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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10186044Jan 12, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA447) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test…
- 10152915Jan 18, 2019TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides…
- 10127029Dec 13, 2017TSB - SERVICE ACTION: TURBO OIL FEED LINE REPLACEMENT (SA300) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the turbo oil feed line on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), produced…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Optima
398 complaintsSteering
188 complaintsElectrical system
122 complaintsBrakes
88 complaintsOther or unknown
88 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