2012 Kia Optima Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 4%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,700miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Kia Optima, 4% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,700 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 8 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.
“We were on the wantagh pkwy as usual then we heard a loud explosion which sounded like the tired had blown. When arriving home we notice the sun roof had exploded and all the glass was inside of the roof. Thank god through our insurance it was fixed and replaced.....we hate to think that it would happen again. If it does Kia need to fix and replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #10914079, filed 2016-10, 11,000 miles“Exiting hwy 71 east bound to woodward decreasing speed the vehicle in front of me had a car cut in front of her. I had a safe distance and slammed my brakes. My brakes did not grab as usual my car did not stop and I hit the vehicle in front of me. I truly believe my brake system failed. I will take my car into Kia when I get it back.”
NHTSA complaint #10761891, filed 2015-09, 52,400 miles“I have sent in complaints on my Kia many of times and the one just came out about the latches, mine is not on the recall list. I have had the middle part of my glass crack the windshield that was and still under warranty and more but it seems I am being over looked on my car. I guess the only action to take is a class action lawsuit against Kia america. When you have the proof they still do not believe you.”
NHTSA complaint #10873841, filed 2016-06, 3,200 miles“My fiance was drivingdriving 55 down the i77 highway north getting ready to turn off the exit and she heard a loud bang. Next thing she knew she had glass all over her.the powered sunroof exploded!!!!the glass cut her hand in a few spot but thankfully she is ok and didnt wreck the vehicle and that our kids weren't in the car. My fiance called the police and said there was nothing they could do and my insurance has a 1000$$$ deductible.”
NHTSA complaint #11021824, filed 2017-09, 77,000 miles“On 4/9/19, my vehicle caught fire while I was driving it from my work on way to simi valley first Kia dealership. I was on 118 freeway westbound in slow lane in chatsworth, ca. Onto freeway shoulder to call aaa when a stranger pulled up ahead of me, got out of his car, ran towards me shouting to me to get out, the car was on fire beneath level of the windows so I couldnt see the fire.. I got out, it blew up, & was totalled. No collision occurred. My witness saved my life. He took a video.”
NHTSA complaint #11241177, filed 2019-08, 101,000 milesRelated recalls
- 22V560000Aug 1, 2022Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in…Covers: Kia Optima 2012–2013
Related service bulletins
- 11034003Jun 8, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11028908Feb 19, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11026825Dec 18, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a…
- 11026980Dec 17, 2025CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software…
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10109817Feb 28, 2017TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional…
- 10109874Dec 6, 2016TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional…
- 10109877Dec 5, 2016Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc141 ? Underbody ? Additional anti-corrosion treatment
- 10109876Dec 5, 2016SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative…
- 10109875Dec 5, 2016DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 41 | 5% |
| 2015 | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 127 | 9% |
| 2012 | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 8% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 42 | 19% |
| 2003 | 25 | 18% |
| 2002 | 30 | 28% |
| 2001 | 35 | 24% |
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 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