general problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima

Eight problems related to gasoline fuel system have been reported for the 2012 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2012 Optima.

1 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2025

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

2 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2024

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima ex. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle was heisted. The vehicle lost power and was slow to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump was failing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 88,800. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine).

3 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2020

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle soon after refueling. The contact took the vehicle to orr kia of shreveport (1111 e. Bert kouns industrial loop, shreveport, la 71115) where she was provided a diagnostic fee which she declined. The contact then called orr kia of bossier city (3601 benton rd, bossier city, la 71111) where she was also given another diagnostic fee which she also declined. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

4 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 04/19/2020

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle and proceeded to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was contamination in the fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the fuel system had been replaced less than three years ago. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

5 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 12/16/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, an abnormal rattling noise was heard coming from the engine as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle however, the cause for the rattling was not detected. As the contact resumed driving, the rattling noise became louder and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v100000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 230,000. Invalid VIN.

6 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2016

2012 kia Optima. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the engine seized. The dome light in the vehicle inadvertently turned on. The camshaft failed.

7 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2016

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into limp mode and failed to exceed 61 mph. The rpm failed to exceed 2,000 rpm. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 45 mph while driving uphill, and the vehicle failed to exceed 55 mph while driving downhill. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner and retrieved codes indicating an oil control valve failure. The contact replaced the oil control valve; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel rail system, the fuel tube clamps, and the bolts were replaced under NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the battery, the engine oil, and other unknown parts; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

8 Gasoline Fuel System problem

Failure Date: 09/29/2014

2012 kia Optima sx car went into auxiliary mode first, but upon pushing the button the push start button a second time the engine turned over and started. The consumer had to replaced the tires, there was an issue with the turbo actuator and the radio was making a strange noise. The consumer stated the vehicle would not start. The vehicle went into auxiliary; where the ac, radio and lights were on. She turned them all off and pushed the start button again. The vehicle turned off, went out of auxiliary mode and she removed her foot from the brake. On the second attempt, she realized the pedal was still engaged, she tried pumping it, to release it, but it would not. She verified the gear was in park. Upon pushing the start button again, the vehicle went into auxiliary mode again. After five attempts, she was able to start the vehicle.


Other Gasoline Fuel System related problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima



Safety Ratings of Optima Cars
Fuel Economy of Optima Vehicles
Optima Defect Investigations