Model year guide

2012 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1,007 on record.

2012 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints915
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$13,500

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Kia Optima recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #18V907000 · 19/12/2018

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 repl…

Fix: 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.

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #18V363000 · 01/06/2018

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.

Fix: 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 i…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #17V224000 · 31/03/2017

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.

Fix: 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.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars NHTSA Campaign #22V560000 · 01/08/2022

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 915 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
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.
Air Bags
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.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2012 Kia Optima safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,317

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$10,600
Typical price
$13,500
High
$16,900

From 1,007 comparable 2012 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,585
Depreciation (5 yrs)$9,400
Total$20,985
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($13,500) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,117), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · SX · Hybrid · EX Turbo · GL · GLS · TOP
Engines
2.4L · 2.0L

2012 Kia Optima vehicles on record

Other Kia Optima model years

2012 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima?

Based on 915 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, air bags, steering.

What is the 2012 Kia Optima safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Kia Optima an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Kia Optima at about 27 mpg combined (23 city / 34 highway).

How much is a 2012 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2012 Kia Optima listings run roughly $10,600–$16,900, typically around $13,500 (from 1,007 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.