2012 Kia Optima transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 30, 2026KYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11734770 · source
2. Filed Jan 28, 202678,000 miMOTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the message to shift to park was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that there was a delay while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several dealers, and the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed by one dealer…

   NHTSA complaint #11714024 · source
3. Filed Dec 13, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   The failure involves the component covered under the active safety recall campaign. The affected part/system is still installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request by the manufacturer, dealership, or NHTSA. Recall number : 23V6552 While driving in traffic, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning, started jerking, and lost normal operation. I was forced to pull over to avoid a collision. This sudden loss of power and control placed me,…

   NHTSA complaint #11704849 · source
4. Filed Dec 8, 2025PAEngineLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11703721 · source
5. Filed Jan 14, 2025130,000 miVATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light eventually became illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved a fault code for the engine variable valve timing solenoid. The contact was informed that the engine variable valve timing solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11635841 · source
6. Filed Oct 27, 2024MOFireBody & StructureEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 complaint #11622174 · source
7. Filed Oct 13, 202245,000 miCATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11489193 · source
8. Filed Apr 26, 2022TXCrashTransmission & Drivetrain

   The shifter cable came off during the car was on motion in my driveway..and unable to put it in PARK. My driveway has quite inclining uphill.. imagine if the car would roll back .. or simply the fact it worries me if that could happen somewhere away i would totally get stranded.. upon google i was able to confirm that KIA using the cheap parts and this happened to others also.. My boyfriend was able open gear console cover and snapped the cable ring back ...KIA should…

   NHTSA complaint #11462344 · source
9. Filed Apr 6, 2022TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   2012 Kia Optima Engine oil lights flickers on slowing .. I have checked the oil and the Filter they look excellent and to the correct level.

   NHTSA complaint #11459814 · source
10. Filed Oct 24, 2021IABrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    My engine failed. Dick Withams here in Waterloo, IA was paid by Kia to replace engine for free due to my warranty. Dick Withams rushed the process and allowed me back on the road with no coolant plug( which was detected immediately) I returned the car and Dick Withams attached a plug so my coolant wouldn't spill over on the ground. Every time I pressed my brakes THERE WAS A HORRIBLE SOUND LIKE MY DRIVE AXIAL WAS NOT PUT TOGETHER WHEN Putting the engine back. Kia is allowing…

    NHTSA complaint #11437932 · source
11. Filed Oct 20, 2021MIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Every time i stop at a light my car starts to shake and vibrate. Now the check engine is on and my car is making weird noises, going at higher speeds

    NHTSA complaint #11437471 · source
12. Filed Sep 22, 2021PATransmission & Drivetrain

    My wife had been complaining that while driving 2011 optima hybrid at highway speeds the car would suddenly lose power and slow to 30 or 40 mph while the pedal is floored. Took it to the dealer who said we needed a new battery which did not solve the problem. 2nd time came with a warning on the dash to check hybrid system, back at the dealer they said it appears to be some special fuse in the trunk ($300)…problem sill persist however this time the car completely shut down on…

    NHTSA complaint #11433935 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology