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Fuel systemPart report

2012 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems

Complaints
54about this part
Share
6%of 920 total for the year
Median mileage
80,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 Kia Optima, 6% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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”

NHTSA complaint #11361900, filed 2020-09, 160,200 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.”

NHTSA complaint #11362719, filed 2020-10, 110,000 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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10587361, filed 2014-05, 38,000 miles

“Im having intermittent electrical and suspension problems along with sudden increases of power increase and decreases. I was driving to my local mall before my evening class and noticed my car radio and instrument cluster where not operating no lights but car was running fine. …”

NHTSA complaint #10824592, filed 2016-02, 79,000 miles

“For 3 to 5 seconds, no response from engine at idle when accelerator depressed and the car is stopped (e.g., for traffic signal). Then, without warning, the engine went from idle (about 800 RPM) to rapid (surging) acceleration, often with screeching tires. This occurred each time I started from a stopped position during a 493-mile trip. There was no problem after I reached my target driving speed.”

NHTSA complaint #10466784, filed 2012-07, 12,738 miles

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020139%
2019188%
2018136%
2017229%
2016628%
2015566%
2014488%
20131239%
2012546%
2011264%
201011%
200911%
200853%
200732%
200696%
2005107%
2004104%
2003129%
200266%
200132%

Other parts of the 2012 Kia Optima

Engine
398 complaints
Steering
188 complaints
Electrical system
122 complaints
Brakes
88 complaints
Other or unknown
88 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
54 complaints
Air bags
48 complaints
Vehicle speed control
40 complaints
Body and structure
39 complaints
Exterior lighting
31 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaints
Engine 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