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
919 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jun 17, 2019
WHILE PARKING MY CAR INTO THE GARAGE I NOTICE AS I WAS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. I ALSO NOTICE IT WHILE I MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL SIDE TO SIDE STATIONARY I WILL STILL HEAR THE NOISE ON THE RIGHT.. I'VE NEVER HEARD THIS NOISE UNTIL TODAY.
Engine, Jun 15, 2019
MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA SX-TGI IS IN 'LIMP HOME MODE' DUE TO A SENSOR IN THE ENGINE THAT DETECTS SOME SORT OF ENGINE PROBLEM. BUT IT'S NOT SPECIFIC ON WHAT IT IS. NOW MY WIFE CANNOT IS HER CAR THAT SHE HAS HAD ONLY FOR A FEW YEARS. IT HAS ALREADY HAD TWO MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIRS AND NOW I FEEL LIKE THERE IS ANOTHER DEFECT THAT IS EXPLAINED IN A FEW ARTICLES ONLINE WHERE THE ENGINES HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. AND THIS 'LIMP HOME MODE' ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO DRIVE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AT LOW SPEEDS TO KEEP FROM FURTHER DAMAGE. THESE ENGINES WERE REPLACED ON KIA'S LIKE MINE THAT WERE MANUFACTURED WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME FRAME. PLEASE BE AWARE IT'S A VERY SCARY MATTER.
Engine, Jun 15, 2019
ENGINE IS MAKING KNOCKING SOUND. SOUNDS LIKE PISTON. IT'S A 2012 AND KEEPING UP WITH OIL CHANGES AND TENDER LOVING CARE. IT'S 7 YEARS OLD THERE'S NO REASON THE ENGINE SHOULD BE KNOCKING AND TURNING OFF IN THE HIGH WAY AT SPEED 65 MPH WITH MY CHILDREN IN IT. I AM VERY MAD THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE FOR FREE (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension, Jun 13, 2019
CAR DRIVES WITH LOOSE STEERING AND CLUNKING NOISE THAT FAIRFAX KIA REFUSES TO TEST DRIVE IT LONG ENOUGH TO HEAR. JERKS LEFT SUSPENSION ON ROUGH PAVEMENT ON LEFT SIDE ONLY. THERE ARE LOTS OF BIG BOLTS ON THE LEFT STRUT AND I BELIEVE THESE BOLTS ARE EITHER DANGEROUSLY LOOSE OR THE STRUT ITSELF IS BROKEN. NOISE IS SUTTLE. HAVE COMPLAINED 3 TIMES TO DEALER.
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.
Power train, May 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER SHAWNEE MISSION KIA (7951 SHAWNEE MISSION PKWY, MERRIAM, KS 66202, (913) 384-9100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT SOLENOID NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,408.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 7, 2019
KIA OPTIMA 2012 WITH 43000 MILES HORN DOESN'T WORK WHILE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT. IT WORKS FINE WHILE STEERING STRAIGHT/LEFT BUT THE MOMENT TURNED RIGHT HORN WILL ONLY CLICK/ NO SOUND. I DO HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON DON'T KNOW IF IT IS RELATED. WORST CASE IS, I HAVE MY STATE INSPECTION DUE AND WITH THE SRS LIGHT AND NO HORN, IT WILL DEFINITELY FAIL. I GUESS THAT'S WHAT I GET FOR OWNING A KIA .
Engine, May 7, 2019
WHEN I WAS DRIVING SUDDENLY I HEARD KNOCKED NOISE FROM ENGINE AND NOISE GOT HIGH AND HIGH. I CAME HOME AND I DIDN'T DRIVE IT MY OIL LEVEL AND CONDITION WAS GOOD
Air bags, May 7, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT ON. CLOCK SPRING DEFECTIVE. DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED AT LOCAL KIA DEALER ($389.39)
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 29, 2019
SIDE MIRROR STOPPED WORKING DRIVER SIDE. THE MOTOR FROM POWER FOLD MIRROR KEEPS RUNNING NON STOP MAKING THE GRINDING NOISE AND ALSO CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 28, 2019
MY STARTER WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START MY CAR AFTER DRIVING IT. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I COULDN'T RESTART THE CAR AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD 2 STARTERS PUT IN THINKING THAT WAS THE ISSUE AND AFTER THE 2ND STARTER WAS INSTALLED THE CAR STILL HAD SMOKE. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE BURNT AND BURNING AND THE CAR STILL WILL NOT START.
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.
Engine, Apr 22, 2019
THETA II ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS (50-65MPH) THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. SOON AFTER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE OIL LIGHT. I DID PULL OVER AND CONTACT MY LOCAL KIA DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION I WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE NEEDING A NEW ENGINE. IT HAD BEARING DAMAGE DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS... SURPRISINGLY 3 MONTHS AGO THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED FOR METAL DEBRIS / ENGINE BEARING FAILURE AND NO ISSUES WERE FOUND BY THE SAME LOCAL KIA DEALER.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 21, 2019
TAKATA RECALL, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I WENT TO SPEED UP THE ENGINE SEIZED, CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER IN THE BREAK DOWN LANE ON THE HIGHWAY AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF COMPLETELY AND WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON IT WOULD NOT FULLY TURN BACK ON, ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE STARTED FLICKERING, I TRIED JUMPING MY CAR AND IT DID NOT WORK I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER
Engine, Apr 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STONES KIA (1222 N WOODRUFF AVE, IDAHO FALLS, ID 83401, (208) 524-2400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT IN 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE ENGINE PREVIOUSLY BEING REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
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.
Engine, Apr 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DES MOINES (LOCATED AT 4475 MERLE HAY RD, DES MOINES, IA 50310, (515) 270-0706) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL FEED LINE THAT ENTERED THE TURBO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2019
I HAVE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTING. I HAVE READ THROUGH SOME OF THE FORUMS AND SEE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IF I HAVE THE POWER "ON" AND PUT IT IN DRIVE THEM BACK IN PARK IT STARTS AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. I HAVE HAD THE STARTED AND BATTERY TESTED AND THEY ARE NOT MALFUNCTIONING. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2019
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE BELTWAY 495 IN MARYLAND AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON THE DASH. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I CHECK THE MOTOR, CHECKING THE OIL STICK SHOWING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO OIL IN IT. I NEVER RECEIVED A WARNING LIGHT ABOUT LOW OIL OR ANYTHING WAS WRONG. I HAD MY COUSIN BRING ME SOME OIL. I PUT FOUR CANS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. I HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TAKEN OFF THE HIGHWAY TO MY COUSINS HOUSE NEAR BY. I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY THINKING THAT WAS NOW THE PROBLEM. THE STARTED TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. THE NEXT DAY I CONNECTED A CHECK ENGINE MACHINE TO THE CAR, A ACTRON AUTO SCANNER #CP 9575BUT NO CODES APPEARED. A FRIEND WHO IN THE PAST RACED CARS CHECK THE MOTOR FROM THE ATTEMPTING TO START AND STATED IT WAS THE BEARING IN THE ENGINE. IT WOULD START AND AGAIN I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ABOUT THE OIL OR ENGINE BEFORE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. I CHECKED THE COMPUTER AN FOUNDED OUT THAT OTHER KIA'S HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS NOT COMING ON TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THE OIL WAS LOW. KIA HAD A PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES 2012-2017 NOT SHOWING A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH.
Engine, Apr 3, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine, Apr 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOTTENKIRK KIA OF WEST BURLINGTON (309 SOUTH GEAR AVENUE, WEST BURLINGTON, IA 52655, (319) 249-6627) AND THE OIL FILTER WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE ENGINE IF IT FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND WHITE SMOKE BELLOWED FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUMMIT PLACE KIA (LOCATED AT 4200 INTERPARK DR, AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326, (248) 682-6002) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,565.