2012 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 919 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 25 involved a crash and 77 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
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 experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsAug 1, 2022
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.
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V560000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
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 pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
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 deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
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. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
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.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
54 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2026
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 present (cylinders 1, 3, and 4), and the engine was found to have low or no compression in cylinder 1. The condition rapidly worsened to near complete engine failure. The vehicle was operating normally prior to this incident. This failure is consistent with known Kia engine defects involving internal engine damage, including rod bearing failure. This is a safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving.
Power train, Jan 28, 2026
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 to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several dealers, and the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed by one dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact researched and determined that the failure was related to the TCM failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Power train, Dec 13, 2025
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, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning, started jerking, and lost normal operation. I was forced to pull over to avoid a collision. This sudden loss of power and control placed me, my passengers, and surrounding drivers at risk of an accident. Yes. The issue was confirmed by an authorized dealership. The dealership acknowledged that the problem is directly related to the active safety recall but refused to perform the repair due to vehicle mileage exceeding 150,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership representing the manufacturer. No inspection has been performed by police or insurance representatives at this time. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the incident. I had not received the recall notification letter at the time I purchased the vehicle. The first occurrence happened suddenly on 12/10/2025, when the vehicle began slowing down and jerking in traffic. After I pulled over and parked, multiple warning lights and messages appeared, and the steering wheel stopped moving normally. This vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall. Safety recalls do not expire based on mileage or ownership. The dealership acknowledged the issue is recall-related but refused to perform the repair due to mileage limits, which is inconsistent with federal safety recall requirements.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 8, 2025
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 Description: 1. The Safety Incident: While operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick smoke poured from the engine compartment, followed by immediate stalling. This presented a severe fire risk and safety hazard. 2. Dealer Misconduct & Illegal Charges: I towed the vehicle to Kia on the Boulevard (11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia) for the active engine recall remedy. The dealership: * Refused to perform the recall repair free of charge. * Forced me to pay a $199 "diagnostic fee" just to look at the recall-related defect, which should be covered by the manufacturer. * Threatened me with $45/day storage fees if I did not pay the $199 and remove the vehicle immediately. 3. Current Status: Under the threat of accumulating storage fees, I was coerced into paying the $199 and towing the vehicle back to my residence. The dealership knowingly released a vehicle with a catastrophic engine failure (smoke/fire risk) back to the owner without performing the federally mandated remedy. The unsafe vehicle is now sitting at my home unrepaired. 4. Conclusion: I request an immediate investigation into Kia on the Boulevard's refusal to honor the recall and their practice of charging customers for recall-related inspections.
Power train, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light eventually became illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved a fault code for the engine variable valve timing solenoid. The contact was informed that the engine variable valve timing solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact called a dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Oct 27, 2024, fire
Power train and engine failure and causing my Kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was Driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train For over $9000 between repairs and labor and transmission and engine
Power train, Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Power train, Apr 26, 2022, crash
The shifter cable came off during the car was on motion in my driveway..and unable to put it in PARK. My driveway has quite inclining uphill.. imagine if the car would roll back .. or simply the fact it worries me if that could happen somewhere away i would totally get stranded.. upon google i was able to confirm that KIA using the cheap parts and this happened to others also.. My boyfriend was able open gear console cover and snapped the cable ring back ...KIA should replace this part ASAP. BTW .. this was the second time it happened within a year
Power train, Engine, Apr 6, 2022
2012 Kia Optima Engine oil lights flickers on slowing .. I have checked the oil and the Filter they look excellent and to the correct level.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 24, 2021
