2012 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 10%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Kia Optima, 10% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On april 5th 2017, my Kia Optima started to make a horrible sound. I was on hwy 26 headed into portland or. Going through the tunnel, as I was going into the tunnel the horrible knocking noise started. There was cars in front of me and cars behind me. This was at 4:30 am.. All the lights on the dash came on, I had no brakes, no steering and no way to accelerate. Drifted to the side and had it towed.”
NHTSA complaint #10971918, filed 2017-04, 110,000 miles“Brakes squick even after repair and replacement and has a slower response time then usual and caused a rear end accident, cooling and heated seats stopped working on the driver side which I met owners of my exact car said the same thing has happened to them, and the passenger seat controllers doesn't work to operate adjustable seats! The suspensions has been bad every since the recall on the engine; for some reason it was giving back to me with that problem from Kia dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405106, filed 2021-03, 120,000 miles“I was driving 60-70 MPH when my hybrid system alerted me that my breaks were an issue. I then tried to slow and could not. The car slowed itself as a safty procaution but I was in 70 MPH traffic. Not safe. It would not completely stop so I was forced with the option of hitting a tree to make it stop. Kia says that it my breaks electrical system but that doesn't make since. I have my car worked on repeatedly to avoid this and now look? Something malfunctioned that shouldn't have.”
NHTSA complaint #11278499, filed 2019-11, 140 miles“My Kia Optima ABS system will randomly make a crunch sound when I step on the brakes, and I lose some engine power immediately after to the point that my car will not accelerate past 40 MPH. It has happened several times on busy highways where I have to fear causing a major accident. Kia dealer cannot figure out the issue, they had my car for a day and repaired the steering column and sent me home, only for the problem to occur again the following week.”
NHTSA complaint #11010881, filed 2017-07, 77,000 miles“Just bought my car this year with 26350 miles on it. When it got to 30000 needed new tires. The car check engine light keeps coming on. I have took it to the shop and they turn it off. Then when I drive it and it comes back on again. It has broke down on the road four times. Twice I called road side help the other two times someone has helped me. It runs hot because it is bubbling if I drive for more then a hour. Bought the car from power of bowser”
NHTSA complaint #10781027, filed 2015-10, 31,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia Optima 2011–2015, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
- 10147431Oct 12, 2018TSB: BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the brake pedal stopper pad on some 2012-2013MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from…
- 10145194Sep 28, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM - 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA BRAKE STOPPER PAD Kia New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension
- 10145192Sep 28, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - OWNER LETTER - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In…
- 10145193Sep 26, 2018Warranty extension program (wty011) - q & a - 2012-2013 my optima brake pedal stopper pad new vehicle limited warranty extension
- 10145191Sep 26, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal…
- 10145190Sep 26, 2018WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the brake pedal stopper pad on all…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 7% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 90 | 9% |
| 2014 | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 | 114 | 8% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 47 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 21 | 18% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Optima
398 complaintsSteering
188 complaintsElectrical system
122 complaintsOther or unknown
88 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsAir bags
48 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology