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, 1 park outside 3rd worst of 13 Optima years
Top 2012 Kia Optima problems
Engine problems
416 complaints (45%) name the engine, most often the turbo / supercharger and cooling system.
Steering problems
188 complaints (20%) name the steering, most often the rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.
Electrical problems
122 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the horn and starter assembly.
Brake problems
88 complaints (10%) name the brakes, most often the antilock and fluid.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
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
Control unit / module
Park outsideThe Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023Roof and pillars
The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment. A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge.
Recall 22V560000 · Aug 2022Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire riskThe high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018Air 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 2018Engine
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 2017Get an email when your 2012 Kia Optima gets a new recall
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.
2012 Kia Optima problems by system
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. Control unit / module (23V652000); Roof and pillars (22V560000); Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (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.