10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,820 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Kia Optima fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2012 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Apr 202023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car was involved in the class action suite for the motor replacement and had the motor replaced at 156,763 miles on the car. Since the replacement the high pressure fuel pump has had to be replaced twice and is not needing replacement again with only 218,000 miles (62000 miles since replacement). There where no previous issues with the HPFP before motor replacement and KIA will not do anything about the HPFP continuous failure. This appears to be a very common issue with the KIA products and yet no recall has been issued. This is ultimately a safety issue as the vehicle can cut off while in motion causing a risk for collision but has not been addressed by anyone other than a Repair bulleting put out by KIA in 2013 to all their dealerships for this issue so KIA is aware of the issues with the failures. This needs to be addressed before someone is injured or killed due to this re-occurring malfunction part.

- Preston, GA, USA

problem #39

Apr 112023

Optima

  • miles
.I recently have actually found out about the recall concerning my engine. Manufacture SC148. NHTSA recall 17V224m I called a dealership. When I asked them about the recalls this one was not mentioned. I wanted to ensure I was reading that properly. Can you explain what that means as far as the engine

- Vanzant, MO, USA

problem #38

Jul 192022

Optima

  • miles
Engine light keeps flashing and car stalls and will not go over 45 mph. One incident happened on a busy highway as merged on and was almost hit by a tractor trailer from behind.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #37

Aug 012022

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There is a leak around the fuel tank with a significant fuel smell coming inside the cabin. amount

- Polo, MO, USA

problem #36

Jul 082022

Optima

  • miles
My vehicle has been smelling like fuel inside of the vehicle and cannot take it to a kia dealership due to them being backed up. There are no visible leaks inside or outside of the vehicle but it is unsafe to inhale fuel and every time i fill it up, the smell gets stronger.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

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problem #35

Apr 182022

Optima

  • miles
Engine replaced under the recall campaign after failure and have had issues since with the car wanting to start. Turns over several times before finally getting it to start. Fuel pump and fuel line replaced out of pocket as well as a sensor out of pocket and still having the same issues intermittently then today while driving approximately 35 to 40 MPH the car just shuts off in the middle of the highway in morning traffic and almost caused an accident, without warning. Still took several times to crank before car finally restarted and made it maybe 4 miles before shutting off again while driving without warning and then smelled as if something was burning. Car has had scheduled maintenance as advised by KIA for warranty on motor but if something is not done about all of these same complaints then someone is going to get killed. Very unsafe!

- Preston, GA, USA

problem #34

Jul 092021

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving at the speed limit on July 9th 2021 my kia optima started smoking within a minute of us pulling over the front of the car was on fire

- Hermitage, TN, USA

problem #33

Jul 032021

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
MY VIN IS [XXX] ITS A 2012 KIA OPITMA HYBRID 2.4L AND I SEE IT HAS THESE RECALLS ON IT NEEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT MY NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Clinton, SC, USA

problem #32

May 012021

Optima

  • miles
Car started idling and running rough out of no where. When I put the computer diagnostic on it it tells me there's problems with the fuel rail pressure sensor. Also the car won't go into drive or reverse but nothing is wrong with the transmission?

- St Charles, MO, USA

problem #31

Sep 202020

Optima

  • 110,000 miles
I was driving 75mph, I was coming up over a hill, and the vehicle cut out, there was a loud noise that came from the engine, and I was told to pull over, the light was flashing hybrid battery low, please check and advise. I tried to start the car but it wouldn't come on. Warning light on dash stated to not start the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is only around 110,000.

- Bemidji, MN, USA

problem #30

Sep 252020

Optima

  • 160,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Kia replaced my engine after it failed while driving. Now it hesitates and sometimes jerks like it's about to run out of gas. The skid light comes on even when it's dry. The break light pops on even when the vehicle isn't in use. There is a recall for fuel pipe damage after engine replacement but they won't acknowledge it or even inspect my vehicle know it can cause a fire

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #29

Aug 052019

Optima

  • 150,000 miles
I would smell fuel while I was driving so eventually I looked under the hood and found that. The low pressure fuel line cracked and was pulling off the quick connector. The plastic quick connector became brittle because fuel was spilling on it constantly and eventually broke. There was a recall recently done on the same Kia model as mine but the 2013 & 2014 models. The same issues is affecting the 2012 Kia Optimas and this year should also be included in the same recall. I went to the dealership to see if there was a recall on that fuel line and if not what it would cost to repair. I was quoted $600, I thought that was very huge to replace a fitting and maybe some hose so I tried to go as long as I could but eventual the quick connect broke and the risk of fire was to great to chance driving it. So my vehicle has been sitting for 6 months and of course I need a new battery and possibly other things to get it running again.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #28

Jul 282020

Optima

  • 80,000 miles
My 2012 Optima was taken to imperio Kia in dana point for a mandated engine inspection. After the inspection, I noticed the adviser acting strangely. My car engine started to hesitate, and began to smell rubber burning. The dealership did not ever answer the phone, and with 4 weeks they closed down. My car was inspected at Kia of irvine, who determined the engine was damaged beyond repair, it had metal pieces and rubber pieces in it, the hoses were disconnected and there was rubber melted onto the exhaust manifold. There were missing clamps and numerous other probems. Kia replaced my engine and turbo with rebuilt parts, after a wait that lasted 4 more weeks. Kia provided me a 5 year extended warranty on all the components that were replaced and damaged in this case #12538291. In 2019, another mandated inspection occurred for the fuel pump system and fuel pipe in the vehicles that previously required a replacement engine, because there was a danger of fire. On July 28, 2020, the Optima started to lose its power, and choked and hesitated upon startup while I was in traffic. It was very dangerous. I reopened the engine claim and took the Optima into the irvine dealership. They clain there is no extended warranty, that it does not exist! they accept no responsibility for the inspection or lack there-of for the fuel pipe, and claim that the warranty and recall do not cover the fuel pump. Agents are working from home due to covid-19, and there is no customer service to speak of. The quote from the dealership is extremely high and they want to charge me a high diagnostic fee as well. I have been through enough trauma because of Kia, and I want them to be held accountable. Their warranty records are a disgrace.

