2012 Kia Optima engine and engine cooling problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2012 Kia Optima — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was knocking at startup. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the manufacturer declined to honor the recall because the original…”
filed Feb 18, 2026
“Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in Kia Safety Recalls SC147, SC200, and SC201. On XXX, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition covered by the…”
filed Oct 9, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear…Campaign 17V224000 · Mar 31, 2017
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
PI1803YZ_TSB_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 22, 2024
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 8 | 6% |
| 2019 Optima | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 Optima | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 Optima | 7 | 3% |
| 2016 Optima | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 30 | 3% |
| 2014 Optima | 14 | 2% |
| 2013 Optima | 41 | 3% |
| 2011 Optima | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 Optima | 5 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.