Two problems related to vehicle shudder 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.
While driving on many city streets 0-45mph and interstate 0-70mph service engine light comes on and goes off periodically. When the light is on, car shakes and sputters as transmission gears shift (not engne). Appears to be something to do with the transmission. Caught the light on and read code p0711. According to TSB 043 [rev ] /2/2013 this is an internal problem and must be corrected by a licensed mechanic.
Jerking and loss of acceleration when driving and when shifting in parking/reverse. When shifting in reverse it makes a jerk and make a thud. Same thing in drive but a little more harsh. Jerking also just when shifting to drive after starting the car. Even when I drive it would give a jerk a few times when switching gears, and also when I brake to slow down it does it. I also remember the car shaking one time when I turned it on. It also lost acceleration while driving to work in a 45 mpg area. Had to pull over and shut/restart the car a few times. Taken in to kia each time this happened. Last night, June 30, was the forth time. Kia can't figure out what's wrong with it. It is scary and unsafe as I feel it can cause a rear-end accident.