NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
This page covers 6 recalls, 1018 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Kia Optima.
26–36 mpg combined
6.5–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Kia Optima draws the bulk of its complaints around the engine and steering, with those two systems accounting for the majority of what owners report. Engine problems are by far the most common topic, with owners describing sudden loss of power, stalling while driving, rough running, misfires, and in many cases complete engine failure, often with little or no warning beforehand. Low compression and oil-related issues come up repeatedly across these reports. Steering complaints center heavily on the clock spring, where owners describe losing horn function, heated steering wheel operation, and airbag warning lights at the same time. Some owners report replacing the clock spring only to have the same cluster of symptoms return within months. The electrical system generates a smaller but notable share of complaints, mostly involving warning lights and loss of various controls tied to the same steering column area.
1,018
Total Complaints
30
Crash-Related
81
Fire-Related
24
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Kia Optima has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: the engine compartment can catch fire while driving, and vehicles that previously had an engine replacement may develop a fuel leak that can ignite.
A separate engine recall covers premature bearing wear that can cause the engine to seize while driving, raising the risk of a crash. There is also a risk of engine compartment fire traced to the anti-lock brake control module, which can overheat and ignite whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. On the safety equipment side, the airbag control unit can short circuit in a crash and prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing, leaving occupants without their primary crash protection. There is also a structural concern specific to the 2012-2013 model years: headliner plates on either side of the roof may not be properly secured and can break loose when the side curtain airbags deploy, striking occupants inside the cabin.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headliner plates on the right and left sides may not be properly secured. During a side curtain airbag deployment, these plates can detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the headliner plates at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may short circuit during a crash, stopping the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an extension wire harness kit to the air bag control unit connectors to restore proper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.