CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia Optima has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 920 complaints with NHTSA, including 25 crashes, 77 fires, 34 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (398 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Kia Optima recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Loose roof panels could injure occupants in a crash
Some of these vehicles may have roof headliner plates that are not secured properly.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
The air bag control unit in these Kia vehicles may short circuit during a crash.
Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk
Machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause the engine's bearings to wear out prematurely.
Most common 2012 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 920 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 398 |
| Steering | 188 |
| Electrical System | 123 |
| Unknown Or Other | 87 |
| Power Train | 54 |
| Service Brakes | 52 |
| Air Bags | 48 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 42 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 |
| Structure | 39 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a rattling and knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet informed of the failure. The contacted stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, and the spark plugs were replaced. The failure mileage was 183,000.
Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel âsticksâ and itâs catching again and they will not do anything. Iâm not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!
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 failureâthe exact mechanical hazard SC147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed internal engine failure, and verified that SC147 was completed on this VIN. However, they denied coverage citing an incomplete software update (Product Improvement Campaign PI1803) associated with a separate class-action lawsuit. The dealer is incorrectly conflating the requirements of the class-action warranty with the vehicle's independent eligibility under the safety recall
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 the scene and we have reports. The car was inspected by the NY fire department and a KIA inspector. There were no lamps or any warnings signs nor messages of any problem or failure.
Engine faÃlúre on June 26, 2026.Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic.I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in advance for the traffic to move around me. This is a second engine failure for my Kia. The engine was replaced in December 2023/ January 2024. Incident #11558201. It does not immediately restart. After some time (about an hour) it takes a long time for it to kick over then finally starts. When beginning to move forward it travels approximately 100-150 feet then dies again. A gentleman stopped to see if he could help. He thought the fuel gauge was broken and just needed gas. (Gas tank was full). T
2012 Kia Optima safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 5 (9.6% rollover risk) |
2012 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Loose roof panels could injure occupants in a crash; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire; Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash; Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima?
Based on 920 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (398), Steering (188), Electrical System (123).
How safe is the 2012 Kia Optima?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Kia Optima up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Kia Optima has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.