vehicle history reportOther model years
Disclosure: some links on this page (vehicle history reports, warranty options) are affiliate links. They fund the free checker, and your price never changes. Recall, complaint, rating and fuel-economy data are official U.S. government records for the year, make and model and are not a substitute for an inspection or a title history report on the specific vehicle. Not affiliated with any government agency.