2012
Kia
Optima
Starting at N/A USD | 0
200 hp @ 6300 rpm
Horsepower
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Explore
Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary
Performance
Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency
200 hp
Horsepower
186 ft-lb
Torque
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
6-speed
Transmission
Efficient
Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency5.6 - 8.6 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity70.0 L
Interior
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality
5
Seating
436 L
Cargo
1,156 mm
Front Legroom
879 mm
Rear Legroom
Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Convenience
Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Seating
Power Driver Seat
Lumbar Support
Technology
Advanced connectivity and intelligent features
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
AM/FM Stereo
Steering Controls
Backup Camera
Safety
Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers
Airbags
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags
Stability
Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Brake Assist
Monitoring
Rear Parking Aid
Security
Security System
Dimensions
Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style
Length
15 ft10.7"
4.84m
Width
6 ft0"
1.83m
Height
4 ft9.3"
1.46m
Wheelbase
9 ft2"
2.79m
Gallery
See the 2012 Kia Optima from every angle
Colors
Express yourself.
Titanium Silver
#505050
Dark Cherry
#401111
Spicy Red
#A0242E
Satin Metal
#9196B4
Snow White Pearl
#F3EFEC
Bright Silver
#CBCBCD
Ebony Black
#141414
Light Graphite
#8F8EA5
Corsa Blue
#204196
Trim Levels
View all trim levels for the 2012 Kia Optima
Safety Reports
898 complaints reported to NHTSA
898
Total Reports
25
Crashes
33
Injuries
75
Fires
Most Common Issues
ENGINE
389
STEERING
184
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
119
SERVICE BRAKES
85
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
82
POWER TRAIN
50
Recent Reports
ODI #11701499
Nov 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAIR BAGSENGINE
To: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 USA Subject: Formal Safety Defect Claim Regarding Unaddressed Recalls — 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) From: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vehicle Information: - VIN: * [XXX] ** - Make / Model: 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid - Mileage: approx. **250,000 miles** - Current Location: Moldova (vehicle manufactured in Korea for the US market) --- ## Summary of the Problem I am writing to file a **formal safety defect claim** regarding my 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, VIN * [XXX] **, which, despite having documented recall campaigns, has never had critical parts replaced. As a result: 1. **Internal scoring and scratches (zadir)** have been detected within the engine, consistent with **metal shavings / debris** circulating in the oil system. 2. There is **metallic residue (shavings)** found in the oil pump, which strongly suggests that worn or damaged components (likely from a manufacturing defect) were never replaced during the recall. 3. Given the extraordinarily high mileage (≈ 250,000 miles), the continued use without the required recall repairs poses **significant safety risks** and potential for further engine failure or fire. 4. I was not provided with a proper remedy when recall notices were issued — in my case, the relevant parts were not replaced in a timely fashion (or at all), despite the recall campaigns being active, leading to the deterioration of the engine. --- ## Legal and Technical Basis ### Recalls Applicable to My Vehicle - NHTSA Recall **20V750** for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: This is a recall related to engine defects, including risk of engine fire. [oai_citation [XXX] ] [XXX] ) - NHTSA Recall **23V652**: This relates to the Hydraul INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Nov 5, 2025VIN: KNAGM4ADXC5***
ODI #11698800
Nov 11, 2025
ENGINE
June 26th 2025 my Kia optima 2012 EX quit on interstate 65 in Alabama was towed to dealership 10 days later was requested that I turn in maintenance records which I did. 10 days after that I was contacted and I was told that they could not read some of the records i so resubmitted. No official diagnosis was told they just informed me that the motor would be replaced. They've since removes it from the dealership to a third location. Spoke with Kia consumer affairs in a three-way call to the dealership we were hung up on three times. Trying to find out where the car had been towed to. The car is now at Monrovia towing in Alabama at $40 a day. I have takwn good care of this Kia it falls under all the criteria there were no lights no warning signs it just shut down. Not only was the dealership evasive about their decision or the decision they made me feel as if I had done something wrong when I've only had the car 3 years taken very good care of it had the oil change by fiance the records and receipts of purchase oil. Devastating. Lengthy and financially crippling. I was lead to believe early on that it was a done deal to replace the engine . They accused of fraud in regards to the records. Untrue. This has caused so much stress and anxiety in my life. I am now without transportation. I have a special needs daughter and this car was a lifeline for us. I did nothing wrong I loved this car . I'm now having to let the car go because the towing company is going to auction the car.
Incident: Jun 26, 2025VIN: 5XXGN4A78CG***
ODI #11695693
Oct 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMUNKNOWN OR OTHERENGINE
Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. IT would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.
Incident: Oct 11, 2025VIN: 5XXGN4A74CG***
ODI #11694067
Oct 17, 2025
Crash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that, while stopped and attempting to complete a left turn an SUV failed to yield and collided with the front driver side of her vehicle. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, spun across the intersection, and careened off the roadway only coming to a complete stop after colliding head-on with a tree. The contact also stated that the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor failed to deploy allowing her to jolt forward violently and hit her head on the steering wheel. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility but had yet to deemed a total lost by the contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was later transported to an area hospital and treated for chest pain and neck pain. The contact also received an MRI due to possible concussion. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Incident: Oct 16, 2025VIN: 5XXGN4A65CG***
ODI #11692397
Oct 9, 2025
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFIRERELATED
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in Kia Safety Recalls SC147, SC200, and SC201. On XXX, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition covered by the above recalls, which state that affected engines may seize, stall, or ignite. I have been in contact with both a Kia dealership and Kia Consumer Affairs for close to a month without any resolution. The dealership has confirmed that my car requires a complete engine replacement, but Kia has refused to address the recall issue, claiming that other unrelated recalls were not performed. When I previously contacted dealerships to schedule recall repairs, I was told that parts were not available, which prevented me from completing them. In addition to the engine failure, the fire also caused my starter to fail. I was forced to purchase a replacement starter out of pocket, which has added to my financial hardship. I believe I am owed compensation for this expense, as it was a direct result of the safety defect. This situation has caused me severe financial strain, as I relied on my vehicle for work and currently have no income due to its inoperability. Kia has not provided a timeline for repairs, towing coverage, or written confirmation that they remain obligated to remedy this federally mandated safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s refusal to fulfill its recall obligations and intervene to ensure that my vehicle is repaired or replaced in compliance with federal recall requirements. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Make/Model: 2012 Kia Optima •VIN: XXXX •Recalls involved: SC147, SC200, SC201 •Incident: Engine fire, vehicle no longer drivable; starter also failed due to fire Please advise on next steps. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Aug 7, 2025VIN: 5XXGN4A70CG***
ODI #11689722
Sep 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSERVICE BRAKES
ABS system failing
Incident: Sep 25, 2025VIN: KNAGM4AD5C5***
ODI #11688408
Sep 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSERVICE BRAKES
While in park and driving the instrument panel will show, "Check Brake" and "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive". This is accompanied by the engine not responding to the gas pedal. The brake pedal will also loose pressure and once pushed the brakes will lock up making a grinding noise. The problem has not been able to be duplicated by the dealer. However there are multiple forms and online communities dedicated to try to resolve this issue since it's so prevalent. This issue causes a major saftey hazard as the car comes to a grinding halt and does not respond to the driver. From online sources it seems the problem is prevalent across years and models and only tied to hybrid vehicles.
Incident: Sep 19, 2025VIN: KNAGM4AD3C5***
ODI #11686901
Sep 12, 2025
ENGINE
Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.
Incident: Sep 12, 2025VIN: 5XXGN4A77CG***
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.
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