8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,200
Average Mileage:
90,900 miles
Total Complaints:
23 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (21 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
2012 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #3

Feb 172016

Optima EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving on the overpass and merging onto another highway when I tried to accelerate to the flow of traffic and the car would not accelerate. The check engine light came on and luckily I was able to veer off the freeway to the emergency lane at which point the car started smoking and smelling like an electrical fire. I opened the hood and white smoke was pouring out. The vehicle was then towed to KIA dealership where I was advised the engine blew due to metal debris in the oil filter and oil pan. Since I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle my car was only under warranty for 60K miles. I am currently escalating this to National team at KIA Corporate office as I feel they need to be held liable to pay for the engine. After reading all these complaints I feel this is a factory defect just like 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Sonata's and KIA needs to take action! There is a class action lawsuit investigation for KIA engine failures as well! This is obviously a known issue and it's sad that KIA is putting the blame on the customers instead of taking responsibility for a factory defect. No car with 71K miles on it with proper maintenance should have the engine just blow! KIA not only put my life in danger but they also put my child's life in danger!!

- Colette C., Queen Creek, AZ, US

problem #2

Mar 192016

Optima SX 20t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,152 miles

Driving my wife's 2012 Optima turbo with 16152 miles on it, yes 16152 miles! Cruising along 65mph in heavy traffic, TOTAL engine failure! I was able to traverse three lanes to shoulder of road.Towed to Revolution Kia Lindenhurst NY. Engine is toast they are attempting to find a crate engine seems none are available. What does that tell you? How many other engines have failed? If they cant find one They want to get a short block and use old parts in rebuilt. They say they found metal shavings in the pan why use any parts from a contaminated wrecked engine ? Totally unacceptable. This work is under warranty,so Iwait to see the outcome.I would like to add that the dealership was very professional and find no fault with them.When this is done I am dumping this vehicle.

- shady46ny, smithnytown, NY, US

problem #1

Dec 032015

Optima 2.5L Litre

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

The engine in my 2012 Kia Optima is dead and was built at the same facility, well within the same time frame, and installed in my Optima as the Hyundai's that had a major recall. I find it hard to believe that Kia will not honor a defective product. If Kia’s parent company Hyundai came clean with the problem, I believe Kia should do the same.

Everything that happened to our Kia engine is exactly as called out on the Hyundai recall of 600,000 vehicles for faulty engines.

I realize the engine is out of warranty, but that does not make it correct that we were sold a car with a defective engine from the start. I do not believe I should be responsible for the cost of the entire repair.

I do not see how anybody could say this is not a manufacturer defect. I have contacted everyone in the Kia corporation, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, etc. Kia does not stand behind the vehicles or support the customers. They ignore the fact they have a major issue just as the Hyundais did. But Hyundai did the right thing for their customers. Kia could care less about people that get hurt driving their cars. Shame on them!

- Steven C., Bohemia, NY, US

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