| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2012 Kia Optima repairs by problem area
Engine (19%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)
Brakes and Traction Control (7%)
Suspension and Steering (11%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (30%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (22%)
Other (3%)
Chart based on 129 repairs.
2012 Kia Optima repair cost distribution
$2500+ (1%)
$1000 - $2499 (3%)
$500 - $999 (0%)
$100 - $499 (13%)
< $100 (84%)
Chart based on 79 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2012 Kia Optima
Engine not specified
| Kia Optima in California, United States Sep 2015 - Jan 2016 | |||
| Sep 201535000 mi | Engine replaced | ||
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Kia Optima in Florida, United States Jan 2014 - Sep 2014 | |||
| Apr 201430700 mi | Steering column | ||
| Kia Optima in Oklahoma, United States Feb 2014 - May 2014 | |||
| Feb 201418000 mi | Electronic Power Steering seems to "center" the steering too far to the left, requiring constant effort to keep the car moving straight. Adjusted EPS computer "center" setting back to former adjustment that I remembered from another dealer | ||
| Apr 201422000 mi | Paint on fog light surrounds (both sides) chipping and peeling as well as fuel door. Had the car for 15 months when I noticed peeling paint while washing the car. Had the car in to repair it twice. Provided rental car for the first trip only | ||
| May 201422000 mi | More peeling paint that popped up when I first began to consider trading. Constituted the final straw. | ||
| Kia Optima in Florida, United States Dec 2013 - Jul 2015 | |||
| May 201424300 mi | Transmission heater sensor failed and was replaced under warranty | ||
| Kia Optima in Florida, United States May 2013 - Jul 2014 | |||
| Jun 201414000 mi | battery died with less than 15k miles and 23 months old... | ||
| Kia Optima in California, United States Jul 2014 - Jul 2015 | |||
| May 201567400 mi | Waste gate readjusted again. Has been done every oil change and other services. Never stays adjusted. Pedal travels to about an inch from the floor. Kia replaced master cly. once never resolved issues. Kia still denies problem exists. | ||
| Kia Optima in Florida, United States Sep 2011 - Apr 2014 | |||
| Mar 201318000 mi | Turbo would not engage when temp was below 50F. Had to turn car off and on again to engage. | ||
| Kia Optima in Ontario, Canada Mar 2013 - Apr 2013 | |||
| Apr 201313020 mi | Creaking noise in rear end of vehicle. Covered by service bulletin. | ||
| Kia Optima in Louisiana, United States Mar 2013 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Jun 201340000 miUS $5 | Backup camera wouldn't come on. Took apart camera and blasted with WD40, and greased the o-rings to keep water out. No issues since. | ||
| Jan 201450000 mi | Common wastegate issue on the forums. Adjusted wastegate actuator rod to match spec. No problems since. | ||
| Oct 201481800 miUS $1081 | Missing under acceleration. Bad high pressure fuel pump. | ||
| Feb 201591000 miUS $150 | Going into limp mode under hard acceleration. Bad EWGA( Electronic Waste Gate Actuator). Replaced. | ||
| Mar 201591000 miUS $150 | Would not cool. Made "breathing" noise. Manifold gauges showed small pressure differential. Replaced A/C expansion valve, vacuumed system, and recharged. | ||
| Kia Optima in Wisconsin, United States Jan 2014 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Mar 201544000 miUS $88 | Driver bottom seat heater not functioning. Elements replaced | ||
| Kia Optima in Ohio, United States May 2017 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Oct 201794000 miUS $250 | Parking brake was dragging, parking shoes had corroded and had to replace the parking brake shoes | ||
| Kia Optima in Illinois, United States Sep 2013 - Dec 2017 | |||
| Dec 201760000 mi | Recall on the engine. Small part replaced. | ||
| Kia Optima in Massachusetts, United States Nov 2016 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jun 2022155000 miUS $450 | Did not pass inspection because problem with suspension Left headlight stoped working | ||
| Kia Optima in Massachusetts, United States Dec 2012 - May 2013 | |||
