2012 Kia Optima Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the wheels of the 2012 Kia Optima, 1% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,500 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.
“I have a knocking sound in my steering wheel. The noise happens when I turn the wheel back and forth. Also, I have noticed an odd grinding/slipping sensation in the front left wheel when I accelerate on a right turn from different elevations. Pulling out of a parking lot on a decline while accelerating to the right to enter traffic is a good example. 73,000 miles currently but I've noticed the grind/slip a lower mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #10853458, filed 2016-04, 73,000 miles“Just bought my car this year with 26350 miles on it. When it got to 30000 needed new tires. The car check engine light keeps coming on. I have took it to the shop and they turn it off. Then when I drive it and it comes back on again. It has broke down on the road four times. Twice I called road side help the other two times someone has helped me. It runs hot because it is bubbling if I drive for more then a hour. Bought the car from power of bowser”
NHTSA complaint #10781027, filed 2015-10, 31,000 miles“After 15,000 miles tire developed a huge bubble on the side wall of the front left tire. Bought the car brand new with original tires from dealership(nexen).these tires should be outlawed. Right after I got it to a mechanic shop, it exploded and was sitting on the rim. I was very fortune to not be driving on the highway when this occured. I can send picture also. I have had two flat tires within the first year of purchase. Not including the 2nd pair that the bubble developed at the front. The nexen tires tread life is very short too.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520179, filed 2013-06, 35,000 miles“My wife had a flat tire when she had help to get it changed there was no spare tire so the person left because he could not do any thing. That left my wife and my little girl alone on a road in the middle of no where for 4 hours until I could get there and pick them up . I called Kia and they said they dont put spare tires in there cars any more the government should make them put them in because it is dangerous for people to be stranded in middle of no where . When I bought the car no body told me there was no spare in the 2012 Kia Optima. If I knew I would not have bought it.”
NHTSA complaint #10458281, filed 2012-05, 7,100 miles“At 20000 miles my fog lights would not work , the weird put the directional signal to turn right they would come on for a short time, replaced bulbs nothing they don't work. Also had to replace brakes and the tires, tire brand are junk, poorly made they were beyond the limit for safty, then at 40000 miles both front wheel bearings had to be replaced, now at 78000 miles the struts are making a horrible clanking and the AC is blowing hot air even after 2 cans of the stuff the mechanic said to add. …”
NHTSA complaint #10722507, filed 2015-05, 20,000 milesWheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
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 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