Kia Optima
NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data
Top Problem Areas
Most commonly reported issues
Recent Complaints
Latest owner reports
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the buttons on the steering wheel became inoperativ...
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 to...
When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when you give the car gas it will hesitate and will not...
Unknown but We were driving home from friant in motion when the car died and started smoking, no indication light were on before until after the incid...
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was knocking at startup. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V22400...
•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car coming from work and at the time. If...
The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. We towed to a mechanic who said it was engine failu...
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...
The failure involves the component covered under the active safety recall campaign. The affected part/system is still installed on the vehicle and is...
Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.
Vehicle Safety Research Team
Automotive Data Analysts
Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.
Summary
The 2012 Kia Optima has 908 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 25 crash-related incidents have been reported.