2012 Kia Optima Review: An Unreliable Car With Costly Issues

Jan 22, 2022

The 2012 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan with a price range of $8,861 to $14,458. Serious mechanical problems coupled with a high cost of ownership are reasons buyers should avoid the Optima.

The Good

There is a very luxurious interior for the price with high-quality materials, good standard infotainment technology, and the upgraded engine is quick for a midsize sedan.

The Bad

Long-term reliability is questionable with frequent engine failures, the cabin is noisier than the competition, and the suspension is not as smooth as other midsize cars.

2012 Kia Optima: Quick Overview

Changes are minor for the 2012 model year and include a new wheel design, and chrome exterior accents.
Reliability ratings are average, according to J.D. Power, with fewer complaints than the older 2011 model.
Two engines are available. Both are 4-cylinders, but the turbo version has excellent power for a midsize sedan.
Fuel economy is good and ties for 3^rd place out of 15 midsize cars with a combined rating of up to 27 miles per gallon.
Safety ratings are great, getting a perfect 5-star score in government crash tests and earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The 2012 Kia Optima comes in 6^th place out of 15 midsize cars based on owner reviews. Mechanical issues, including engine failures, are just too common to recommend the Optima over other midsize cars.

Expert Ratings

Kelley Blue Book

3.9/5

US News

7.8/10

Cars.com

4.5/5

Positive Owner Reviews

Amber S

The 2012 Kia optima: great on gas mileage.

This car has been great for me and my family. Great on gas mileage, no problems so far with the engine. Love how spacious the trunk is. The fabric on the seats is easy to clean, Bluetooth works great and easy to use. Plenty of cup holders throughout the car.

Rebecca R

Gas mileage is fantastic.

I love how smooth it drives, the space it has for a small car, and the gas mileage. Do not like the ventilation in the car. It takes a very long time for the ac to kick in and come out cold.

peter z

If you want a safe and reliable ride Kia is the one for you!

Very reliable vehicle. The cost to maintain has been at a minimum. I like the way it drives. I would purchase another KIa!

Julia V

Great small car for a single family and great gas mileage!

This car is great however I wish there was just a little bit more room in the ceiling area! It is a perfect small car and great on gas mileage! I currently get approximately 25 mpg and I do city and highway driving. It is the perfect car for a small family. I currently have two 100+ pound dogs and they both fit back there nicely and have plenty of room! I would recommend this car to everyone!

Cindy F

Not the greatest handing in the snow. It sits low to ground which hampers handling

Like the looks/styling and handling. It is s full size sedan, but gets good gas mileage. It is not the greatest car in the snow, but if it were not for this fact, I'd purchase another one without a second thought

Barbara E

It hands free for using your phone.

I love my Kia it has a gdi turbo engine drives real smooth dual sunroof black interior display very sleek look I am very happy with my optima.

Tori S

That is is fully loaded, so not every Optima out there has what my car has.

My Optima is full loaded which is what I love most. It makes the car seem high end and like a luxury vehicle. I have heated/cooled seats. Heated steering wheel, back up cam, a moonroof, power steering, and voice commands. The only thing I don't like about my car is that it is a little on the longer side.

Britni M

Kia optima great car get one.

I love the car. It has great mileage. The gas tank is pretty big. The car takes about 40 dollars to fill up. I have a panoramic sunroof which is really nice car runs well. The features on the inside of the car are nice radio system could be better. You turn it up halfway seems like the speakers will blow easy. Signal for radIo drops often.

Negative Owner Reviews

Dennis M

Don't buy this car be aware that Kia will offer you no assistance with anything

It's a hybrid drives horribly needed a new transmission at 15000 miles

Melissa B

Great speakers and fancy gadgets but engine and trans problems not worth it.

I bought it used, had to put new transmission in it and then it just continuously gave me problems. Most of the blame I would place on the dealership for not being truthful about the history of the car.

Rob

Poor quality

Bought the car as a executive demo. Motor died at 99000 km. Hamilton Kia dealership stung me for $8500.00 . We bought the extended warranty. Wasn't worth the paper it was printed on.kia Canada was a absolutely no help. Took no responsibility for there motor issues.took 5 years to get part of our money back. The techs are a joke. Nothing but problems. Wouldn't even recommend them to my worst enemy.

Vincenzo G

A low risk reliable car. Not very flashy.

It is a reliable car it is just old. It is need updated features, better radio sound system, leather seats, sun rooftop. Fully electric windows and seats. Better performance would be a plus on the newer models. It has been reliable as it relates to maintenance.

Janet S

It's a great car.. Besides it's recalls..i love the make and model..

I love the Kia Optimas... They are beautiful cars...The only thing I'm unhappy with...is that this make and model has to many recalls..My experience of when the engine seized ... Was a very scary and traumatizing one... I understand that not all vehicles are perfect but this almost caused us a big accident..I'm scared to even ride in the car..

Jessica O

Kia: you get what you pay for.

It constantly sounds like it is falling apart, it is very cheaply made. The only good thing is the heated seats and the heated steering wheel. This car will not last us long, but it is good enough for our teenage daughter's first vehicle. I would not buy another Kia vehicle ever again.

Amber S

King of recalls is the Kia optima.

In my opinion, the optima is a terrible vehicle. It has no room for anything inside the car, and has had a handful of recalls since we bought the vehicle. And we bought it brand new in December of 2012. I do not recommend anyone buying the Kia optima.

Kelly S

If my driving remains in town, I normally buy gas every two weeks.

The vehicle is not very comfortable, especially for long journeys. The mileage is wonderful, especially for those who commute. There are a few blind spots that make changing lanes rather difficult. The car does make a lot of noise and rumbling due to it being a hybrid.

What Problems Does the 2012 Kia Optima Have?

The 2012 Kia Optima has an average number of problems for a midsize sedan, but they are more serious than the competition. There are a fewer number of complaints than the 2013 model.

Engine failures are the most common, and most serious problem. The engine frequently dies around 100,000 miles, and replacements cost about $5,200. In some cases the failure is covered by the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and the engine bearing recall.

Loose steering is another frequent complaint from owners. Usually there’s damage to the steering rack. Replacing the components solves the problem, costing about $230 on average.

The sunroof falling out is another issue, but is rarer than the other complaints. Owners report the sunroof breaking while driving at highway speeds, and there’s no definitive reason. Replacing the sunroof costs about $660, depending on local labor rates.

There are 3 recalls affecting the car, which is better than other cars from 2012. The recalls include bearing wear in the engine, air bags, and the high pressure fuel pipe. Both the bearing wear and high pressure fuel pipe recalls are important since they can lead to engine failures or fires.

What are the Prices, Models & Specs?

The 2012 Kia Optima is more expensive than other midsize sedans, with a price range of $8,861 to $14,458, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $19,500 to $26,500. Depreciation is average for the class, dropping about 45% in value over the first 5 years.

LX is the entry-level model with 16-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, power windows and locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB connectivity.
EX falls in the middle of the lineup and has 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, wood trim, keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control, LED tail lights, and the turbocharged 4-cylinder is optional.
SX is the flagship and sport-focused choice with the turbo engine standard, 18-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, xenon headlights, and a sportier suspension.

200 HP 28 MPG

View Details

274 HP 26 MPG

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Hybrid

206 HP 36 MPG

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274 HP 26 MPG

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How Long Will the 2012 Kia Optima Last?

A properly maintained 2012 Kia Optima will last about 150,000 miles, which is shorter than other midsize sedans. Frequent engine failures around 100,000 miles are costly, and mechanically total some vehicles. Standard annual maintenance costs are average for the class and Repair Pal estimates them to be $537 per year.

John C

Nothing except routine maintenance. The body and paint are holding up very well in the hot Florida sun.

s s

Yes to an extent. I believe that Japanese cars are better in my opinion. For example, Honda, Acura, Toyota or any other care is more reliable. Kia is very good but I believe that it could be better and more reliable.

Dena W

No problems, has low miles and is good on gas. Has been good with engine. It never breaks down and has good gas mileage.

Courtney D

No problems. Drives great. Transmission slipping a bit but other than that it is very good to me. Great on gas once it is on half a tank or more.

Katie M

It is reliable most of the time. But, I have had some trouble with it and it does have problems. With the engine and the radio for example.

Bill B

This car is super reliable. I have never had an ounce of issue with it. I have had this since 2014.

Mary W

Mine has been very reliable. No problems have occurred so far, even though my car has a lot of miles on it.

Lauren P

The Optima is very reliable. I've put nearly 200,000 miles on it since I purchased it new, and have never had any problems with it.

