2012 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 919 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (398), Steering (188), Electrical System (122).
Key takeaways
- 919 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 25 involve a crash, 77 a fire, 34 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 398 | 43% |
| Steering | 188 | 20% |
| Electrical System | 122 | 13% |
| Service Brakes | 88 | 10% |
| Unknown Or Other | 87 | 9% |
| Power Train | 54 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 48 | 5% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 42 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 | 4% |
| Structure | 39 | 4% |
| Hydraulic | 35 | 4% |
| Exterior Lighting | 31 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-07-29
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 bearing failure—the exact mechanical hazard SC147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed i...
Steering - filed 2026-07-29
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 problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!
Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-07-22
Entire vehicle got burned while driving on the highway, the car is available at the impound shop for inspection. I was driving the car on the highway during the hours of rush hour when the car started burning, there were many drivers around on the other lanes. The NY Fire Department battalion and the NYPD responded to...
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More for the 2012 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.