Kia Optima Complaints (2012)

1,029 consumer complaints on file.

#11668342June 21, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5 mins and had to turn around due to me leaving something at work. When I arrived back at work I parked and cut my car off as I normally do and when I returned to start it back up it never did. I have previously been having to add 5 quarts of oil frequently at least once or twice a month for the past 7 months since last year. Was told my car had an oil consumption problem by a previous mechanical shop last year. Noticed that these cars have recalls on them and that my car and year do fit the requirements. I do owned my car with the Title in hand. It’s NOT a salvaged title. I have a service appointment on the 24th of June next Tuesday at Kia of Gastonia located in Gastonia, NC. I have to get my car towed to this establishment on Monday or the morning of my appointment. I’m asking that this situation can be properly investigated and properly and honestly handled under KIA policy. My name is [XXX] my # is [XXX] thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665738June 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car thought I was breaking when I was pressing the gas and I was merging into a left lane. I was able to turn on the car without pressing the brakes due to the latter. The car doors are unlocking while im driving without warning. Also traction light on car cameo on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665438June 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My steering wheel coupler has obviously gone bad and needs to be replaced. This was an issue with this year Kia Optima and my car and Kia has extended the warranty to 10 years/unlimited milage. I need this fixed because it sounds like my steering wheel is going to completely fall apart. Please help!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664857June 4, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the internal bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663037May 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving approximately 5 minutes, then pulling into a carwash and placing the vehicle in the park, the vehicle lost power and a thick gray smoke began coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle however, the fire had consumed the vehicle, and caused the building the vehicle was parked in front of caught fire. The fire department had put out both fires. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was filed. The contact stated they were pregnant at the time of the fire and ended up having a miscarriage. Medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11658894May 5, 2025
ENGINE
Subject: Recall Denial Due to Salvage Title – 2012 Kia Optima (VIN:[XXX]) Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a complaint regarding Kia Motors’ refusal to perform a recall repair on my 2012 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX]) due to the vehicle having a rebuilt title. My vehicle is equipped with the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine, which has been recalled for known safety defects including risk of engine seizure and fire. I brought my car to a local Kia dealership for the recall repair, but they refused service based solely on the vehicle having a branded (salvage) title. I then contacted Kia Consumer Affairs and was again told that the recall does not apply to salvage vehicles—even though the engine defect clearly stems from poor design and is unrelated to any prior accident or title status. I am concerned that Kia is ignoring its obligations under federal recall law and putting drivers like myself at risk. Denying a recall based solely on a salvage title—especially when the defect has nothing to do with the car’s condition—undermines public safety. I respectfully ask the NHTSA to investigate Kia’s refusal and consider whether policies like this should be permitted under federal recall enforcement standards. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655964April 21, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving home at night around 8pm. I was merging into the slow lane and my car completely lost power. A semi truck was right behind me. Luckily I was able to get over to the emergency lane safely. My car had no acceleration at all or any control of the steering. Prior to this incident there was no problem or warnings of any lights on dash or car having problems. It’s a daily driver for me to work. It’s never gave me any problems prior to this. I’ve had the routine maintenance done on along with the recommended mileage maintenance done. It’s been over a month now and my car still won’t start I haven’t had time to get it towed to a dealer ship or repair shop because I work 17 hour days. Everything I’ve researched about my make and model is starting to indicate that the engine seized up. I really hope that’s now the case because my car will be paid off in 3months. It has 165k miles on it I need help on weather the engine is part of a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655507April 18, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The battery, oil, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal was firm. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There was smoke coming from the engine. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the transmission failed to shift to park. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 154,782.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654976April 16, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound while the steering wheel was vibrating. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal clicking sound was heard while making right turns. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650012March 23, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rapid Delamination and paint peeling in the color of snow pearl white. The entire car is affected by this defect. Somewhere on the paint assembly line a missing step in the paint procedure is causing detrimental corrosion and overall safety and protection of the elements from outside.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648154March 13, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647921March 12, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions and making a turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the steering column and the wheels. Additionally, while attempting to shift into reverse, there was a popping sound coming from the steering column and floorboard. A mobile mechanic went to the residence where the vehicle was parked and stated that the failure might be associated with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a parts store where a handheld diagnostic scanner retrieved a fault code for steering wheel angle sensor signal failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647487March 10, 2025
