2012 Kia Optima Hybrid engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 74 complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, 48% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 74 48% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 95,000 miles 71 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 14 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 21 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 14 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 6 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 5 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 71 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 95,000 miles, and 10% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 fires.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 kia optima hybrid. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging noise under the hood. The vehicle momentarily lost power and the contact noticed black smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was deemed destroyed. The technician stated that the fire was due to a connecting rod malfunction. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
(my report is exactly the same as id 10552403) this car severely hesitates/stalls after coming to a stop (red lights, stop signs, yield signs, and etc). Car hesitates/stalls for ~2-3 seconds before accelerating while at a dead stop. This has caused several near accidents. When it happens, I push the gas pedal to the floor and the car doesn't respond at all for about 2-3 seconds. This seems to be a serious problem when pulling out into traffic as incoming cars can close the safety gap quickly in 2-3 seconds.
Other problems reported for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
- Electrical system 21 complaints