My engine failed. Dick Withams here in Waterloo, IA was paid by Kia to replace engine for free due to my warranty. Dick Withams rushed the process and allowed me back on the road with no coolant plug( which was detected immediately) I returned the car and Dick Withams attached a plug so my coolant wouldn't spill over on the ground. Every time I pressed my brakes THERE WAS A HORRIBLE SOUND LIKE MY DRIVE AXIAL WAS NOT PUT TOGETHER WHEN Putting the engine back. Kia is allowing Mechanics to fix these recalls of MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES FOR myself and my family. I then returned vehicle to Cedar Falls, IA Dick Withams to fix issue Friday morning. They have yet to communicate anything with me. Now I'm just without a vehicle even though it's covered under warranty. It should be against the law for the car dealership to return a recalled engine without driving the car to see if they rushed the service and failed to put vehicle back together CORRECTLY.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 20, 2021
Every time i stop at a light my car starts to shake and vibrate. Now the check engine is on and my car is making weird noises, going at higher speeds
Power train, Sep 22, 2021
My wife had been complaining that while driving 2011 optima hybrid at highway speeds the car would suddenly lose power and slow to 30 or 40 mph while the pedal is floored. Took it to the dealer who said we needed a new battery which did not solve the problem. 2nd time came with a warning on the dash to check hybrid system, back at the dealer they said it appears to be some special fuse in the trunk ($300)…problem sill persist however this time the car completely shut down on the road, dash was lit up like a Christmas tree. Had to get it towed. Now dealer says its the HPCU and that’s going to run almost $6000. Dealer was willing to install a used one i got on EBay, they charged $1300 for the install they tell me the problem still exists.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 14, 2021
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 45 MPH. THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE BEGINNING TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND THE EXHAUST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HAD GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE TO ADD OIL TO THEIR VEHICLE EVERY 100 MILES. THE CHECK OIL WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (VALLEY HI KIA 14644 VALLEY CENTER DR, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395; 877-305-9865). THE VEHICLE HAD TOO HIGH LEVELS OF THE OIL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO CHANGED THE OIL AND CHANGED THE CRANK SENSOR. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT ROD BARRING MATERIAL WAS FOUND IN THEIR OIL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE FAILURES PERSIST TODAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 8, 2021
THA CAR SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WOULD NOT START ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND COULD NOT STEER GAVE THE CAR GAS ON GAS PEDAL NOR COULD I BRAKE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEMONTROND KIA TO SEE IF UNDER WARRANTY FOR REPAIRS ALMOST LOST MY LIFE ON HIGHWAY
Power train, Mar 28, 2021
KIA OPTIMA EX 2012 WITH 57000 MILES TRANSMISSION IS STUCK ON R (REVERSE) AND IT DOESN'T RELEASE EVEN WITH THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE ENGAGED. THE BACKUP CAMERA IS ON, BRAKE IS VERY STIFF, THE CAR IGNITION CAN BE ON/OFF BUT DON'T STARTS THE ENGINE. DASH AND SHIFTER INDICATOR SHOWS R AND IT DOES NOT CHANGE TO ANY OTHER STATUS. VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 14, 2021
WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID ON THE FARTHEST LEFT LANE OF THE FREEWAY, A WARNING MESSAGE POPPED UP ON MY DASH BOARD THAT WAS SOMETHING SIMILAR TO "SAFTLEY PULL OVER AND DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE." I BEGAN TO CHANGE LANES TO BE ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AND AS I WAS APPROACHING THE EDITS STOP LIGHT THE MOVING HEHICLE SEEMED TO LACK MUCH POWER. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE THE CAR ROLL FAR ENOUGH ON MOMENTUM TO GET ME OUT OF THE WAY OF A VERY BUSY ROAD. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT THE CAR ROLLED TO THE SPOT IT DID BECAUSE THAT HAPPENED TO BE THE ONLY PLACE THE SHOULDER COULD FIT MY CAR. I HAD IT SENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND IT TOOK THEM ALMOST AN ENTIRE WEEK TO FINALLY HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. ENGINE SEIZED AS THE MAJOR PROBLEM AND OFFERED TO REPLACE IT FOR ABOVE $8000! THE CAR ISN'T EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH! COME TO REALIZE THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY ENGINE SO I AM NOW WAITING UNTIL KIA TECH SUPPORT REACHES OUT TO MY MECHANIC FOR THE APPROVAL OR DENIAL. I BOUGHT THIS USED CAR ABOUT 30 DAYS FROM TODAY'S DATE WITH 80K MILES
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 2, 2021
I WAS IN THE PARENT PICK UP LINE TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER AND I PLACED MY SHIFT IN PARK HOWEVER MY CAR CONTINUED TO DRIVE FORWARD AND SHIFT GEAR WAS STUCK. STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND I KEPT FOOT ON BRAKE TO SLOWING MANEUVER CAR TO A PARKING SPOT. ONCE IN PARKING SPOT CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND EVEN THOUGH CAR WAS IN PARK ON THE SHIFT GEAR THE DRIVE MODE WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR FINALLY TURNED OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THAN RESTARTED BY ITSELF AND REPEATED TO DO SO. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO MOVE GEAR SHIFT AFTER ACCESSING THE SHIFT GEAR RELEASE LOCK HOWEVER THE SHIFT GEAR REMAINED IN DRIVE MODE. THEN ENGINE JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED TURNING ON. CAR WOULD NOT TURN, NOT DRIVABLE AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FOR REPAIR.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 27, 2021
CAR WILL NOT GET OUT OF IMMOBILIZATION PHASE, WITH EITHER KEY FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK TO USE PUSH TO START. ISSUE IS WASTE GATE ACTIVATOR FAILURE OR NEEDS ADJUSTMENT.
Power train, Engine, Jan 30, 2021
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITH LOW POWER AT 50 MPH WITH ALL LIGHTS WORKING. COMPUTER HAS CAR SHUT DOWN AND CAN NOT START.
