2012 KIA Optima Hybrid Engine Problems
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid, 66% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 95,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “engine seized” (10% of reports).
- 72engine complaints
- 95,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $9,900typical repair cost reported by owners
- 71%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine seized: mentioned in 7 of 72 complaints (10%)
- Knocking noise: mentioned in 6 of 72 complaints (8%)
- Lose power: mentioned in 6 of 72 complaints (8%)
- Tow truck: mentioned in 5 of 72 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid at $9,900, and half of them between $2,950 and $11,600.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2016–2018), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 70 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 72 complaints, 5 a fire.
KIA Optima Hybrid engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima Hybrid | 1 | 100% | — |
| 2018 Optima Hybrid | 3 | 100% | 100,000 |
| 2017 Optima Hybrid | 16 | 62% | 28,938 |
| 2016 Optima Hybrid | 2 | 50% | 38,000 |
| 2015 Optima Hybrid | 5 | 42% | 62,000 |
| 2014 Optima Hybrid | 16 | 52% | 51,999 |
| 2013 Optima Hybrid | 13 | 24% | 69,000 |
| 2012 Optima Hybrid | 72 | 66% | 95,000 |
| 2011 Optima Hybrid | 19 | 56% | 99,700 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated the engine was previously replaced under an unstated NHTSA recall. The contact stated that five months after the repair, the malfunction indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated and failed to exceed 20 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had started to overheat. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000…
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 KIA Optima Hybrids have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 72 owner complaints about engine for the 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid (66% of the 109 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 95,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid?
Owners report a typical cost of $9,900 (half paid between $2,950 and $11,600), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid?
The most frequent phrase is “engine seized”, in 7 of 72 complaints, followed by “knocking noise” (6).
See all 2012 KIA Optima Hybrid problems or engine problems across all Optima Hybrid years.