| Aug 20125859 mi | sunroof seal was pulled under sunroof when closing on hot days sunroof seal was pulled under sunroof on hot days. Original deal did not fix. Second dealer added adhesive to seal | ||
| Kia Optima in Ohio, United States Jan 2017 - Jul 2018 | |||
| Feb 201787000 mi | Front passenger break pad was gone, driver side was OK. Noted when car was purchased, but thought it would last a couple weeks. Failed on a road trip, replaced both rotors and pads and the passenger side caliper. | ||
| Oct 2017100000 miUS $6750 | Panoramic sunroof failed, exploded while driving with no external force. Reported to Kia, who rejected defect claim. Paid under insurance | ||
| Kia Optima in Ontario, Canada Aug 2012 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Sep 20129300 mi | Heated seats didn't seem to be working. Dealer determined the switch was faulty and caused all four seats to not heat. Ordered part, will repair under warranty later in the month. iPhone will connect to Bluetooth but contact list won't sync. Was told it's a firmware issue with the navigation system, and cannot be fixed until the new firmware is released. | ||
| Oct 20129500 mi | Heated seat switch was replaced. Heated seats still not working, booked to find out actual cause. | ||
| Feb 201310540 mi | Finally solved heated seat - problem stemmed from the factory - wiring harness prong bent - caused a short circuit and the fault in the heated seats. Took 6 months to solve! | ||
| Jun 201314880 mi | Engine started missing at low RPM & low speed, & at highway speed. Took to dealer, determined two spark plugs had "melted themselves" - all 4 replaced. Read forums - a manufacturing fault from spark plug maker. Covered under warranty. Engine started missing at low RPM & low speed, & at highway speed. Took to dealer, determined two spark plugs had "melted themselves". Read forums - a manufacturing fault from spark plug maker. Covered under warranty. | ||
| Kia Optima in Ohio, United States Jun 2016 - Aug 2018 | |||
| Oct 201642500 mi | Transmission temperature sensor failed | ||
| Jun 201866000 miUS $6 | Steering coupler replaced | ||
| Kia Optima in North Carolina, United States Feb 2014 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Jul 201442700 mi | Parking brake light stays on after being disengaged. | ||
| Dec 201456000 mi | Parking brake light illuminated even though it's not engaged. They can't figure out why. All I was told is maybe they will replace the master cylinder... seems to me replacing the master cylinder is asinine. | ||
| Feb 201556300 mi | The lighted Kia door sill burnt out. Assembly replaced. | ||
| Jun 201558000 mi | Parking brake light illuminated even though it's not engaged. | ||
| Kia Optima in Wisconsin, United States Apr 2012 - Apr 2013 | |||
| Mar 201318000 mi | Headliner squeakes when hitting bumps in the road. | ||
| Kia Optima in Ontario, Canada Aug 2012 - Aug 2015 | |||
| May 201425420 mi | Replaced exterior window trim under warranty due to rusting | ||
| Sep 201432860 mi | Windshield cracked by front heating element. Windshield ordered in August, replaced by dealer under warranty Driver's seat motorized track noisy. Seat track adjusted unsuccessfully by dealer back in May, then replaced after parts arrived by dealer under warranty. | ||
| Dec 201437200 mi | Independent mechanic noted oil dripping around oil pan and undercarriage during oil change. Dealer said they did not notice oil leaking, but replaced oil pan gasket under warranty. | ||
| Kia Optima in Pennsylvania, United States Oct 2011 - May 2015 | |||
| Dec 20129000 mi | Broken cover for screw in passenger interior door handle. | ||
| Jun 201314000 mi | Backup camera | ||
| Sep 201315000 mi | Car was driving sluggishly. | ||
| Oct 201315300 mi | Car was sluggish. There was some kind of adjustment needed to the waste gate for the turbo. Apparently it is a known issue as it is all over the forums and the service guy knew what the fix was before they got into the car. | ||
| Jan 201417500 mi | The driver-side seat heater is not working. | ||
| Kia Optima in Georgia, United States Oct 2011 - Feb 2013 | |||
