Kia Optima Complaints (2012)

1,029 consumer complaints on file.

#11714024January 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the message to shift to park was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that there was a delay while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several dealers, and the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed by one dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact researched and determined that the failure was related to the TCM failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708758January 5, 2026
ENGINE
On or around October 17th 2025 I purchased a 2019 Kia OPT un aware that the vehicle had recall problems. Once I realized the vehicle had problems I took it to get it checked out. I only had the vehicle for 2 days before the problems occurred. The Kia service center fixed the recalls all except the bearing failure. They had my car for almost 30 because we went back and forth over this issue. This reason they gave me the reason they couldn’t fix my bearing problem was because I didn’t get it checked out before I had the problem. I didn’t know the vehicle had a problem until the recall came to my attention. I just don’t understand this explanation because it just doesn’t make any sense to me. This model vehicle had a premature bearing wear long before I had this vehicle. It’s a manufactured problem and just because it wasn’t reinstated before the vehicle had the problem Kia will not stand behind the problem with this vehicle and I don’t understand that explanation. Please, please help me get this issue fixed for me please. This has really taken a toll on me and I can’t afford to just junk this vehicle so please help me. Thank you so much for trying to help me with this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704849December 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The failure involves the component covered under the active safety recall campaign. The affected part/system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by the manufacturer, dealership, or NHTSA. Recall number : 23V6552 While driving in traffic, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning, started jerking, and lost normal operation. I was forced to pull over to avoid a collision. This sudden loss of power and control placed me, my passengers, and surrounding drivers at risk of an accident. Yes. The issue was confirmed by an authorized dealership. The dealership acknowledged that the problem is directly related to the active safety recall but refused to perform the repair due to vehicle mileage exceeding 150,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership representing the manufacturer. No inspection has been performed by police or insurance representatives at this time. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the incident. I had not received the recall notification letter at the time I purchased the vehicle. The first occurrence happened suddenly on 12/10/2025, when the vehicle began slowing down and jerking in traffic. After I pulled over and parked, multiple warning lights and messages appeared, and the steering wheel stopped moving normally. This vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall. Safety recalls do not expire based on mileage or ownership. The dealership acknowledged the issue is recall-related but refused to perform the repair due to mileage limits, which is inconsistent with federal safety recall requirements.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703721December 8, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicle Vehicle Information: [Year] Kia Optima Hybrid Dealership Name: Kia on the Boulevard Dealership Address: 11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Complaint Description: 1. The Safety Incident: While operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick smoke poured from the engine compartment, followed by immediate stalling. This presented a severe fire risk and safety hazard. 2. Dealer Misconduct & Illegal Charges: I towed the vehicle to Kia on the Boulevard (11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia) for the active engine recall remedy. The dealership: * Refused to perform the recall repair free of charge. * Forced me to pay a $199 "diagnostic fee" just to look at the recall-related defect, which should be covered by the manufacturer. * Threatened me with $45/day storage fees if I did not pay the $199 and remove the vehicle immediately. 3. Current Status: Under the threat of accumulating storage fees, I was coerced into paying the $199 and towing the vehicle back to my residence. The dealership knowingly released a vehicle with a catastrophic engine failure (smoke/fire risk) back to the owner without performing the federally mandated remedy. The unsafe vehicle is now sitting at my home unrepaired. 4. Conclusion: I request an immediate investigation into Kia on the Boulevard's refusal to honor the recall and their practice of charging customers for recall-related inspections.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701499November 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, AIR BAGS
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698800November 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695693October 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. IT would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694067October 17, 2025
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11692397October 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FIRERELATED
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689722September 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABS system failing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688408September 19, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686901September 12, 2025
ENGINE
Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685084September 4, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683332August 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Doors unlock while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683285August 26, 2025
ENGINE
I took my car to the KiaOfLynchburg dealership for get the recalls done and diagnostic test on my engine as it was knocking and they had it since may 06, 2025. The dealership said at first I had a code to get the engine replaced no cost. Now got a phone call on June 19, 2025 saying how my car was on fire but the fire department made it on time to put it out. So did the claim on it they denied me saying it’s due to a aftermarket but tell me it cause of oil leak. And I do not have no aftermarket hook up in the vehicle. Now they won’t take responsibility for the damage they did to my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683294August 26, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
On August 25th around 7:00 PM, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked after a short test drive. The car had just been purchased a few days prior and was taken to a mechanic for a precautionary inspection. During the test drive, the mechanic parked the vehicle in a residential driveway. After backing in, smoke was observed coming from the engine bay. When the hood was lifted, the engine area was already on fire. The fire department was called immediately and was able to extinguish the flames before the fire spread to surrounding property. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle. The vehicle had no warning lights, unusual performance issues, or prior signs of trouble, and it appeared to be in good condition prior to the incident. This fire posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injury or property damage. Component or system that failed: The engine area, likely associated with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) fuse/fire risk. The vehicle may or may not be available for inspection, as it is severely burned. Safety risk: The fire posed a serious hazard to the mechanic, surrounding property, and anyone nearby. Rapid ignition could have caused injury or significant property damage. Problem confirmation: The fire was observed firsthand by the mechanic. The open recall related to the HECU fuse/fire risk indicates a known defect consistent with the incident. Inspections: The fire department responded and documented the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but the recall status is verifiable through official records. Warning signs: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. This incident appears consistent with the conditions described in the open recall for the HECU fuse/fire risk, suggesting a possible link between the recall defect and the fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682246August 21, 2025
ENGINE
My 2012 Kia Optima experienced engine failure due to a dropped valve. The dealership (Kia of Des Moines) performed a borescope inspection but stopped after discovering the broken valve. This means rod bearing failure was not ruled out. Two separate service reports conflict, one citing Cylinder 2 and another citing Cylinder 3. Kia denied coverage, citing that the failure was unrelated to the settlement and outside the mileage warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681651August 19, 2025
ENGINE
Driving home from an oil change. All of a sudden all power was lost. Luckily a wide spot in the road was right there. Car would not start back up. Checked oil- it was good. Had car trailered to a mechanic. He took off oil filter and cut it in half- was full of metal shavings. Said needs new engine. We trailered the car back home, where it currently sits. If the wide spot in the road wasn’t there, they’re likely would have been an accident being this was right on a sharp corner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681327August 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact pressed on the horn, and the horn failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, upon starting the vehicle and attempting to adjust the driver’s side mirror, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the side-view mirror motor. The contact stated that several days later, the abnormal clicking sound ceased, and the driver’s side mirror failed to function as intended. On a separate occasion, the passenger’s side mirror motor was making an abnormal clicking sound. Several days later, the clicking sound ceased and the passenger’s side mirror failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to close the sunroof, the motor failed to function as intended and the sunroof was half closed. The contact had to place a tarp over the sunroof to protect inside the vehicle from the elements. No warning lights were illuminated. Recently the vehicle received maintenance and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had failed in the engine. The contact was unsure what part of the engine had been replaced. The failure recurred, and the contact had safety concerns about the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674588July 18, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact notified the insurance company; however, no claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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