2012 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Kia Optima: 5 recalls, 919 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V224000 · 2017 · 618,160 vehicles
What's wrong: Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process May cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Why it matters: Bearing wear May result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V363000 · 2018 · 507,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to…
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles
What's wrong: The 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #22V560000 · 2022 · 257,998 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 optima vehicles. 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.
Why it matters: A plate that detaches during a crash May strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 borrego, 2014-2016 cadenza, 2010-2013 forte, forte koup, sportage, 2015-2018 k900, 2011-2015 optima, 2011-2013 optima hybrid, soul, 2012-2017 rio, 2011-2014 sorento, and 2010-2011 rondo vehicles. The hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) May experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 77 mention a fire, 34 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (398): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (140), noise or vibration (113), warning light on (108).
- Steering (188): the most common themes are steering problems (168), noise or vibration (79).
- Electrical (122): the most common themes are electrical failure (35), fire / smoke (30), warning light on (25).
- Other / unknown (87): the most common themes are fire / smoke (15), noise or vibration (12).
The 2012 Kia Optima has 919 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (2.4× the average Optima year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (134 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (594 complaints, 5 recalls), 2013 (1385 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Kia Optima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 919 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (398), steering (188), electrical (122).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.