GREEN CHOICE
The EPA has certified this vehicle as among the 20 percent lowest-emitting passenger vehicles for its model year, based on government greenhouse gas and smog ratings.
2012
Kia Optima
EPA MPG:
28 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
28 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.
The 2012 Kia Optima has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2012 Kia Optima has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Sep 25, 2023
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Summary:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
What should you do:
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
23V652000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1730192
STRUCTURE
Aug 01, 2022
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Summary:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
What should you do:
Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
22V560000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
257998
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 19, 2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
What should you do:
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V907000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
71653
AIR BAGS
Jun 01, 2018
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
What should you do:
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V363000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
507587
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 31, 2017
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
What should you do:
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V224000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
618160
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