Friday, August 7, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid vs 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Metric2012 Kia Optima Hybrid2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
NHTSA complaints10851
Recall campaigns32
Service bulletins (TSBs)134146
Investigations77
Crash reports51
Fire reports52
NCAP overall rating
EPA MPG (combined)3637
Median reported mileage88,000 mi68,500 mi

Reported problems side by side

ComponentKia Optima HybridKia Optima Hybrid
Engine7212
Electrical System1918
Power Train107
Service Brakes, Hydraulic59
Steering94
Vehicle Speed Control55
Service Brakes63
Hybrid Propulsion System15

Symptoms owners describe

Clunking / rattling170
Stalling107
Check engine light100
Loss of power80
Hesitation / surging50
Vibration / shaking50
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid

Compare all Kia Optima Hybrid vs Kia Optima Hybrid years →

Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.