What 916 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Optima

Engine faílúre on June 26, 2026.Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic.I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in advance for the traffic to move around me. This is a second engine failure for my Kia. The engine was replaced in December 2023/ January 2024. Incident #11558201. It does not immediately restart. After some time (about an hour) it takes a long time for it to kick over then finally starts. When beginning to move forward it travels approximately 100-150 feet then dies again. A gentleman stopped to see if he could help. He thought the fuel gauge was broken and just needed gas. (Gas tank was full). Then he put the car in neutral and pushed me home with his truck. Then he helped me push it up into my driveway. I haven't gotten to the dealership (Ferguson Imports) Kia because of the cost of towing which I am responsible for if I wish to have it seen by a service specialist. It is available for inspection upon requést.

NHTSA ODI 11747400

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.

NHTSA ODI 11734769

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.

NHTSA ODI 11734770

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.

NHTSA ODI 11720852

•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.

NHTSA ODI 11717968

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.

NHTSA ODI 11717790

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.

NHTSA ODI 11708758

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.

NHTSA ODI 11703721

To: 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: [XXX] ) From: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vehicle Information: - VIN: * [XXX] ** - Make / Model: 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid - Mileage: approx. **250,000 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 * [XXX] **, 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 [XXX] ] [XXX] ) - NHTSA Recall **23V652**: This relates to the Hydraul INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11701499

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.

NHTSA ODI 11698800

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

NHTSA ODI 11695693

Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.

NHTSA ODI 11686901

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

NHTSA ODI 11683285

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.

NHTSA ODI 11683294

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

NHTSA ODI 11682246

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.

NHTSA ODI 11681651

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact pressed on the horn, and the horn failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, upon starting the vehicle and attempting to adjust the driver’s side mirror, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the side-view mirror motor. The contact stated that several days later, the abnormal clicking sound ceased, and the driver’s side mirror failed to function as intended. On a separate occasion, the passenger’s side mirror motor was making an abnormal clicking sound. Several days later, the clicking sound ceased and the passenger’s side mirror failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to close the sunroof, the motor failed to function as intended and the sunroof was half closed. The contact had to place a tarp over the sunroof to protect inside the vehicle from the elements. No warning lights were illuminated. Recently the vehicle received maintenance and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had failed in the engine. The contact was unsure what part of the engine had been replaced. The failure recurred, and the contact had safety concerns about the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11681327

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.

NHTSA ODI 11674588

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 Title in hand. It’s NOT a salvaged title. 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 [XXX] my # is [XXX] thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668342

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.

NHTSA ODI 11664857

Subject: Recall Denial Due to Salvage Title – 2012 Kia Optima (VIN:[XXX]) Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a complaint regarding Kia Motors’ refusal to perform a recall repair on my 2012 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX]) due to the vehicle having a rebuilt title. My vehicle is equipped with the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine, which has been recalled for known safety defects including risk of engine seizure and fire. I brought my car to a local Kia dealership for the recall repair, but they refused service based solely on the vehicle having a branded (salvage) title. I then contacted Kia Consumer Affairs and was again told that the recall does not apply to salvage vehicles—even though the engine defect clearly stems from poor design and is unrelated to any prior accident or title status. I am concerned that Kia is ignoring its obligations under federal recall law and putting drivers like myself at risk. Denying a recall based solely on a salvage title—especially when the defect has nothing to do with the car’s condition—undermines public safety. I respectfully ask the NHTSA to investigate Kia’s refusal and consider whether policies like this should be permitted under federal recall enforcement standards. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11658894

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.

NHTSA ODI 11655964

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.

NHTSA ODI 11637823

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).

NHTSA ODI 11634725

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

NHTSA ODI 11622174