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2012 Kia Optima
Sedan · 2010–2020 · Optima, Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-In Hybrid
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Which year to buy
Best bet2019Fewest serious problems: 0.7× usual
Newest we'd buy2020The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2012, 2014, 2016–2017More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 1.5× usual, mostly engine and steering Extended coverage
912 serious complaints of 1,028, the most about engine (470) and steering (197); per car on the road, 1.5× this model's usual year. 6 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA19001: electrical overstress. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. While driving approximately 55-60 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and there was a knocking noise coming from the engine. In addition, the oil level warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to lose power.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Oct 2019
“The contact owns a 2012 kia optima. While driving approximately 5 mph making a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jul 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with DTC(s) P0442 or P0455. For vehicles in other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the evaporative… (TSB-SC135R1, Oct 2016)
- Extended coverage The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped. Kia's analysis has identified that this condition occurs mainly in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters due to the wear of the flexible coupling in the… (TSB-CHA072R2, Apr 2017)
- Extended coverage The material of the brake pedal stopper pad, which is located between the stop lamp switch and the brake pedal arm, may deteriorate over time allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - DEALER PRINCIPAL LETTER -… (WTY011, Sep 2018)
- Extended coverage Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. would like to thank you for your purchase of a Kia Optima vehicle. (CS1604OWNR, Mar 2019)
- Extended coverage Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty004 - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc. Has extended the warranty coverage of the kia new vehicle limited warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014… (WTY004DEALERPSM, Jun 2016)
- Extended coverage Warranty bulletin: wty004 - 2011-2014 my optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (wty004) - this warranty bulletin provides information related to the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the engine short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting… (WTY004BULLETINR1, Jun 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
1,028 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26–36 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2012
- Starting prices: +$505 to +$705 (4 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: 2.0L Turbo GDI Four-Cylinder → 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 (SX, EX Turbo)
- Engine: 2.4L GDI Four-Cylinder → 2.4L GDI I4 (LX, EX)
2012 Optima trims
| EX | EX Turbo | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||
| Starting MSRP | $23,200 | $25,100 | from $19,500 | $26,500 |
| Powertrain | ||||
| Engine | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp + option | 274 hp | 200 hp + option | 274 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft + option | 269 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft + option | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Sportmatic | Sportmatic | Automatic: Sportmatic Manual: — | Sportmatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | — | — | Automatic / Manual | — |
| Size and capability | ||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.3 in | 5.3 in | 5.3 in |
| Length | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3,223 lb | 3,385 lb | Automatic: 3,223 lb Manual: 3,206 lb | 3,385 lb |
| Tech | ||||
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 + option | 6 + option | 6 + option | 6 + option |
| Comfort | ||||
| Seats | Leather | Leather | Cloth | Leather |
| Heated seats | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Ventilated seats | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Climate zones | 2 | 2 | Optional | 2 |
| Exterior | ||||
| Sunroof | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 17 in | 17 in | 16 in | 18 in |
Packages and options (23)
| EX | EX Turbo | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX / EX Turbo Premium Package $2,950 | Optional | Optional | — | — |
| LX Convenience Package $600 | — | — | Optional | — |
| LX Technology Package | — | — | Optional | — |
| SX Premium Package $2,950 | — | — | — | Optional |
| SX Premium Touring Package $2,950 | — | — | — | Optional |
| EX / EX Turbo / SX Technology Package $1,400 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| SULEV | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Cargo Mat $95 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Corsa Blue | — | — | — | Optional |
| Dark Cherry | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Metal Bronze | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Satin Metal | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Snow White | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Spicy Red | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Cloth | — | — | Optional | — |
| Beige Leather | Optional | Optional | — | — |
| Black Leather and Sport Cloth | — | — | — | Optional |
| Gray Cloth | — | — | Optional | — |
| Gray Leather | Optional | Optional | — | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem order guide, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode, Other. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 24–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 150 | Engine (101) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 24–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 211 | Engine (91) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 25–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 243 | Engine (137) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 25–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 305 | Engine (191) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid, 185 hp | FWD | 25–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 760 | Engine (427) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | 24–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 1021 | Engine (627) | Yes |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | 24–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 617 | Engine (299) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 1438 | Engine (625) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–36 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 1028 | Engine (470) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–36 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 627 | Engine (275) | No |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 2.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 23–25 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 75 | Power train (24) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Optima 2015–2020 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 148 |
| 2020 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 210 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 210 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 210 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 232 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 3 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 3 | 243 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 256 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 26 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 23 |
| 2016 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 756 |
| 2016 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 4 |
| 2015 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 1009 |
| 2015 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 12 |
| 2014 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 7 | 586 |
| 2014 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 31 |
| 2013 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 9 | 1383 |
| 2013 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 55 |
| 2012 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 919 |
| 2012 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 109 |
| 2011 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 593 |
| 2010 | Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 75 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–31 |
| 2020 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2020 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2020 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–31 |
| 2019 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2019 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2018 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2018 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2018 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2018 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2018 | Optima S | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 26 |
| 2017 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2017 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2017 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2017 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2016 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2016 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–29 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2015 | Optima | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2014 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2013 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2012 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2012 | Optima Hybrid | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2011 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2011 | Optima Hybrid | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2010 | Optima | Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L |
23–25 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.