Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Optima has 5 recalls, 908 complaints, and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
5
Recalls
908
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
18V907000
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 r...
18V363000
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 vehicle...
17V224000
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 ...
22V560000
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 re...
23V652000
SERVICE 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 Op...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2026 | ENGINE | The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. W... |
| Feb 3, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | •I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just p... |
| Jan 7, 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when y... |
| Dec 10, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The failure involves the component covered under the active safety recall campaign. The affected par... |
| Dec 1, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE | Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Retur... |
| Nov 5, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE | To: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenu... |
| Oct 19, 2025 | ENGINE | On or around October 17th 2025 I purchased a 2019 Kia OPT un aware that the vehicle had recall probl... |
| Oct 16, 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that, while stopped and attempting to comple... |
| Oct 11, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. IT would not turn ... |
| Sep 25, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | ABS system failing |
| Sep 19, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | While in park and driving the instrument panel will show, "Check Brake" and "Hybrid System Warning! ... |
| Sep 15, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Unknown but We were driving home from friant in motion when the car died and started smoking, no ind... |
| Sep 12, 2025 | ENGINE | Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE | On August 25th around 7:00 PM, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked after a short test driv... |
| Aug 11, 2025 | ENGINE | Driving home from an oil change. All of a sudden all power was lost. Luckily a wide spot in the road... |
| Aug 7, 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FIRERELATED | Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Optima, which experienced an en... |
| Jul 10, 2025 | ENGINE | My 2012 Kia Optima experienced engine failure due to a dropped valve. The dealership (Kia of Des Moi... |
| Jun 26, 2025 | ENGINE | June 26th 2025 my Kia optima 2012 EX quit on interstate 65 in Alabama was towed to dealership 10 day... |
| Jun 26, 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | See attached document for complaint. |
| Jun 20, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5... |