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: steering
188 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, May 16, 2019
AS I DRIVE THE CAR, SHE HAS A TENDENCY OF GOING EITHER TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. I HAVE TO FORCEFULLY RECTIFY MY STEERING WHEEL AND SOMEONE BEHIND ME WOULD SEE THAT I'M DRIVIMG ERRATICALLY. IT IS ANNOYING WHILE DRIVING TO HAVE TO GIVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL A NOTCH TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT WHEN ACTUALLY YOU WANT TO GO STRAIGHT. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WAS THE ONLY PROBLEM THEY HAD WITH IT.THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE RACK AND PINION. AND NOW SHE'S DOING IT AGAIN. IT DOES THAT ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY.
Steering, May 12, 2019
THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE INSIDE IT. I AM AFRAID IT WILL BREAK COMPLETELY AND I'LL LOSE ALL STEERING WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT MAKES THE NOISE WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR VEERING LEFT OR RIGHT. IT FEELS LIKE IT JERKS. I TRAVEL QUITE A BIT AND HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD CHILD. I'VE ALSO READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER PEOPLE. I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM AND AM ASKING SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND ADDRESS IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Steering, May 12, 2019
EVERY TIME I TURN MY WHEEL LEFT/RIGHT, OR HIT A BUMP IT CLICKS LOUDLY.
Steering, Apr 24, 2019
THE PROBLEM: IN AFFECTED KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES, A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE DRIVERS MAY FEEL A 'NOTCHY' OR "CLUNKY" SOUND OR 'SLIPPING' CONDITION WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT IS BELIEVED BY OTHER KIA OPTIMA OWNERS AND OR MECHANICS WHO MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ISSUE THAT THIS MAY BE DUE TO EITHER A SOFTWARE GLITCH IN THE OPTIMA'S ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM OR A FAULTY POWER STEERING MOTOR ASSEMBLY, U-JOINT IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY, OR THE STEERING COUPLER. OWNERS ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANY KNOWN RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, BUT MECHANICS BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAULT IN THE KIA OPTIMA YEARS 2011-2014.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 18, 2019
2012 KIA OPTIMA WITH 43000 MILES # AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AND CHECKING DIFFERENT SEATING POSITION/ RESTARTING THE IGNITION THE WARNING LIGHT STILL STAYS ON. # STEERING WHEEL FEELS STICKY WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, WHICH NEEDS IMMEDIATE CORRECTION BY MOVING LEFT /RIGHT. IF NOT IT KEEPS GOING TOWARDS ONE DIRECTION CONSTANTLY. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED TO GET THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE, BUT NO IMPROVEMENT AS PER STEERING WHEEL EVEN AFTER GETTING ALIGNMENT DONE.
Steering, Apr 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A DEALER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.
Steering, Mar 23, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHEN I AM TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT IN MY LANE. IT'S TRICKY TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED. THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T MOVE FREELY TO PERFORM SHORT STEERING CORRECTIONS. YOU DON'T NOTICED THIS IN THE TURN BUT ON STRAIGHT ROAD DRIVING
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Mar 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THERE WAS EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY. ALSO, THE OIL LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER (OSSETT KIA SOUTH, 2680 MT MORIAH RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38115, (901) 328-8173) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, BUT THE VISIBILITY WAS STILL POOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT WITHOUT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED WITHOUT THE PART BEING REPLACED. THE FAN ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A REPAIR PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR THE STEERING COUPLER AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NO LONGER STRAIGHT. ALSO, THE SUN ROOF AND MOON ROOF GLASS HAD A CRACK GOING DOWN TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE IT MET THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL NOISE PROGRESSING DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING FAILURE, HEADLIGHT FAILURE, AND MOISTURE IN THE REAR CAMERA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Feb 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS OR JUST TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Feb 18, 2019
KIA OPTIMA 2012 HAS VERY STICKY STEERING WHEEL ISSUES. IT JUST DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT CONSTANTLY ON THE STRAIGHT DRIVE . IT HAPPENS ON ANY SPEED LIMITS AND MORE NOTICEABLE ON STRAIGHT DRIVES. IT JUST STUCKS UNTIL YOU CORRECT WITH EXTRA FORCE.THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AND SCARY . THIS MODEL DOES HAVE ELECTRIC STEERING SO I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE AND GOT IT FIXED AFTER REPLACING COUPLING LOWER SHAFT STEERING SHAFT . THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Steering, Jan 7, 2019
WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK AND CLICKS.IT PREVENTS YOU FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND MAKES IT UNSAFE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE WHEEL.IT DOES THIS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Dec 18, 2018
"TAKATA RECALL"WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. I'VE HAD PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME THING SINCE 2012, FIRST THE STRING IT WOULD PULL LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVE STRAIGHT. KIA SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM,NOW MY RACK AND PINION IS BROKEN,AND THAT'S BECAUSE KIA REFUSE TO FIX THAT PROBLEM BACK IN 2012 WITH THE STRING. KIA SENT US A SETTLEMENT LETTER , WHICH STATES THEY WILL PAID US $531.95 BY MEANS OF A CHECK, IT STATES IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT THIS SETTLEMENT IS A COMPROMISE OF DISPUTED CLAIMS AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AN ADMISSION OF LIABILITY ON THE PART OF KIA. WE DID NOT SING THAT LETTER BECAUSE KIA CARS ARE NO GOOD! AND THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS SINCE THAT LETTER WAS SENT. THEY TRIED TO BLACK MAIL US WE DIDN'T FALL FOR THE SCAM. THE COMPANY KNOW THIS CAR IS NO GOOD. IF YOU NEED THAT LETTER SENT TO YOU I CAN DO THAT TO. SOMEONE COULD DIE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ITS DANGEROUS,I WORK IN THE MOUNTAINS THIS PROBLEM NEEDS FIXING NOW NOT LATER NOW!!!. SINCERELY, NEED THIS PROBLEM FIX *TR
Steering, Dec 7, 2018
STEERING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE UNRESPONSIVE, INCREASING ROTATIONAL OF PLAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. INITIALLY NOTICED JULY 2017 BUT HAS BEEN STEADILY INCREASING. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE THE DELAYED RESPONSE OF THE STEERING WHEEL MADE IT DIFFICULT TO AVOID A VEHICLE SWERVING INTO MY LANE.
