2012 Kia Optima LX
5XXGM4A74CG018879
Vehicle history report for the 2012 Kia Optima LX (VIN 5XXGM4A74CG018879). Burgundy, sedan/saloon, 2.4L, gasoline. 78,757 mi reported. Registered in Tx. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2012 Kia Optima worth?
What comparable 2012 Kia Optima vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 5XXGM4A74CG018879
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2012 Kia Optima.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 919 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Optima, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 919
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2012 Kia Optima.
ENGINE
The dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the previously completed Safety Recall Campaign SC147 (NHTSA Campaign 17V224000). The engine is currently exhibiting clear signs of connecting rod bearing failure—the exact mechanical hazard SC147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed internal engine failure, and verified tha…
NHTSA ODI #11753513STEERING
Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!
NHTSA ODI #11753553UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Entire vehicle got burned while driving on the highway, the car is available at the impound shop for inspection. I was driving the car on the highway during the hours of rush hour when the car started burning, there were many drivers around on the other lanes. The NY Fire Department battalion and the NYPD responded to the scene and we have reports. The car …
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11752134ENGINE
Engine faílúre on June 26, 2026.Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic.I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in advance for the traffic to move around me. This is a second engine failure for my Kia. The engine was replaced in December 2023/ January 2024. Incident #11558201. …
NHTSA ODI #11747400AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had a engine replacement under Pi1803 they gave me the vechile back w active abs light exuast leak and damaged click spring refused ti look at till I paid dx fee this all appeared the day I went to pick uo vechicle
NHTSA ODI #11743061STEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak
NHTSA ODI #11742371STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
NHTSA ODI #11741928UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clock spring keeps failing which is causing the air bag light to remain on; the horn to not work; various functions of the dashboard; and steering wheel heat.
NHTSA ODI #11740909+ 911 more complaints on record.
