| 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%)
Select a problem area
Chart based on 129 repairs.
2012 Kia Optima suspension repair cost distribution
$2500+ (7%)
$1000 - $2499 (0%)
$500 - $999 (0%)
$100 - $499 (7%)
< $100 (86%)
Chart based on 14 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 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 |
| 66000 mi US $6 |
Steering coupler replaced |
| 155000 mi US $450 |
Did not pass inspection because problem with suspension |
| 30700 mi | Steering column |
| 18000 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 |
| 13020 mi | Creaking noise in rear end of vehicle. Covered by service bulletin. |
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 58000 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. |
| 136000 mi US $3000 |
steering column had to be replaced |
| 45000 mi | Steering compartment for which a recall was issued; dealer repaired for free. |
| 18000 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! |
| 24500 mi | right front wheel bearing and axle replaced (possibly from over-tightening when engine was replaced. |
| 52200 mi | bad right front Ball Joint |
| 70000 mi | Left front wheel bearing |
| 56420 mi | Right tie rod replaced in May and the right tie rod was replaced in July. |
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