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2012 Kia Optima: recalls, problems and warranty extensions

Everything US government records hold on the 2012 Kia Optima as a model. To see how it applies to one car, and to check its mileage and VIN, enter the VIN.

5Safety recalls
920Owner complaints to NHTSA
7Defect investigations
5/5NHTSA overall crash rating

Most-reported problems

What 2012 Kia Optima owners report most often to NHTSA, and the mileage where most reports fall.

Engine398Most reports between 70k and 130k miles
Steering188Most reports between 20k and 90k miles
Electrical System122Most reports between 40k and 110k miles
Service Brakes88Most reports between 0 and 80k miles
Unknown Or Other87Most reports between 60k and 110k miles
Power Train54Most reports between 40k and 110k miles
Your VIN report marks where your car's odometer sits on each of these ranges.

Safety recalls

Recalls issued for the 2012 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline: DeliveryDec 2018 · Campaign 18V907000
  • Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control ModuleJun 2018 · Campaign 18V363000
  • Engine And Engine Cooling: EngineMar 2017 · Campaign 17V224000
  • Structure: BodyAug 2022 · Campaign 22V560000
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipSep 2023 · Park outside · Campaign 23V652000
Whether a recall was done is shown by the dealer or NHTSA's recall lookup. Your report lists each one with the risk and the fix.

Defect investigations

NHTSA investigations that include this model.

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresAQ23002 · opened Nov 2023 · open
  • Loss of Motive PowerDP22003 · opened Sep 2022 · closed Dec 2023
  • Engine FiresEA21003 · opened Dec 2021 · closed Feb 2024
  • Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesDP21003 · opened Nov 2021 · closed Jun 2023
  • Non-crash Vehicle FiresPE19004 · opened Mar 2019 · closed Dec 2021
  • Non-crash Vehicle FiresDP18003 · opened Aug 2018 · closed May 2019

Theft risk

The Optima is number 6 on the NICB list of most-stolen vehicles in the US (first half of 2025, all model years). Ask about anti-theft protection before you buy.

Other years

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023

Sources: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, NCAP crash ratings, manufacturer communications and defect investigations; NICB. Model-level data: individual cars may differ.