2012 Kia Optima Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,144miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2012 Kia Optima, 0% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,144 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This started in june 2014 during the mid summer. The trunk would come open while just sitting there or come open while driving. So far no one has been hurt by it opening up while I have been driving but it could come open while I am driving and if I was to travel on the interstate at 70 MPH and it was to open it could cause my back window to break or fly off and hit another car causing injuries. Last year during the night we had heavy rain the whole night and when I got up it was still raining hard and I noticed after going out the trunk was open wide. …”
NHTSA complaint #10681253, filed 2015-01, 9,987 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the passenger’s side door opened inadvertently. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the latches needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,301.”
NHTSA complaint #11435585, filed 2021-10, 102,301 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited…
- 10109668Jun 25, 2014PITSTOP: HORN ANSWER BACK OR PARKING LAMPS INOP WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH RKE/SMK FOB - When addressing a customer complaint related to an inoperative parking light confirmation…
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 27 | 17% |
| 2005 | 66 | 46% |
| 2004 | 81 | 36% |
| 2003 | 53 | 38% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 15 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Optima
398 complaintsSteering
188 complaintsElectrical system
122 complaintsBrakes
88 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 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