| Nov 201212200 mi | Back up camera needed to be replaced because of condensation build up inside the camera | ||
| Kia Optima in Alabama, United States Oct 2011 - Oct 2012 | |||
| Nov 2011 | Subframe had mold lines not properly removed by supplier (not sanded down) - alignment pins extra mold line length rubbed on main frame from below, creating unpleasant noise and wear on the mainframe. Pins were clipped off as directed by kia | ||
| Feb 20124000 mi | UVO system not working with iPod | ||
| Kia Optima in Georgia, United States Dec 2011 - Oct 2016 | |||
| Mar 20123000 mi | Turbocharger waste gate actuator adjustment. No parts were replaced, only adjusted back to proper specs. The car was about a month old or so when the TSB was caught by the service tech. | ||
| Aug 20127700 mi | Emergency brake required adjustment, would not hold car on a hill. | ||
| Oct 201320300 mi | Front clip for stainless steel trim on driver's side rear door broken. Appears to have been 'rigged' at some point, potentially at the factory. Needs to have clip replace to hold trim tightly to car. | ||
| Nov 201321400 mi | Driver's rear door stainless trim replaced | ||
| Feb 201534400 mi | Driver's side front door weatherstrip deteriorated and came apart, causing a large amount of wind noise. Replaced by dealer at no charge. | ||
| Sep 201652000 mi | Back-up camera failed. Transmission position sensor switch failed, causing vehicle not start. | ||
| Kia Optima in California, United States Apr 2013 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Jun 201322000 mi | sensor went bad causing shifting problem oil pan leak | ||
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Kia Optima in Florida, United States Sep 2011 - Nov 2015 | |||
| Aug 201435700 mi | A/C would make a moaning noise when under 30mph and coasting. A/C would periodically go "humid", then return to cold. The valve on the inside the compressor was replaced on the first visit, didn't fix it. | ||
| Sep 201437000 mi | A/C fixed on second attempt after waiting for a new compressor. They ordered a 2014 compressor since they've been having lock-up problems with the 11+12's. Once it was totally replaced, everything's ok. | ||
| Kia Optima in Louisiana, United States Jan 2013 - Dec 2017 | |||
| Oct 201433000 mi | Bluetooth software update...replaced backup camera | ||
| Feb 201764000 miUS $233 | Replaced windshield washer pump | ||
| Kia Optima in Minnesota, United States Dec 2011 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Mar 201324000 mi | There was a small leak around the oil pan. Fixed under warranty | ||
| Kia Optima in Virginia, United States Jun 2016 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Dec 201645000 mi | Steering compartment for which a recall was issued; dealer repaired for free. | ||
| Kia Optima in Oklahoma, United States Sep 2012 - Apr 2015 | |||
| Sep 20129000 mi | Vehicle sporadically running rough, feels like you are going down a rough road. dealer could not duplicate, I will drop it back off when I have more time to be without the vehicle. | ||
| Kia Optima in New Jersey, United States Dec 2012 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jun 2018136000 mi | Engine timing gasket had a leak, timing belt was also replaced, steering column had to be replaced Air conditioning van selector motor has failed. The entire air conditioning system replacement was recommended for $3,600. No repair was done due to high cost | ||
| Kia Optima in Georgia, United States Oct 2011 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Aug 201546400 mi | Factory backup camera failed. Camera was replaced under warranty | ||
| Mar 201652000 miUS $129 | Vinegar smell in cabin attributed to bacterial growth in AC vent system. Service of AC vent cleared the issue. | ||
| Kia Optima in Massachusetts, United States Nov 2011 - Apr 2021 | |||
| Jan 20122000 mi | Weather Stripping around sunroof folded in. Glass removed and track re-aligned. Sanded weather stripping to prevent future issues. | ||
| Mar 20125000 mi | Weather Stripping around sunroof folded in. Dealer notes say the panoramic roof arm that holds the glass has shifted to the left. They compared this to a "frontline" vehicle & confirmed the issue. Tech Case opened with KIA. Weather Stripping around sunroof folded in. Tech Case authorized replacement of sunroof molding. | ||
