Model Year Problem Record

Kia Optima 2012 - Problems, Recalls, and Investigations

The complete public record for the 2012 Kia Optima: what owners reported, which systems drew recalls, and where complaints exist that no recall has ever covered.

919Distinct owner complaintsSource: NHTSA Complaints

5Recall campaignsSource: NHTSA Recalls

106Defect investigationsSource: NHTSA Investigations

156Complaints reporting a crash or fireOwner Reports, Unverified

Complaints by System

Distinct complaints naming each system, most reported first. Select a system for its own page.

Did a Recall Cover It?

The join between complaints and recalls for this model year, system by system. A gap does not prove a defect - it means owners reported the problem and no recall campaign covers that system on this model year.

Engine417 complaints

417 complaints; 2 recall campaigns cover this system. Campaigns: 17V224000, 18V907000.

Steering188 complaints

188 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Electrical System123 complaints

123 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Unknown Or Other88 complaints

88 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Brakes88 complaints

88 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 23V652000.

Power Train54 complaints

54 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Fuel and Propulsion System54 complaints

54 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Air Bags48 complaints

48 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 18V363000.

Vehicle Speed Control40 complaints

40 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Vehicle Structure39 complaints

39 complaints; 1 recall campaign covers this system. Campaigns: 22V560000.

Lighting32 complaints

32 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Visibility29 complaints

29 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Suspension18 complaints

18 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Driver Assistance and Stability Systems12 complaints

12 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Wheels8 complaints

8 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seats8 complaints

8 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Tires7 complaints

7 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Seat Belts5 complaints

5 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Equipment3 complaints

3 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Latches, Locks and Linkages2 complaints

2 complaints; no recall campaign covers this system.

Recall Campaigns

Every campaign covering this model year, in our own words. The campaign number is the official reference.

17V224000Reported March 31, 2017 - 618,160 vehicles potentially affected

Engine. Recall covering the engine system, reported to NHTSA on March 31, 2017. The campaign covers an estimated 618,160 vehicles across all affected models.

18V363000Reported June 1, 2018 - 507,587 vehicles potentially affected

Air Bags. Recall covering the air bags system, reported to NHTSA on June 1, 2018. The campaign covers an estimated 507,587 vehicles across all affected models.

18V907000Reported December 19, 2018 - 71,653 vehicles potentially affected

Engine. Recall covering the engine system, reported to NHTSA on December 19, 2018. The campaign covers an estimated 71,653 vehicles across all affected models.

22V560000Reported August 1, 2022 - 257,998 vehicles potentially affected

Vehicle Structure. Recall covering the vehicle structure system, reported to NHTSA on August 1, 2022. The campaign covers an estimated 257,998 vehicles across all affected models.

23V652000Reported September 25, 2023 - 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

Brakes. Recall covering the brakes system, reported to NHTSA on September 25, 2023. The campaign covers an estimated 1,730,192 vehicles across all affected models. Owners are advised to park outside because of a fire risk.

Park Outside Advisory

Defect Investigations

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened these investigations touching this model year.

AQ23002Opened November 17, 2023 - Open

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires. No recall campaign resulted from this investigation.

DP18003Opened August 21, 2018 - Closed May 10, 2019