2012 Kia Optima recalls and problems
The 2012 Kia Optima has 5 safety recalls and 923 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Kia Optima recalls
Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Recall 22V-560: Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Recall 18V-363: Air Bags
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. 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.
Risk: 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. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Recall 17V-224: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: 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. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
2012 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 399 | |
| Steering | 188 | |
| Electrical System | 125 | |
| Unknown or Other | 88 | |
| Power Train | 54 | |
| Service Brakes | 52 | |
| Air Bags | 48 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 42 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 | |
| Structure | 39 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 35 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 31 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 34
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 13
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
- Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 2
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock — 1
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
- Electrical System › Horn — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Optima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 22V-560 (structure), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline), 18V-363 (air bags), 17V-224 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Optima?
Owners report engine problems most often (399 reports), followed by steering (188). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.