| Apr 20126000 mi | Weather Stripping around sunroof folded in. Master Tech replaced molding and adjusted clips. | ||
| Jun 201326000 mi | XM receiver stopped getting a signal. It was continuously hunting for a signal – everywhere. Dealer replaced the radio unit but this did not resolve issue. Dealer ordered new antenna and installed it. Issue seems to have been resolved. | ||
| Sep 201545000 mi | Interior door handle on rear passenger door needed adjustment. Sunroof outer seal folding in again. | ||
| Dec 201545000 mi | Coolant leaking. Dealer could not replicate. TPMS light on. Tire pressure set correctly. | ||
| Jan 201638300 mi | Exterior door handle cap broke off. Dealer replaced with new cap. Radiator developed hairline crack and was replaced. | ||
| Jan 201749300 miUS $19 | Gas filler cap stopped making clicking sound. Dealer would not cover under warranty claiming wear and tear caused the issue. I purchased and installed a new gas filler gap. | ||
| Apr 201770795 mi | Condensation under backup camera lenses. Blurred video. Backup camera replaced under Goodwill warranty Recall to address corrosion issues. Dealer sprayed anticorrosion spray on certain parts under the vehicle. Tech accidentally sprayed anticorrosion spray on the wheels. Dealer removed wheels and cleaned them. | ||
| Jan 201885000 mi | Rust inside license plate light assembly. Dealer misunderstood problem and replaced license plate screws. | ||
| Feb 201887500 mi | I noticed the coolant level in the overflow reservoir was low but I was unable to determine the source. I took car to a mechanic who determined that the water pump is leaking through the weeping hole, provided a quote to replace water pump Took vehicle to dealer to look into leaking water pump, since water pump is under warranty until 100k. Dealer could not duplicate the issue. Follow-up on rust in license plate assembly, anti-corrosion coverage expired, but dealer took pictures and will check with district parts manager who can approve a repair under warranty. | ||
| Kia Optima in Florida, United States Nov 2011 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Mar 201313000 mi | Crack in trim ring on upper left on ctr. of wheel. | ||
| Kia Optima in Vermont, United States Jan 2015 - Mar 2018 | |||
| Feb 201552200 mi | bad right front Ball Joint | ||
| May 201670000 mi | Left front wheel bearing | ||
| Kia Optima in Ontario, Canada Jun 2012 - Jun 2016 | |||
| Jun 201318600 mi | Navigation system produced Windows Error message is driven over about 1.5 hours and required reboot to fix. Problem unknown, pulled computer and diagnosed, no resolution, will probably replace system. Was proved with a loaner for the day. | ||
| Jul 201319100 mi | System replaced this week with a totally new model (warrenty covered). Upgraded graphics, faster performance, better interface, knows speed limits, not the same model that's for sure. Perhaps the nav system from the 2014 model. | ||
| Aug 201447120 mi | High pressure fuel pump controller failed. Car went into limp mode when automatic transmission was in drive. Manual transmission mode worked. Part was back-ordered, but dealer provided a loaner SUV for the week. | ||
| Sep 201451460 mi | Rust on rear door window trim. Kia not honoring warranty, dealer attempting to obtain special permission to replace trim. | ||
| Nov 201452700 mi | Engine light came on and car wouldn't accelerate past 15kph. Throttle Assembly has failed and took three days to get a replacement. | ||
| Jun 201680600 mi | It's still rusting and KIA still refuses to repair it under warranty. They assessed $700 in damages for their rust when the lease was returned. | ||
| Kia Optima in Quebec, Canada May 2013 - Jun 2017 | |||
| Aug 201324180 mi | Check engine on; error code read: P0087- fuel rail pressure too low; high pressure fuel pump was defective and was replaced.The car now runs alright again. The repair was effective and efficient. | ||
| Jan 201432240 mi | Trip odometers 1&2 resetting intermittently; digital gas gauge erratic readings occasionally; may be due to cold weather. Booked a service call; no problems determined; will probably book another service call if problems re-occur. | ||
