general problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

A issue with the valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia Optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. However one day the check engine light did come on and the obd code p1326 came up. When I took it to the shop the check engine light disappeared and the dealership said they will not check my engine unless they see the code on their end. I believe later down the line the engine will stall out and it should be fixed now while under warranty. However I received no help from the dealership unless I am willing to pay upfront. In addition to this there are electrical issues the front seats aren't moving immediately when the button is pressed. The steering wheel buttons barely work along with the radio. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.

Sudden engine failure while driving with no warning. Vehicle began jerking, shaking, and losing power. Rpms dropped unexpectedly and the engine stalled intermittently. Multiple misfire codes were present (cylinders 1, 3, and 4), and the engine was found to have low or no compression in cylinder 1. The condition rapidly worsened to near complete engine failure. The vehicle was operating normally prior to this incident. This failure is consistent with known kia engine defects involving internal engine damage, including rod bearing failure. This is a safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving.

The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. We towed to a mechanic who said it was engine failure. Thankfully we had just exited off highway and on a side street when it became inoperable or it would have been detrimental.

•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car coming from work and at the time. If I was in the car any longer than 5 more minutes it possibly could’ve been catastrophic. • all I know as of right now is that 5 days ago, it was escalated and I received a case number and a case manager 3 days ago. •the car has not been inspected •not that I’ve noticed, the engine light was on a week before the accident occurred, after getting off of work and the car system said to check my breaks. I had someone take me home since my car was undrivable. And the next morning I was going to have it towed but everything was working properly. The engine light was gone.

Subject: recall violation: kia on the boulevard (philadelphia) - refused remedy, charged $199, returned unsafe vehicle vehicle information: [year] kia Optima hybrid dealership name: kia on the boulevard dealership address: 11295 roosevelt blvd, philadelphia, PA 19154 complaint description: 1. The safety incident: while operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick smoke poured from the engine compartment, followed by immediate stalling. This presented a severe fire risk and safety hazard. 2. Dealer misconduct & illegal charges: I towed the vehicle to kia on the boulevard (11295 roosevelt blvd, philadelphia) for the active engine recall remedy. The dealership: * refused to perform the recall repair free of charge. * forced me to pay a $199 "diagnostic fee" just to look at the recall-related defect, which should be covered by the manufacturer. * threatened me with $45/day storage fees if I did not pay the $199 and remove the vehicle immediately. 3. Current status: under the threat of accumulating storage fees, I was coerced into paying the $199 and towing the vehicle back to my residence. The dealership knowingly released a vehicle with a catastrophic engine failure (smoke/fire risk) back to the owner without performing the federally mandated remedy. The unsafe vehicle is now sitting at my home unrepaired. 4. Conclusion: I request an immediate investigation into kia on the boulevard's refusal to honor the recall and their practice of charging customers for recall-related inspections.

Administrator national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) 1200 new jersey avenue se washington, DC 20590 USA subject: formal safety defect claim regarding unaddressed recalls — 2012 kia Optima hybrid (VIN: knagm4adxc5036228) from: alexander?pancioha email: pancheh5@gmail. Com phone: +32?465?794?320 vehicle information: - VIN: **knagm4adxc5036228** - make / model: 2012 kia Optima hybrid - mileage: approx. *,000 miles** - current location: moldova (vehicle manufactured in korea for the us market) --- ## summary of the problem I am writing to file a **formal safety defect claim** regarding my 2012 kia Optima hybrid, VIN **knagm4adxc5036228**, which, despite having documented recall campaigns, has never had critical parts replaced. As a result: 1. **internal scoring and scratches (zadir)** have been detected within the engine, consistent with **metal shavings / debris** circulating in the oil system. 2. There is **metallic residue (shavings)** found in the oil pump, which strongly suggests that worn or damaged components (likely from a manufacturing defect) were never replaced during the recall. 3. Given the extraordinarily high mileage (??250,000?miles), the continued use without the required recall repairs poses **significant safety risks** and potential for further engine failure or fire. 4. I was not provided with a proper remedy when recall notices were issued — in my case, the relevant parts were not replaced in a timely fashion (or at all), despite the recall campaigns being active, leading to the deterioration of the engine. --- ## legal and technical basis ### recalls applicable to my vehicle - NHTSA recall **20v750** for the 2012 kia Optima hybrid: this is a recall related to engine defects, including risk of engine fire. [oai_citation:0‡static. Nhtsa. Gov](https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/rcl/2020/rconl-20v750-8140. Pdf?utm_source=chatgpt. Com) - NHTSA recall **23v652**: this relates to the hydraul.

