10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,167 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

problem #6

Nov 132020

Optima

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle soon after refueling. The contact took the vehicle to orr Kia of shreveport (1111 E. bert kouns industrial loop, shreveport, la 71115) where she was provided a diagnostic fee which she declined. The contact then called orr Kia of bossier city (3601 benton rd, bossier city, la 71111) where she was also given another diagnostic fee which she also declined. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18V907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #5

Dec 162019

Optima

  • 230,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, an abnormal rattling noise was heard coming from the engine as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle however, the cause for the rattling was not detected. As the contact resumed driving, the rattling noise became louder and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V100000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 230,000. Invalid VIN.

- Ayden, NC, USA

problem #4

Dec 012016

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
2012 Kia Optima. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the engine seized. The dome light in the vehicle inadvertently turned on. The camshaft failed.

- Millville, NJ, USA

problem #3

Jul 302016

Optima 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles

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

2012 Kia Optima caught fire while driving 45 mph & was unable to accelerate/brake. Recently was taken for service with no items that would cause the issue...updated 10/04/16

- Hampton Cove, AL, USA

problem #2

Sep 292014

Optima 4-cyl

  • 66,000 miles
2012 Kia Optima sx car went into auxiliary mode first, but upon pushing the button the push start button a second time the engine turned over and started. The consumer had to replaced the tires, there was an issue with the turbo actuator and the radio was making a strange noise. The consumer stated the vehicle would not start. The vehicle went into auxiliary; where the ac, radio and lights were on. She turned them all off and pushed the start button again. The vehicle turned off, went out of auxiliary mode and she removed her foot from the brake. On the second attempt, she realized the pedal was still engaged, she tried pumping it, to release it, but it would not. She verified the gear was in park. Upon pushing the start button again, the vehicle went into auxiliary mode again. After five attempts, she was able to start the vehicle.

- Auburn, CA, USA

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problem #1

May 032014

Optima 4-cyl

  • 38,000 miles
While traveling from knoxville tn.we noticed the smell of gasoline while traveling on I-75.as we continued on the smell went away.we refueled in sweetwater tn. And continued on.at a redlight in madisonville we noticed the smell again.I pulled into a wendys parking lot and checked beneath the hood.there was no gas smell or leaks.we continued on to hwy 68.near farner tn. The car had a hot smell and within a few seconds went up in flames.we pulled onto a side road and exited the vehicle.there was no warning lights, and the car did not miss or shut off.no warning whatsoever.we were able to get out only.flames consumed the car immediately after we exited the vehicle.

- Marble, NC, USA

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