The Lemon Index2012 Kia Optima.
The 2012 Kia Optima is about average by owner complaints: 156 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 95, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 26 to 36 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,029 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 48K to 117K miles on the car (739 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 73K–124K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 23K–89K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 47K–107K miles
Recalls 6
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- body structure 2022
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.
- engine 2020
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Show all 6 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
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.
- airbags 2018
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.
- engine 2017
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 294 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some vehicles warning light for the engine may illuminate
- When engine is at 2000 rpm and operating temperature, it may experience, from the balance…
- Some vehicles would hesitate on hard acceleration and electronic stability control (esc) light
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Wanders off center, either right or left. Will not stay straight. Wears you out continually correcting the drift or wandering.
2012 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 10783381
More owner reports
2012 Kia Optima sx car went into auxiliary mode first, but upon pushing the button the push start button a second time the engine turned over and started.
NHTSA complaint 10658483
The steering wheel sticks, and it makes it hard to keep the car straight. There's no smoothness when turning the wheel. It's like the steering wheel turns in increments.
NHTSA complaint 10816189
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Kia Optima reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 95; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (32%), electrical (12%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
6 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Optima get?
26 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,500 and 117,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,800 miles, from 739 complaints.
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works