STRUCTURE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V560000 (STRUCTURE) and 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residential driveway and starting the vehicle, smoke started emitting from under the hood. The contact opened the hood and discovered smoke primarily emitting from the front passenger side of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. The contact was unsure if a fire report was filed and a police report was not filed. The fire was extinguished by the contact with three fire extinguishers however, the fire department used water to be certain the fire was extinguished. The vehicle had damages due to the fire, however, it was not destroyed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were needed however due to costs was taken back to the residence and remained in the contact's possession. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was created. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643173February 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I brought my Kia optima sx in at Kia Atlanta South dealership for a Hydraulic electronic control Unit recall to be service since the problem can result in a engine fire while driving or parked but the dealership did not do the recalled service and told me that it was done. I checked my engine fuse to see if the new fuse were installed and new label was put on in place of old fuse label and none of it was done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640235February 2, 2025
STEERING
MY VEHICLE HAS 75,583. I received a recall for 3 items and made an appointment and took the car in for the work. I noticed that their wasa slight dead spot in the centeing of the steering and asked if there was any adjustmen. I was told there wasn't but they would check it because there was a known problem thith the plastic gear in the electric motor's connection to the rack that wears out and can completely disintegrate. when I picked up the vehicle they had obviously checked it because the slight dead spot had turned into a clunk. As there was no recall they would nothing about it as the vehicle was out of warranty (10 years, 100,000 miles). Had it had a higher annual mileage it would have been replaced under warranty. My concern is that this fault may be hidden by the warranty coverage. If the plastic gear fails completely the steering could become locked or inoperable. This is clearly a well known problem as there is a youtube video showing the replacement process. This actual mechanism may be used on several other years and models. The video is here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640117February 1, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car instrument panel showed two messages "check brake " and also "hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive" The brakes stopped working and the car will not accelerate. I stopped reset the battery and started the car as if nothing was wrong. this happens intermittently when i drive the car for over an hour. the brakes are brand new the brake cylinder is working fine. only when this warning come up the brakes feel like they are grinding. a lot of owners are complaining about this. I am wondering if there is a recall for this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637823January 22, 2025
ENGINE
On the evening of December 5, 2024 my 2012 KIA OPTIMA's engine completely seized out of no where while traveling on a very busy road where the speed limit is 50mph putting my life and other drivers that share the roads life in danger. Thank god I was able to succesfully merge over into a safe place as the car came to a hault. Previous to this incident the car was running perfectly fine with no dash lights on what so ever. Once I was in a safe place I called KIA headquarters immediatly, I was told that I have to pay to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership and that I would be reinbursed depending on the issue of the vehicle after being diagnosed. The very next morning I called KIA corporate to open a case for the vehicle, in which i was told that my specific year, make and models engine was under a lifetime warranty. I then recieved a call from the dealership Decmember 6, 2024 and i was told my optima would be diagnosed and if the issue is due to the KIA engine class settlement that the engine would be replaced free of charge and if it is not then I would have to pay $380 to have the engine repaired under the lifetime warrantly & that the car could not be looked at until December 16, 2024. Once December 16, 2024 came around I recieved a call from the KIA dealership and I was told that my vehicle could not be diagnosed due to the time frame in which i bought the vehicle and that I needed to have my car moved from their lot or I would get charged $80 a day storage fee so I had to have my vehicle towed back to my home where it is currently just sitting. To this day (January 22, 2024 I am still dealing with trying to communicate with KIA CORPORATE AMERICA to have this matter resolved for I am very aware of the engine recall issue for my specific year make and model. My vehicle has yet to be inspected and the only time the warning lamps came on was once the engine completely seized, all of the dash lights popped on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635841January 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light eventually became illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved a fault code for the engine variable valve timing solenoid. The contact was informed that the engine variable valve timing solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact called a dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634952January 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 -60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact became aware of smoke emitting from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not being driven. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634725January 7, 2025
ENGINE
While driving 2012 Kia Optima GDI home from work, the power suddenly stopped without warning with the engine, oil, and battery lights flashing on all at once. I was unable to accelerate whatsoever, so with the momentum of the vehicle I parked safely in a parking lot. There I discovered the car would not start and would give a loud clunking sound. A mobile mechanic confirmed that the engine was seized, and I had it towed to the nearest KIA service center. They were able to also confirm it was an engine seize, but insisted KIA would not replace the engine despite a recall notice of the motor of this vehicles make and model in 2017 (SC147).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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