Car Yearsto Avoid

2012 Kia Optima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2012 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2012 Kia Optima a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Optima. Owners have filed 920 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, steering and electrical system.

920 complaints 5 recalls, 2 fire risk 3rd worst of 13 Optima years

Top 2012 Kia Optima problems

1

Engine problems

416 complaints (45%) name the engine, most often the turbo / supercharger and cooling system.

Complaints 416 · Usually at 75,000–127,000 miles · Recall 18V907000, 17V224000

2

Steering problems

188 complaints (20%) name the steering, most often the rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.

Complaints 188 · Usually at 32,000–90,000 miles

3

Electrical problems

122 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the horn and starter assembly.

Complaints 122 · Usually at 47,000–106,000 miles

4

Brake problems

88 complaints (10%) name the brakes, most often the antilock and fluid.

Complaints 88 · Usually at 24,000–120,000 miles · Recall 23V652000

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 45%
Steering 20%
Electrical 13%
Brakes 10%
Unknown or Other 10%
Fuel System 6%
Transmission 6%
Airbags 5%
Acceleration 4%
Body 4%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (621 of 920). The amber line is the middle value, about 81,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2012 Kia Optima recalls

Electrical short can start engine fire

Fire risk

An electrical short in the brake system's control unit (HECU) can cause a fire in the engine compartment, either while the car is parked or while driving. Such a fire can lead to injury.

Fix: Until the repair is done, park outside and away from buildings, and the dealer will replace the HECU fuse free of charge.

Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023

Headliner plates may detach in side airbag deployment

Injury risk

The plates holding the headliner (the interior roof lining) may not be secured properly. In a crash where a side curtain airbag inflates, a loose plate could come off and hit an occupant, raising the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will secure the headliner plates free of charge.

Recall 22V560000 · Aug 2022

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018

Air bag / restraint control module

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V363000 · Jun 2018

Engine

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge.

Recall 17V224000 · Mar 2017
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Optima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Optima 1,386
2015 Optima 1,009
2012 Optima 920
2016 Optima 758
2011 Optima 594
2014 Optima 589
2017 Optima 256
2018 Optima 232
2019 Optima 212
2020 Optima 151
2008 Optima 144
2009 Optima 116
2010 Optima 75

2012 Kia Optima problems by system

Engine (416)Steering (188)Electrical (122)

Common questions

Is the 2012 Kia Optima a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Optima. Owners have filed 920 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, steering and electrical system.

What are the most common 2012 Kia Optima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, steering, electrical system and brakes. 416 complaints (45%) name the engine, most often the turbo / supercharger and cooling system.

At what mileage do 2012 Kia Optima engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 75,000–127,000 miles, with a middle value near 102,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Optima have?

5. Electrical short can start engine fire (23V652000); Headliner plates may detach in side airbag deployment (22V560000); Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk (18V907000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2012 Kia Optima?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.