| Jun 201556420 mi | Right tie rod replaced in May and the right tie rod was replaced in July. | ||
| Kia Optima in Indiana, United States Mar 2012 - Mar 2014 | |||
| Aug 20124700 mi | Radio died | ||
| Oct 20127000 mi | Rear view camera stayed on while in drive, would not switch off unless car was restarted. | ||
| Aug 201318000 mi | Speaker in passenger door was distorted. Dealer replaced speaker Sunroof seal was cracked, and bent badge on back of vehicle lost a letter | ||
| Kia Optima in New York, United States Oct 2011 - Oct 2014 | |||
| Sep 201424000 mi | Transmission sensor | ||
| Kia Optima in Wisconsin, United States Feb 2012 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Dec 201658000 mi | TSB for steering coupler. It was an attempt to repair/track down a clunk in the front suspension. It turns out the clunk was a brake pad shifting when going from forward to reverse. TSB for underbody corrosion cleanup and sealant application | ||
| Feb 201761000 miUS $20 | Steering wheel station/preset control would change to FM2, AM etc and mute randomly while changing stations. The switch module was replaced twice. The 1st replacement failed 2 days later. Door handle cap broke off allowing the door handle to slide out. I ordered a new door cap and installed it. One screw, very easy to do by removing black rubber grommet on the door. | ||
| Dec 202098000 miUS $25 | Car is using oil about 2qts between 5kmi oil changes. Dealer is performing oil consumption test. | ||
| Jun 2022104000 miUS $45 | AC would not turn on, just blowing air. Refrigerant was a little low. The system was evacuated dye addes and refilled, but while refilling the high side psi went high and would not take more refrigerant. There was a blockage. The compressor, evaporator, expansion valve were all replaced. Bad electrical socket for rear brake light. Replaced the right tailight harness | ||
| Kia Optima in Illinois, United States Apr 2014 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jun 201618000 mi | Car has "wandered" at highway speeds, making it tedious to keep straight. There was a software update to the electronic steering. Drives much better now! | ||
| Aug 201724500 mi | right front wheel bearing and axle replaced (possibly from over-tightening when engine was replaced. | ||
| Nov 201726000 miUS $106 | Replaced battery | ||
| Kia Optima in California, United States Feb 2012 - Dec 2019 | |||
| Mar 201611000 miUS $180 | Rodent damage to fog light wiring and windshield washer tubing. | ||
| Mar 201713000 miUS $160 | Rodent damage to wiring. Wheel sensor and fog light. | ||
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
166-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Kia Optima in Maryland, United States Nov 2012 - Jan 2022 | |||
| Jul 201644700 mi | dealer says camera part of radio and radio out of warranty. Raised to Kia mid July, 2016. Radio and camera parts replaced. No charge. | ||
| Kia Optima in Ontario, Canada Jun 2012 - Apr 2019 | |||
| Jul 2012 | Engine check light was on because a contact was loose for the hybrid system. It worked ok, but needed to be found and corrected. | ||
| Kia Optima in Ontario, Canada Mar 2012 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Dec 201326040 mi | Front plastic air deflector keeps falling off. At perfect height to scrape on curbs, and not held on very well. Only a matter of time before it comes loose. Reattached with some glue. | ||
| Kia Optima in California, United States May 2013 - Jul 2014 | |||
| Jun 201313000 mi | Pulling to the left when light braking Still pulls to left when braking | ||
| Apr 201443700 mi | Car told me to pull over. Took it to dealer. They changed computer and transmission | ||
| Kia Optima in New Jersey, United States May 2013 - Dec 2014 | |||
| Aug 201419000 mi | Replaced transmission due to jerky movements, stalling when braking to a full stop. Did not fix the problem. | ||
| Dec 201421000 mi | Car would jerk forward when coming to a stop under Engine Mode Only. No Jerking in Electric Only Mode. | ||
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.