On or around October 17th 2025 I purchased a 2019 kia opt un aware that the vehicle had recall problems. Once I realized the vehicle had problems I took it to get it checked out. I only had the vehicle for 2 days before the problems occurred. The kia service center fixed the recalls all except the bearing failure. They had my car for almost 30 because we went back and forth over this issue. This reason they gave me the reason they couldn’t fix my bearing problem was because I didn’t get it checked out before I had the problem. I didn’t know the vehicle had a problem until the recall came to my attention. I just don’t understand this explanation because it just doesn’t make any sense to me. This model vehicle had a premature bearing wear long before I had this vehicle. It’s a manufactured problem and just because it wasn’t reinstated before the vehicle had the problem kia will not stand behind the problem with this vehicle and I don’t understand that explanation. Please, please help me get this issue fixed for me please. This has really taken a toll on me and I can’t afford to just junk this vehicle so please help me. Thank you so much for trying to help me with this problem.

Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. It would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.

Unknown but we were driving home from friant in motion when the car died and started smoking, no indication light were on before until after the incident all warning lights were on dash. Our lives were put at risk due to this. We were not able to control steering wheel or to get out of the way of traffic.

Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.

On August 25th around 7:00 pm, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked after a short test drive. The car had just been purchased a few days prior and was taken to a mechanic for a precautionary inspection. During the test drive, the mechanic parked the vehicle in a residential driveway. After backing in, smoke was observed coming from the engine bay. When the hood was lifted, the engine area was already on fire. The fire department was called immediately and was able to extinguish the flames before the fire spread to surrounding property. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle. The vehicle had no warning lights, unusual performance issues, or prior signs of trouble, and it appeared to be in good condition prior to the incident. This fire posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injury or property damage. Component or system that failed: the engine area, likely associated with the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) fuse/fire risk. The vehicle may or may not be available for inspection, as it is severely burned. Safety risk: the fire posed a serious hazard to the mechanic, surrounding property, and anyone nearby. Rapid ignition could have caused injury or significant property damage. Problem confirmation: the fire was observed firsthand by the mechanic. The open recall related to the hecu fuse/fire risk indicates a known defect consistent with the incident. Inspections: the fire department responded and documented the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but the recall status is verifiable through official records. Warning signs: there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. This incident appears consistent with the conditions described in the open recall for the hecu fuse/fire risk, suggesting a possible link between the recall defect and the fire.

Driving home from an oil change. All of a sudden all power was lost. Luckily a wide spot in the road was right there. Car would not start back up. Checked oil- it was good. Had car trailered to a mechanic. He took off oil filter and cut it in half- was full of metal shavings. Said needs new engine. We trailered the car back home, where it currently sits. If the wide spot in the road wasn’t there, they’re likely would have been an accident being this was right on a sharp corner.

Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in kia safety recalls sc147, sc200, and sc201. On xxx, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition covered by the above recalls, which state that affected engines may seize, stall, or ignite. I have been in contact with both a kia dealership and kia consumer affairs for close to a month without any resolution. The dealership has confirmed that my car requires a complete engine replacement, but kia has refused to address the recall issue, claiming that other unrelated recalls were not performed. When I previously contacted dealerships to schedule recall repairs, I was told that parts were not available, which prevented me from completing them. In addition to the engine failure, the fire also caused my starter to fail. I was forced to purchase a replacement starter out of pocket, which has added to my financial hardship. I believe I am owed compensation for this expense, as it was a direct result of the safety defect. This situation has caused me severe financial strain, as I relied on my vehicle for work and currently have no income due to its inoperability. Kia has not provided a timeline for repairs, towing coverage, or written confirmation that they remain obligated to remedy this federally mandated safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate kia’s refusal to fulfill its recall obligations and intervene to ensure that my vehicle is repaired or replaced in compliance with federal recall requirements. My vehicle details are as follows: •year/make/model: 2012 kia Optima •VIN: xxxx •recalls involved: sc147, sc200, sc201 •incident: engine fire, vehicle no longer drivable; starter also failed due to fire please advise on next steps. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, xxxx xxxx information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2012 kia Optima experienced engine failure due to a dropped valve. The dealership (kia of des moines) performed a borescope inspection but stopped after discovering the broken valve. This means rod bearing failure was not ruled out. Two separate service reports conflict, one citing cylinder 2 and another citing cylinder 3. Kia denied coverage, citing that the failure was unrelated to the settlement and outside the mileage warranty.

See attached document for complaint.