Power train, Jan 20, 2021
APRIL 2018 WAS DRIVING HEARD LOUD NOSE FROM ENGINE, HYBRID SYSTEM CAME ON , HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING TURN OFF ENGINE. ENGINE LOCKED UP.TOWED HOME.PULLED OIL PAN. BRASS BEARINGS BOTTOM OF PAN.CRANKSHAFT AND PISTON ROD BEARNIG WERE IN PIECES. HAD ENGINE REBUILT. MAY 2018. FILLED 2 COMPLAINTS THEN. ONLY 73,000 MILES.COMPANY'S GETTING AWAY FOR INSUFFICIENT ENGINES. TRIED TO SELL CAR. BUT NOT GOING TO GIVE AWAY.I DON'T WANT IT. I THINK I DESERVE COMPENSATION.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Jan 4, 2021
TRANSMISSION HAS A HARD PULL WHEN IT DOWN SHIFTS FROM THIRD GEAR TO SECOND GEAR AND A HARDER PULL ON FIRST GEAR THIS IS A AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IN REGULAR GEARS GOING IN DRIVE WOULD ACTUALLY DO FINE I NOTICED A WEEK LATER WHEN I WAS OUT DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO PAST SECOND GEAR SO I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HAD MY CAR TOWED. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD ANY DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON CURRENTLY MY CAR IS IN LIMP MODE AND WILL ONLY GO IN REVERSE TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO INITIATE AN ENGAGE TO GO INTO FIRST GEAR.DEALERSHIP DOES NOT REALLY WANT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE IF IT DOES NOT HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TRANSMISSION I HAVE 168,000 MILES. IT SHOULD GIVE YOU SOME TYPE OF WARNING THAT SOMETHING IS GOING ON WITH YOUR TRANSMISSION BUT IT DOES NOT EVEN LIGHT UP ON YOUR DASHBOARD IF YOU GO TO PRESS THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATE IT DOES NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE I JUST RECENTLY HAD MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED OUT SO I KNOW IT IS NOT THAT THE GEARS ON THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO PAST SECOND GEAR NOW IT IS IN WHAT THEY CONSIDER LIMP MODE OR DEFAULT MODE SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION ON ALL THE 2012 KIA OPTIMAS I HAVE BEEN SEEING A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THESE CARS THE LIGHTS THAT ARE CONSIDERED AS THE LOW BEAMS ARE NOT VERY BRIGHT EITHER I JUST RECENTLY HAD THOSE CHANGED AND NEW ONES PUT IN THEY DO NOT GIVE YOU ENOUGH LIGHT IF YOU'RE DRIVING AT NIGHT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD
Power train, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 2, 2020
MY GEAR SHIFT IS STUCK IN DRIVE I CAN NOT PUT IT IN PARK IF I TURN MY CAR OFF IT WON'T CRANK BACK UP PLEASE HELP I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AN THIS IS MY EVERYDAY CAR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 14, 2020
TRANSMISSION ISSUES: BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. WOULD LAG THEN JERK THE CAR WITH SOME TORQUE ONCE IT CAUGHT 3RD GEAR. HAD TO GET 2 REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. ALSO ENGINE SEIZER ISSUE, MY ENGINE STARTED TO SEIZE WHEN I WAS GOING 45 MILES AN HOUR WITH ALOT OF TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED MAKING LOUD THUNKING NOICES THEN A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THEN I WAS STUCK ON A ROAD NOT BEING ABLE TO GET ABOVE 22 MILES AND HOUR, THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER. AND I WAS STUCK TRYING TO GO UPHILL AND ALL THESE CARS BEHIND ME. I ENDED UP HAVING TO STOP THE CAR AND LEAVE IT IN THE MIDDLE OF A 2 LANE ROAD ON A HILL WITH THE EMERGANCY BREAK ON. KIA KNEW IT WAS ANOTHER SEIZED ENGINE WHICH I THOUGHT IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION AGAIN WHICH I HAD BROUGHT IN BECAUSE THIS 3RD TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING THE SKILLING ISSUES AROUND 20-25MILES AND HOUR, BUT AFTER THEY KNEW I WASNT GOING TO BUY ANOTHER KIA AGAIN THEY WOULDNT FIX MY TRANS THAT SHOULD PROBABLY BE RECALLED ANYWAYS. BUT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS ANOTHER OPTIMA SEIZED ENGINE, AND EVEN THOUGH ALL OPTIMAS ARE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE, THEY SAY THAT MINE ISNT COVERED BECASUE ITS A HYBRID AND HAS A MOTOR IN THE CAR ALSO SO ITS DIFFERENT SET UP. BUT THERES ARE OTHERS ONLINE WITH THIS KIA OPTIMA 2011-2013 HYBRID ENGINE SEIZER JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER OPTIMAS. AND I THINK THE HYBRIDS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. AS WE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2020
THERE IS METAL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, THERE IS NO SLUDGE BUILD UP AND THE ENGINE HAS LESS THAN 90,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Power train, Mar 8, 2020
I STOPPED THE CAR AND TRIED TO PUT THE SHIFT LEVER TO PARK, THE CAR INDICATED THAT IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CAR WAS STUCK IN DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER WAS IN THE PARK POSITION. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. I TRIED TO RESTART BUT IT WOULD NOT BECAUSE THE CAR THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN DRIVE. I COULD NOT MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK WITHOUT USE THE SHIFT UNLOCK. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CAME DETACHED FROM THE SHIFTER LEVER. IT APPEARS THAT A PLASTIC RETAINER DISINTEGRATED.