I was driving on the interstate. Had been driving for about 40 minutes when I was on the interstate going up a small hill and tried to accelerate in speed and my check engine light came on and my car started jumping and then would not keep the speed I was at. The speed in my car kept descending. It wasnt until I was going 30 MPH before I could get over into the slow lane to then get in the…
2012 Kia Optima engine problems
severe 295 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
295
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3crashes
38fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 295 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 295 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Kia optima. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle sezed without warning. When the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, it failed to return to normal. The vehicle was towed to a family member's house. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified. The…
As my stepdaughter was driving home from work on a highway, a loud knock noise came from the engine compartment. At which time she was scared to drive it anymore, so she parked alongside road and waited for someone to come get her. The car was then trailered to the house and then to the Kia dealership. When the car was started to load onto the trailer, there were no warning lights of any kind…
My engine has blown. No check engine light warning was given. Now the dealer says they will not replace the engine and it will cost me 10,000 for the repair.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the engine was running however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled off the highway into a rest area. The contact stated that the engine and the vehicle were shaking abnormally. The…
Engine is making knocking sound
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Kia Optima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 Kia Optima?
It's a meaningful issue. 295 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 214 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 75,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 108,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 75,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Kia/Optima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.