June 26th 2025 my kia Optima 2012 ex quit on interstate 65 in alabama was towed to dealership 10 days later was requested that I turn in maintenance records which I did. 10 days after that I was contacted and I was told that they could not read some of the records I so resubmitted. No official diagnosis was told they just informed me that the motor would be replaced. They've since removes it from the dealership to a third location. Spoke with kia consumer affairs in a three-way call to the dealership we were hung up on three times. Trying to find out where the car had been towed to. The car is now at monrovia towing in alabama at $40 a day. I have takwn good care of this kia it falls under all the criteria there were no lights no warning signs it just shut down. Not only was the dealership evasive about their decision or the decision they made me feel as if I had done something wrong when I've only had the car 3 years taken very good care of it had the oil change by fiance the records and receipts of purchase oil. Devastating. Lengthy and financially crippling. I was lead to believe early on that it was a done deal to replace the engine . They accused of fraud in regards to the records. Untrue. This has caused so much stress and anxiety in my life. I am now without transportation. I have a special needs daughter and this car was a lifeline for us. I did nothing wrong I loved this car . I'm now having to let the car go because the towing company is going to auction the car.

Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5 mins and had to turn around due to me leaving something at work. When I arrived back at work I parked and cut my car off as I normally do and when I returned to start it back up it never did. I have previously been having to add 5 quarts of oil frequently at least once or twice a month for the past 7 months since last year. Was told my car had an oil consumption problem by a previous mechanical shop last year. Noticed that these cars have recalls on them and that my car and year do fit the requirements. I do owned my car with the tittle in hand. It’s not a salvaged tittle. I have a service appointment on the 24th of June next Tuesday at kia of gastonia located in gastonia,nc. I have to get my car towed to this establishment on Monday or the morning of my appointment. I’m asking that this situation can be properly investigated and properly and honestly handled under kia policy. My name is demario anderson my # is 704. 860. 3952 thanks.

I took my car to the kiaoflynchburg dealership for get the recalls done and diagnostic test on my engine as it was knocking and they had it since may 06, 2025. The dealership said at first I had a code to get the engine replaced no cost. Now got a phone call on June 19, 2025 saying how my car was on fire but the fire department made it on time to put it out. So did the claim on it they denied me saying it’s due to a aftermarket but tell me it cause of oil leak. And I do not have no aftermarket hook up in the vehicle. Now they won’t take responsibility for the damage they did to my car.

The contact owned a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the a/c vents. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact notified the insurance company; however, no claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving on the highway at 65 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the internal bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 40-45 mph, the vehicle shut off. The battery, oil, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal was firm. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There was smoke coming from the engine. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the transmission failed to shift to park. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 154,782.

I was driving home at night around 8pm. I was merging into the slow lane and my car completely lost power. A semi truck was right behind me. Luckily I was able to get over to the emergency lane safely. My car had no acceleration at all or any control of the steering. Prior to this incident there was no problem or warnings of any lights on dash or car having problems. It’s a daily driver for me to work. It’s never gave me any problems prior to this. I’ve had the routine maintenance done on along with the recommended mileage maintenance done. It’s been over a month now and my car still won’t start I haven’t had time to get it towed to a dealer ship or repair shop because I work 17 hour days. Everything I’ve researched about my make and model is starting to indicate that the engine seized up. I really hope that’s now the case because my car will be paid off in 3months. It has 165k miles on it I need help on weather the engine is part of a recall.

While driving 2012 kia Optima gdi home from work, the power suddenly stopped without warning with the engine, oil, and battery lights flashing on all at once. I was unable to accelerate whatsoever, so with the momentum of the vehicle I parked safely in a parking lot. There I discovered the car would not start and would give a loud clunking sound. A mobile mechanic confirmed that the engine was seized, and I had it towed to the nearest kia service center. They were able to also confirm it was an engine seize, but insisted kia would not replace the engine despite a recall notice of the motor of this vehicles make and model in 2017 (sc147).

On the evening of December 5, 2024 my 2012 kia Optima's engine completely seized out of no where while traveling on a very busy road where the speed limit is 50mph putting my life and other drivers that share the roads life in danger. Thank god I was able to succesfully merge over into a safe place as the car came to a hault. Previous to this incident the car was running perfectly fine with no dash lights on what so ever. Once I was in a safe place I called kia headquarters immediatly, I was told that I have to pay to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership and that I would be reinbursed depending on the issue of the vehicle after being diagnosed. The very next morning I called kia corporate to open a case for the vehicle, in which I was told that my specific year, make and models engine was under a lifetime warranty. I then recieved a call from the dealership decmember 6, 2024 and I was told my Optima would be diagnosed and if the issue is due to the kia engine class settlement that the engine would be replaced free of charge and if it is not then I would have to pay $380 to have the engine repaired under the lifetime warrantly & that the car could not be looked at until December 16, 2024. Once December 16, 2024 came around I recieved a call from the kia dealership and I was told that my vehicle could not be diagnosed due to the time frame in which I bought the vehicle and that I needed to have my car moved from their lot or I would get charged $80 a day storage fee so I had to have my vehicle towed back to my home where it is currently just sitting. To this day (January 22, 2024 I am still dealing with trying to communicate with kia corporate America to have this matter resolved for I am very aware of the engine recall issue for my specific year make and model. My vehicle has yet to be inspected and the only time the warning lamps came on was once the engine completely seized, all of the dash lights popped on.