Steering, Dec 5, 2018
STEERING IS LOOSE, CLICKS, WHEEL SHAKES WHILE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION
Steering, Nov 26, 2018
MY 2012 OPTIMA POPS AND MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND IS HARDER TO TURN THEM NORMAL AND RATTLES OVER BUMPS. BASED OFF MY RESEARCH ONLINE IT'S A BAD CHEAP PLASTIC STEERING COUPLER. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE AS WELL AS YOUTUBE VIDEOS ADDRESSING THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE SOUL GOT RECALLED FOR. HERE IS JUST ONE LINK OF MANY VIDEOS I FOUND ON GOOGLE. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/BMMVJLF2ZRO PLEASE GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED FOR THE PEOPLE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THE $600 THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES TO REPLACE IT WHEN IT SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE A WEAR AND TEAR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. I HOPE KIA CAN FIX THIS IN THE FUTURE AND FIX THE CARS OUT THERE THAT HAVE FAULTY STEERING WITH A CHEAP PIECE OF PLASTIC, IT'S TO DANGEROUS TO CUT CORNERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE STEERING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN IT'S A BIG PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THERE PRODUCTS. PLEASE RECALL SO THEY CAN CORRECT THIS TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS AND MAYBE SO THEY CHANGE THIS FOR THERE FUTURE VEHICLES. IT CLICKS WHILE MOVING AND STATIONARY AND SOMETIMES IS HARDER TO TURN THEN OTHERS WHICH IS NOT SAFE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW HOW HARD YOU HAVE TO JERK THE WHEEL OR NOT.
Steering, Nov 9, 2018
WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE & VIBRATES AT TIME. MAKES NOISES WHEN II MA DRIVING ON LESS THAT SUPREMELY SMOOTH ROADS
Steering, Nov 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VEER LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND RESISTED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE DEALER (UNIVERSITY KIA, 6519 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,590. *TT*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF CERRITOS (LOCATED AT 18201 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703, (562) 860-2424) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Steering, Sep 17, 2018
STEERING WHEEL WOULD CLICK WHEN TURNING. THE BEGINNING OF THE TURN WAS NOT SMOOTH.NOW THE STEERING COLUMN RATTLES WHENEVER I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD
Steering, Sep 13, 2018
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING MAKES NOISE AND RATTLE. CONTACTED KIA DEALER IN FREMONT AND KIA CORPORATION ABOUT THE ISSUES. NO RESPONSE.
Steering, Sep 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. **TR CONSUMER STEERING WHEEL MAKES ABNORMAL NOISES WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS AND TURNING EVEN WHEN CAR ISN'T MOVING IT, MAKES A NOISE JUST BY MOVING STEERING WHEEL. UPDATED 10/26/18*JB
Steering, Aug 12, 2018
CONTINUOUS CLICKING NOISE WHILE STEERING AT ALL SPEEDS. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN STEERING COLUMN. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE STEERING COUPLER/
Steering, Aug 7, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT SAFELY PULLED OVER AS THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ABILITY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SELMA KIA (2775 AUTO MALL DR., SELMA, CA 93662, (559) 891-2300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Steering, Aug 3, 2018
I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE CAR IS NOT MOVING AND I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE I CAN HEAR A LIGHT POPPING NOISE. ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND RADDLING WHEN I AM DRIVING BETWEEN 65-75 ON THE HIGHWAY, IT DECREASES AT 80 MPH. THIS ALSO HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. IT IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE TIRES OR ALIGNMENT.
Steering, Jul 26, 2018
THE STEERING COLUMN INSIDE STARTED MAKING NOISES LIKE SOMETHING CRACKED INSIDE NOWTHE STERLING WHEEL MAKE NOISES ON EVERY TURN.