2012 Kia Optima engine problems
417 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2012 Kia Optima, which is 33% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 417 33% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 100,000 miles 305 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 62
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 23 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 25 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 41 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 53 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 51 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 60 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 22 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 12 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 5 |
| 200k+ miles | 7 |
What the data shows
Of the 305 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 100,000 miles, and 18% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 4 crashes, 62 fires, 5 injuries.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 kia optima. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer (superior kia, 260 w. Mitchell ave, cincinnati, oh) where it was diagnosed that the engine was faulty. The engine was replaced and the failure was remedied. Later, while driving approximately 65 MPH, a loud booming noise was heard and smoke and flames were present coming from the engine compartment.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was being serviced. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure.
Other problems reported for the 2012 Kia Optima
- Steering 188 complaints
- Electrical system 123 complaints
- Brakes 88 complaints
- Fuel system 54 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 53 complaints
- Air bags 48 complaints
- Cruise control 40 complaints
- Body & structure 39 complaints