What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology features are better than some competitors in the entry-level models, and the optional navigation system is very good for the price.

Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with USB, Bluetooth, and AUX connectivity, satellite radio, and 6 speakers.
Upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and an 8-speaker Infinity stereo.
Standard safety technology includes antilock disc brakes, air bags, as well as traction and stability control. A rearview camera is an optional upgrade included with the navigation system.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance in the 2012 Optima is good for a midsize sedan. The upgraded turbocharged engine takes the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds.

The base engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower.
An upgraded 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder is optional on the EX, and is standard on the SX with 274 horsepower.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Optima?

The 2012 Kia Optima is a midsize sedan and is similar in size to the competitors. Passenger space is good in both the front and back seats with plenty of legroom. Headroom is a bit limited in the back seats though due to the sloping roof line. There’s 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which is average for the class. There’s enough room to fit 3 to 4 suitcases.

How Does the 2012 Kia Optima Compare to Other Cars?

Ranking 6^th out of 15 midsize cars based on owner reviews, the 2012 Kia Optima is in the middle of the class.

A higher-rated option is the more expensive Toyota Camry. The Camry has a much better reliability rating with fewer owner complaints, and a more spacious interior. Where the Optima stands out is with better technology, and more luxurious interior materials. Overall, the Camry wins easily because they last longer, and have lower ownership costs.

A close competitor is the Mazda6, which is in the same price range. The Mazda has better reliability ratings, and is more engaging to drive. Where the Optima comes out ahead is with better passenger room, and more luxurious interior materials for the money. The Mazda is a more affordable sedan to own with less mechanical problems, and wins in our comparison.

Ranks #6 Midsize Cars by Owners

2012 Honda Crosstour

4.59

2012 Subaru Legacy

4.54

2012 Kia Optima

4.36

Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Kia Optima a Good Car?

No, the 2012 Kia Optima is not a good car based on information from 345 verified owner reviews and 17 government and automotive websites. The positives include an upscale interior for the price, and a comfortable suspension. Where the Optima falls short is with serious mechanical problems, and a noisier interior than the competition. Overall, the 2012 Optima is a used car buyers should avoid since engine failures are expensive to replace.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Michele on November 29, 2023

2012 Kia Optima Extensive repair, maintenance and recalls

Replaced motor 2 times in a 4 year time period. In 2019 3 recalls on my vehicle. This year 2023 2 more recalls. The dealer wouldn't even provide a loaner car until I showed them I have that option on my insurance. I asked to give it back after replacing engine the first time and they would not. I started to report it under the lemon law but I am single mom and needed my car so badly I just dealt with it. This is my 3rd car I have paid off and now with 3 more payments left it has 160,000 miles on it and is on its last leg.break pedal stop has had to be replaced 3 times that causes all kind if issues including check engine light P2096 that it has now and I can not figure it out so BACK TO THE SHOP IT GOES. Insurance companies won't even insure them only liability bc they are easy to break into and because so many problems and recalls. I feel like the truth was purposely kept secret in order for a company to make a buck instead of honest customer focused perspective and that sux. Kia should right this wrong that I am burdened with and at least pay it off and take it as a down payment for another Kia.

Amy E on June 22, 2021

Sporty but practical. I love my car.

Love my car. Sporty but practical. Good gas mileage. I drive for a living and can go at least a week without having to fill up my car. Trunk is big enough to hold all of my work supplies. I would recommend my car to others, makes a great family car also.

Kristian B on June 17, 2021

Constant recalls but company did eventually fix the problem.

The year model that I have has had a multitude of problems. It was almost considered to be a lemon. The year model is 2012 and in the year 2018 the motor went completely out on the vehicle. It ended up being a recall. This issue was so common on my year model that it took 3 months for me to get my car back; there were a line of customers before me. Aside from a slew of recalls the car has been okay. If I’d had foresight I would not have gone with this particular model. From my understanding the optima was the only model with this issue. To my knowledge the company has since resolved the issue.

Anna R on June 15, 2021

It is wonderful family car.

My Kia has driven well the past few years. No big problems just little things like spark plugs and oil changes. It is a great family car, I am able to fit everyone in my family into it and it has great gas mileage. I love the push start and the Bluetooth radio.

Gale B on May 25, 2021

Spacious and smooth vehicle.

