Kia ยท 2012

2012 Kia Optima

Official EPA fuel economy and NHTSA recall record, best combined figure 27 MPG.

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Safety rating (NHTSA 5-Star)

Official crash-test ratings for the 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD.

5/5
Overall
5/5
Frontal crash
5/5
Rollover

Fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionFuelCityHighwayCombinedCO2 g/mi
2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 22 33 26 342
2.4L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 24 34 27 329
2.4L 4-cyl Manual 6-spd Regular 24 34 27 329

Safety recalls (NHTSA)

5 campaigns on record for this model year. Recall repairs are free at dealers; check your exact vehicle by VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Campaign 17V224000

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.

Campaign 18V907000

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 dur

Campaign 18V363000

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.

Campaign 22V560000

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.

Campaign 23V652000

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 driv

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

1,263 complaints filed by owners for this model year (37 involving a crash, 120 a fire). Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects - browse them in full on nhtsa.gov.

Engine 398 Steering 188 Electrical System 123

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel economy of a 2012 Kia Optima?

EPA figures for the 2012 Kia Optima reach 27 MPG combined depending on configuration; the table on this page lists every tested engine and transmission combination.

Are there recalls on the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Optima. Check your specific vehicle by VIN on the official NHTSA site, recalls are fixed free of charge by dealers.

What are common problems with the 2012 Kia Optima?

Owners have filed 1,263 complaints with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Optima, most often about: Engine, Steering, Electrical System. Complaint counts reflect what owners report, not confirmed defects.

What is the safety rating of the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA gave the 2012 Kia Optima (2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD) an overall 5-star rating in the official 5-Star Safety Ratings program.

Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, the NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings databases (all US public data), refreshed monthly. Recall texts are quoted from the official record. Details on About & Data Sources.