2012 Kia Optima Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 2%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Kia Optima, 2% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have just recently started having a problem when I hit bumps in the road or a rough road. The steering wheel makes a noise and I can feel a shaking sort of. I clicked on suspension because of how rough it feels riding right now and I dont know if im just feeling the steering or if its affecting the whole ride. It has been very comfortbale since bought new in 2012.”
NHTSA complaint #11022844, filed 2017-09, 89,000 miles“Brakes squick even after repair and replacement and has a slower response time then usual and caused a rear end accident, cooling and heated seats stopped working on the driver side which I met owners of my exact car said the same thing has happened to them, and the passenger seat controllers doesn't work to operate adjustable seats! The suspensions has been bad every since the recall on the engine; for some reason it was giving back to me with that problem from Kia dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405106, filed 2021-03, 120,000 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“While drive above 45mph the car wonders left and right, making it very hard to keep the car on the road. It also feels like there is a catch in the steering making it very easy to over correct the car. I have had it into Kia to have the car looked at twice now. They have checked the alignment, tire pressure... They drove a salesman's car and a car off there lot and they tell me this is the way they all drive. I find this very hard to believe, (its a workout to keep the car on the road). …”
NHTSA complaint #10510028, filed 2013-04, 10,000 miles“The vehicle drifts left and right constantly and substantially, we have taken it to the dealer more times than I can count. Same conclusion every time. Adjusted, and vehicle is within specifications. They have not and refuse to acknowledge there is a serious issue. As of january 8th 2013, over one year since purchasing the problem, it still exists. We recently was in a minor accident because of this problem. On a tight road with little or no room for waiver, we struck another vehicles mirror with ours at 70mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #10492890, filed 2013-01, 21,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10116819Dec 16, 2016TSB: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) and Rio (UB)…
- 10183608May 3, 2016TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid…
- 10089422May 3, 2016"front stabilizer link replacement - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some optima (tf/qf), optima hybrid (tf hev) and rio (ub)…
- 10092151Jun 19, 2015Pitstop: difficulty assembling strut bearing/insulator - on some optima vehicles, when replacing the strut insulator or strut bearing with new parts you may encounter difficulty…
- 10089763Jun 19, 2015Pitstop: difficulty assembling strut bearing/insulator - on some optima vehicles, when replacing the strut insulator or strut bearing with new parts you may encounter difficulty…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 6 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 26 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 2% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 19 | 8% |
| 2003 | 9 | 6% |
| 2002 | 21 | 20% |
| 2001 | 28 | 20% |
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 28, 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