- Aliso Viejo, CA, USA

problem #27

Jul 102020

Optima 4-cyl

  • 158,000 miles
For several days noticed a faint fuel smell after shutting engine off. Also noticed after starting engine. While engine was running I took engine cover off and fuel was spraying out of the top B-nut fitting on the high pressure fuel line. Fuel line is on the upper part of engine. This is the same fuel line in recall SC172. Engine was replaced in 11/2019 under recall.

- Snoqualmie, WA, USA

problem #26

Mar 072020

Optima

  • 76,000 miles
There's a recall on low pressure fuel hose defect for 2013 and 2014 Kia Optima (Kia recall #SC187) but my 2012 also has similar fuel smell. I took my car in to Kia of irvine (ca) for diagnosis on March 7, 2020 and was told high pressure fuel line connector to fuel pump is missing a small tab and may need replacement. I was also told that since I recently replaced the valve cover gasket myself which would involve disconnecting and reconnecting the fuel line to the fuel pump, they're not responsible for the line missing tab. But the issue is there was no fuel smell after I replaced the gasket. The smell was right after they replaced the turbo which also involved disconnecting and reconnecting the fuel line to fuel pump. Interestingly, there's another similar recall (Kia recall #SC172) where it invlove Kia's service technician damaging the same fuel line after engine replacement work on numerous vehicles. The fact that Kia has had recalls due to fuel odor on same make/ model, and the fuel smell was after they serviced my vehicle, they should be responsible for vehicles fuel line issue. Furthermore Kia should take this issue seriously as the car could potentially spark fire. Please help!

- Orange, CA, USA

problem #25

Sep 032019

Optima

  • 130,389 miles
On 9/3/2019 I took my 2012 Kia Optima to gossett Kia South to get it repaired. It didnt get fixed before I left the lot my car was smoking and leaking antifreeze. I was stranded for 4 days after that day. I went to the nearest part store and purchased a bottom radiator hose and antifreeze. I had a mobile mechanic to put the hose on. There after I was stranded again the car wouldn't start. I had it towed to Firestone 10/4/2019. My car stayed the lot for a month and it was then towed to gossett Kia North from there it has been repossessed. I made payment arrangements to get the car back I am determined to get my car repaired. I use the car to make it to appointments. I am disabled and this doesnt seem fair at all im paying notes on a nonworking car. I hope to hear from you soon with further advice

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #24

Sep 182019

Optima

  • 117,000 miles
Car being driven by my daughter suddenly stopped in the middle of traffic with a pull over and safely shut off vehicle warning. She however could not move. The vehicle also showed an error to the vehicle charging system. We towed the immobile vehicle to the local Kia dealership and were told there were no codes and the battery was fine. They requested that I allow them to remove the valve cover to check on belts. I approved. I called the dealership the following day to check in because I have not heard. I was told the hybrid parts were covered under warranty but that the engine was locked up. No reason or explanation, no warning. My child could have died due to her vehicle stopping in the middle of traffic.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #23

Aug 262019

Optima

  • 125,000 miles
I have had multiple issues with my 2012 Kia Optima hybrid for the past 3-4 years. The transmission has been replaced at 74K mi. Numerous occasions car lost power on the highway. Taken car in to Kia dealer each time and they could not duplicate the problem. My car stalled out 1 month ago on the freeway and towed to the dealer. Now at 125K mi dealer is telling me my engine is seized, hybrid battery and regular battery are dead. And also replaced the emc for $2500 prior to figuring out the engine/battery's were dead.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #22

May 032019

Optima

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 18V363000 (air bags) and 18V907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair as the recall notice was received over a year ago. Gervais Kia (6 industrial ave, lowell, MA 01851, (978) 454-1202) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was contacted several times and was unable to confirm when the parts were to become available. While driving 20 mph, the contact noticed an abnormal clicking noise coming from the steering wheel and the engine stalled. The contact had to veer to the shoulder of the road to turn the vehicle off and back on in order for the vehicle to resume normal operation. All the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer who confirmed that parts were unavailable. The dealer updated the engine module software, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 13157669. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Lowell, MA, USA

problem #21

Apr 062019

Optima

  • 108,600 miles
I was driving the vehicle on the beltway 495 in Maryland and the vehicle came to a stop without any warning on the dash. I attempted to start the vehicle but it wouldn't start. I check the motor, checking the oil stick showing that the vehicle had no oil in it. I never received a warning light about low oil or anything was wrong. I had my cousin bring me some oil. I put four cans of oil in the vehicle and it still wouldn't start. I had to get the vehicle taken off the highway to my cousins house near by. I purchased a new battery thinking that was now the problem. The started to turn over but wouldn't start. The next day I connected a check engine machine to the car, a actron auto scanner #cp 9575but no codes appeared. A friend who in the past raced cars check the motor from the attempting to start and stated it was the bearing in the engine. It would start and again I had no warning lights about the oil or engine before the problem with the engine. I checked the computer an founded out that other Kia's had similar problems with the warning lights not coming on to let you know about the oil was low. Kia had a problem with other vehicles 2012-2017 not showing a warning light on the dash.

- Lusby, MD, USA

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