2012 Kia Optima Electrical Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Kia Optima?
122 owners have reported electrical problems on the 2012 Kia Optima, 13% of all complaints for this year and the 3rd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 47,000–106,000 miles. No recall covers this problem.
122 complaints 13% of all 2012 complaints 80,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (70 of 122). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Electrical complaints by the year the problem happened.
Electrical complaints by Optima year
Related recalls
No recall covers electrical problems on the 2012 Kia Optima. See all 5 recalls for this year.
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Other 2012 Kia Optima problems
Common questions
What are common 2012 Kia Optima electrical problems?
Complaints most often name the horn and starter assembly.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Optima electrical problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 47,000–106,000 miles. The middle value is about 80,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2012 Kia Optima electrical problems?
NHTSA lists no recall for this problem on the 2012 Kia Optima. If you have the problem, file a complaint at nhtsa.gov so it is counted.
Which Optima year has the most electrical complaints?
The 2013 Optima, with 146 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.