Kia Optima Complaints (2012)

1,029 consumer complaints on file.

#11770112October 9, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a rattling and knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet informed of the failure. The contacted stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, and the spark plugs were replaced. The failure mileage was 183,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757975August 19, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while idling or while driving, the message "Hybrid Warning System - Check Brake - Stop Driving Immediately" was intermittently displayed. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753513July 29, 2026
ENGINE
The dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the previously completed Safety Recall Campaign SC147 (NHTSA Campaign 17V224000). The engine is currently exhibiting clear signs of connecting rod bearing failure—the exact mechanical hazard SC147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed internal engine failure, and verified that SC147 was completed on this VIN. However, they denied coverage citing an incomplete software update (Product Improvement Campaign PI1803) associated with a separate class-action lawsuit. The dealer is incorrectly conflating the requirements of the class-action warranty with the vehicle's independent eligibility under the safety recall. Independent of the class-action parameters, I am requesting a repair under the standalone 15-year/unlimited-mileage extended warranty provided specifically for vehicles that completed SC147 (detailed in the SC147 Safety Recall Campaign Q&A dated May 22, 2017, and Kia Warranty Bulletin 2017-09, both uploaded with this submission). The vehicle is well within this 15-year extended warranty period. Additionally, the PI1803 Knock Sensor Detection System update is a diagnostic detection tool, not a physical remedy for the underlying crankshaft machining defects identified in 17V224000. A manufacturer and its dealer network should not be permitted to use an unrelated class-action software prerequisite to invalidate a pre-existing, federally mandated safety recall warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753553July 29, 2026
STEERING
Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752134July 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Entire vehicle got burned while driving on the highway, the car is available at the impound shop for inspection. I was driving the car on the highway during the hours of rush hour when the car started burning, there were many drivers around on the other lanes. The NY Fire Department battalion and the NYPD responded to the scene and we have reports. The car was inspected by the NY fire department and a KIA inspector. There were no lamps or any warnings signs nor messages of any problem or failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751228July 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Electriconic braking moduel with "Check Brake" indication light and"Hybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its risky to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747400June 30, 2026
ENGINE
Engine faílúre on June 26, 2026.Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic.I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in advance for the traffic to move around me. This is a second engine failure for my Kia. The engine was replaced in December 2023/ January 2024. Incident #11558201. It does not immediately restart. After some time (about an hour) it takes a long time for it to kick over then finally starts. When beginning to move forward it travels approximately 100-150 feet then dies again. A gentleman stopped to see if he could help. He thought the fuel gauge was broken and just needed gas. (Gas tank was full). Then he put the car in neutral and pushed me home with his truck. Then he helped me push it up into my driveway. I haven't gotten to the dealership (Ferguson Imports) Kia because of the cost of towing which I am responsible for if I wish to have it seen by a service specialist. It is available for inspection upon requést.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743061June 9, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had a engine replacement under Pi1803 they gave me the vechile back w active abs light exuast leak and damaged click spring refused ti look at till I paid dx fee this all appeared the day I went to pick uo vechicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742371June 5, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741928June 3, 2026
STEERING, WHEELS, SERVICE BRAKES
I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740909May 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clock spring keeps failing which is causing the air bag light to remain on; the horn to not work; various functions of the dashboard; and steering wheel heat.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736227May 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, STEERING
The horn stops working, steering heat stop working, control functions and air bag warning. I changed the clock spring and it fixed all those issues the first time but within 6 months all those issues happened again. Is there something more wrong?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734769April 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. However one day the check engine light did come on and the OBD code P1326 came up. When I took it to the shop the check engine light disappeared and the dealership said they will not check my engine unless they see the code on their end. I believe later down the line the engine will stall out and it should be fixed now while under warranty. However I received no help from the dealership unless I am willing to pay upfront. In addition to this there are electrical issues the front seats aren't moving immediately when the button is pressed. The steering wheel buttons barely work along with the radio. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734770April 30, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Sudden engine failure while driving with no warning. Vehicle began jerking, shaking, and losing power. RPMs dropped unexpectedly and the engine stalled intermittently. Multiple misfire codes were present (cylinders 1, 3, and 4), and the engine was found to have low or no compression in cylinder 1. The condition rapidly worsened to near complete engine failure. The vehicle was operating normally prior to this incident. This failure is consistent with known Kia engine defects involving internal engine damage, including rod bearing failure. This is a safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721209February 28, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when you give the car gas it will hesitate and will not accelerate. Another with the gas is that you can be driving at a higher speed such as 45 to 55 or so and you press down the gas pedal like your going into passing gear and it will not accelerate it’s like it’s trying to stop. Feels like the car is gonna fall on down onto itself and it loses power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720852February 27, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown but We were driving home from friant in motion when the car died and started smoking, no indication light were on before until after the incident all warning lights were on dash. Our lives were put at risk due to this. We were not able to control steering wheel or to get out of the way of traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11718777February 18, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was knocking at startup. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the manufacturer declined to honor the recall because the original owner of the vehicle had failed to respond to the recall notification. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had declined to honor the recall due to the previous owner not having the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 189,369.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717968February 14, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES
•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car coming from work and at the time. If I was in the car any longer than 5 more minutes it possibly could’ve been catastrophic. • All I know as of right now is that 5 days ago, it was escalated and I received a case number and a case manager 3 days ago. •The car has not been inspected •not that I’ve noticed, the engine light was on a week before the accident occurred, after getting off of work and the car system said to check my breaks. I had someone take me home since my car was undrivable. And the next morning I was going to have it towed but everything was working properly. The engine light was gone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717790February 13, 2026
ENGINE
The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. We towed to a mechanic who said it was engine failure. Thankfully we had just exited off highway and on a side street when it became inoperable or it would have been detrimental.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716303February 6, 2026
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the clock spring assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown recall, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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