The contact owned a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke and flames were suddenly present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to an inbound facility. No report was taken and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000(service brakes, hydraulic). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 151,000.

Driving on highway at about 60mph when the engine started knocking and the power decreased significantly. I pulled to the side of the road and called my day who came and brought his obd 2 tester. The code was p1326 which is knock sensor. We had the car towed to a kia dealer nearby and they updated the software. We picked up the car the next day. It seemed fine at first. Within two weeks the the same thing happened and we, once again had it towed to kia. Within a few days, the service writer called and said that the engine needed to be replaced, but that kia was denying an engine replacement. They said that they found sludge in the engine that in their opinion showed a lack of maintenance. We sent in receipts for oil changes every 5-6k miles. At this point, we do not have an answer regarding an engine replacement.

Car went to limp mode and has code p1326. Car was towed to kia and waiting on determination of kia in korea to cover engine. Car has 63,000 miles.

The engine caught fire and exploded after I parked it and exited the car and the recall repair was done on the engine July 5 2024 by kia dealership.

Hello my wife and I have owned our kia Optima ex for 3 months now. At first we were thrilled with the vehicle, it handled well but after about 5 weeks of daily driver commute. You could accelerate in the vehicle and the gas pedal would kind of stick and rocket us forward for a brief second. 2 times I can recall that fault alone almost cost me and my family our lives, also the engine has gotten so hot that it has melted the damn paint around the inside edge of the hood. One last thing, when you accelerate you can hear a almost grinding noise sometimes. I just want this documented just in case our kia takes us out hahaha. . . . . . I know what kia is an abbreviation for "killed in accident after driving this one.

The engine failed, and it is past the 100,000 mile warranty. Due to the fact that there were no warning lights at any moment prior to the engine failing, my safety and others were put at risk. The 2012 kia Optima suddenly stopped in the middle of a major road, which could have easily caused a collision had another vehicle been any closer to me. The component was inspected by a mechanic, and there were no symptoms prior to the car stopping.

Power train and engine failure and causing my kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train for over $9000 between repairs and labor and transmission and engine.

I did not know about this recall and my dad was driving my car caught on fire and blew up now I do not have a car please help.

I started the car up no lights on, started fine, no warning symptoms like loss of power, no oil consumption nothing! started an hour and a half drive to visit family and I started hearing a weird sound almost like plastic was flapping around on the bottom. Turned down the music and it was only making this weird sound every 5-10 seconds. Pulled off of the road shut the car off and checked under the hood, the oil everything seemed fine. Started it up and heard the sound again and suddenly became worse and came to the conclusion it’s a rod knock. Had to get off the busy road so continues for maybe 1 mile and every dash light came on shut it off waited for a trailer, once we got it on the trailer the lights were gone. The dealership near me is saying they can’t do anything due to a recall update not being done but I had a newly programmed ecu that was put in in March of 2023 and I was some research and I found a few things stating the ecu would be completely up to date but kia is fighting me on it. I have also been update to date on maintenance records. Since its been at the dealership I’ve asked for the other 2 recalls that are open on it to be done while I figure out what to do with it and they bypass me asking everytime.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, she noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the driver's side of the hood. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact stated that there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire, but declined to provide a copy of the report to the contact. No police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was pushed into a parking lot. The vehicle was then howled to the residence the following day. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign numbers: 23v652000(service brakes, hydraulic) and 17v224000(engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a field inspector, who inspected the vehicle at the residence. The field inspector informed the contact that a complete inspection of the vehicle could not be performed because the vehicle was not lifted. The contact stated that the inspector mainly inspected under the hood of the vehicle and took photos. The manufacturer later informed the contact that the vehicle repair could not be covered because the incident had not occurred due to the recalls based on the field inspector report. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 222,100.

Was driving on the road on the way back to work from lunch, started hitting the brakes at an upcoming stop light, and the car shut down. There was no lights indicating anything prior to the incident. I tried starting it again and it started smoking, I then opened the hood and all the smoke poured out. The engine bay smelled like something electrical melting or of some sort. I towed it to the dealership I work at and had my ex-kia technician coworkers look at it and said they've never seen anything like it, but did confirm the smell was electrical. Obd ii reader was not reading anything at all. I was letting it sit for a while waiting for the recall to have some sort of remedy, but I've grown tired waiting so I decided to file a complaint. And I will reiterate again that none of the lights came on at all until my car decided to break down.