2012 Kia Optima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Hybrid/Hybrid Premium, 4dr Sedan LX/EX/EX Luxury, 4dr Sedan Sx
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 34 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,206–3,490 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 51% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints917 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 175 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (4dr Sedan Hybrid/Hybrid Premium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (34 city / 38 highway), 51% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 917 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Optima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Hybrid/Hybrid Premium | 190.6 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,490 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan LX/EX/EX Luxury | 190.6 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,206 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Sx | 190.6 in | 72 in | 57.1 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,384 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 38 / 36 | +51% | $1,850 | 247 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Optima | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Kia Optima.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Optima (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (6)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Aug 1, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V560000 · 257,998 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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.
Engine · Dec 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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 · Jun 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · 507,587 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- 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 install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 618,160 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Not every 2012 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Kia Optima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 460 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 160 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 126 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Optima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 153 |
| 2019 Optima | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 213 |
| 2018 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 244 |
| 2017 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 306 |
| 2016 Optima | 37 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 764 |
| 2015 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,020 |
| 2014 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 580 |
| 2013 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 10 | 1,352 |
| 2011 Optima | 36 | – | Not rated | 6 | 544 |
| 2010 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2009 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 55 |
| 2008 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 3 | 60 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →