Engine stalling and seizure
The 2012 Optima has about 680 complaints per 100,000 sold and 83 fire reports. Engine stalling after stops leads the list.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,031 owner complaints and 6 recalls
677 1.4x the Optima average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Optima year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2012 Optima
Top problems and what they cost
Engine stalling and seizure
Hesitation and stalling after stops, and engine failure.
Fix: Free under recall or warranty extension if eligible; otherwise $4,000 to $7,000
Engine
Steering coupler
Vibration and clicking from a worn coupler.
Fix: Coupler $200 to $400
Steering
Recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle cra...
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2012 Kia Optima
- Confirm recalls 17V224, 20V750 and 23V652 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2012 Optima has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for knocking and check for stalling at stops.An engine that cuts out while driving takes away power steering and brake assist. Driving in stop-and-go traffic is the best way to catch it on a test drive.528 of the 1,031 owner complaints about the 2012 Optima involve stalling and the fuel system (51%).
Questions
Is the 2012 Kia Optima reliable?
Engine stalling and seizure. The 2012 Optima has about 680 complaints per 100,000 sold and 83 fire reports. Engine stalling after stops leads the list.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Optima problems?
Engine stalling and seizure; Steering coupler.
Crash rating shown for the 2012 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.