2012 Kia Optima Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 10%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Kia Optima, 10% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was driving with absolutely no warning at the time or prior to the car stopped accelerating completely and will not start back up. When plugged up yo cables lights and all indicators come on but the car never starts and there is no noise coming from the engine . I was just leaving my driveway on a regular side street proceeding foward at maybe 15mph”
NHTSA complaint #11185536, filed 2019-03, 80,600 miles“I have intermittent problems with the car starting. I have read through some of the forums and see others are having the same problem. If I have the power on and put it in drive them back in park it starts after several attempts. I have had the started and battery tested and they are not malfunctioning. This happens almost everyday for the last several months.”
NHTSA complaint #11194965, filed 2019-04, 155,000 miles“While passing another car on a highway my car stopped accelerating. I pulled over and it won't start cuz it is seized up. Lucky for me I could make it to a off ramp. Towed it and the repair shop said it was the bearings that are bad and I need a whole new engine and I have less than 50000 miles on the car😤”
NHTSA complaint #11338584, filed 2020-07, 50,000 miles“I was driving on the freeway in the state of utah. I was going 65 MPH on the freeway when the car started shaking, followed by a stall on the engine that forced me to slow down and park on the side of the freeway. I have no idea what happened but I heard cracking noise coming from the engine. Now the car won't turn on.”
NHTSA complaint #11192676, filed 2019-03, 172,000 miles“This started a week ago that when I would turn right, by door open indicator would come on for my driver's side front door. Now it is constantly coming on and off, more on than off. It doesn't matter if it is interstate driving or in town. And if I am stopped it will occasionally come on, then unlock my doors because of thekey being in the ignition. What is causing this?”
NHTSA complaint #11090147, filed 2018-04, 70,000 milesOther or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 | 12% |
| 2019 | 43 | 20% |
| 2018 | 39 | 17% |
| 2017 | 33 | 13% |
| 2016 | 123 | 16% |
| 2015 | 140 | 14% |
| 2014 | 90 | 15% |
| 2013 | 189 | 14% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 41 | 7% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Optima
398 complaintsSteering
188 complaintsElectrical system
122 complaintsBrakes
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 27, 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