Haven't had problems with my vehicle other than those that come with a vehicle over time. Very comfortable and spacious. Would definitely consider buying another Kia optima in future car purchases. I feel very safe in the car. The only thing I am missing is a sunroof but I couldn't pass up the opportunity on this vehicle and unfortunately owner did not buy one with a sunroof.

Marcella B on May 20, 2021

My car is a sleek black color and has comfortable leather seats.

It is really low to the ground so it is difficult to keep the bumper from getting damaged, otherwise it has been a really reliable vehicle that I know will last for another couple years before I start looking for another car. Another thing though, the USB port does not work properly and is not able to charge my phone. Other than those two flaws, it just needs regular maintenance like every other car and it has not broken down all that often ever since I have gotten it.

Hailey L on May 19, 2021

Maximum comfort vehicle, good buy.

The 2012 Kia optima runs fantastic. I bought mine used with 90,000 miles on it and it still runs great. It is very roomy and makes you feel like you are driving a sports car. The power seating is easy to use and makes comfortability a huge selling point for the vehicle.

Thomas J on May 17, 2021

Not a bad car, just not the right car.

I don't really like power steering, and the pedals are too tight. It functions fine, but it just is not my preferred style of car. I prefer looser pedals, so I do not accelerate too quickly or break too abruptly. I also prefer looser steering so there is less jerking and sharp turning.

Mike E on May 17, 2021

Honest answer for Kia optima.

My cars paint finish is peeling every which way and Kia will not warranty it. I have also had to have my engine replaced 2 times. Other than that I really enjoy it. Good on gas mileage and a nice looking car otherwise. Warranty is well worth it, when honored.

Camden S on May 9, 2021

Buy this car it is quality that you will not regret.

This vehicle is a quality buy to say the least. It runs extremely smooth on any type of road and since I have had it this vehicle has had no problems at all. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable car that can go the long miles. If you are looking for luxury look no further this sleek design will have girls knocking at your windows. I couldn't imagine having any other car. I will say the one downside is it is lack of leather seats but if you add those high tech seat covers you will not regret it. I would 10/10 recommend this car to anyone it is a quality purchase.

Andrew F on April 18, 2021

Kia optima review (third vehicle).

The vehicle is fine for its purpose but the body is made of plastic and the gas could be better. Comfort is about what you would expect and features could be worse. For what the car is, I am happy but wouldn't say it is my lifelong car by any stretch.

Joyce C on April 4, 2021

Kia optima bliss ride in comfort/style with this loaded turbo engine vehicle.

My Kia optima turbo has a very hearty engine. I feel very safe in it because should I be in a situation where I need to accelerate quickly, this car flies. It is very comfortable and has heated and cooling seats. One downside is the passenger front seat does not raise or lower. It is locked in one height position. Heating and cooling system is exceptional because you can isolate the temperature toward the direction you desire, including the backseat. The car has a very quiet, smooth ride and maneuvers easily. It has all the bells and whistles a car needs and then some. Has backup camera, tire problem indicator, great stereo system, surprisingly large trunk, and GPS and satellite radio. There is only one small blind spot which is resolved via the outside automated mirrors. The back seats folds down flat so you can put larger/longer items in your trunk. The car is sporty looking and it took some adjustment for me to transition from a Honda CR-V to this lower level entry car. I am extremely happy with the vehicle I purchased.

Ale H on April 4, 2021

Comfortable in the front, mirror is really big and clear & great for traveling!!

I like my Kia it is a good car to travel or just have as a family car of 4. It can fit 5 but it is quite small in the back so am guessing that is the only problem I have been having when I want to bring one more person along. Overall it is an awesome car I really recommend and also the gas tank fills up with $28 and it does lasts you.

Shanice S on March 31, 2021

Push start digital keypad

I need new tires the brakes lights went out also I need a new air system and all so some new brakes for my car

Yveline L on March 30, 2021

Adjustable front seatbelt anchors, child safety locks, child seat anchors.

Love the car. Great on the highways and on hills. Did have to get a new engine, but it was replaced for free. Very reliable, I do not have any problems with the car. The tires may lose air but I think it is my house, my Honda did the same. I love that there's Bluetooth and it automatically connects my phone. I also have weather shields on the windows which is great for when it rains.

Megan M on March 25, 2021

Kia optima for a college student.

It is performance is very good. It is reliable and steady and I really enjoy the features like the Bluetooth radio and the option to go manual. I dislike how easy it slips on the road and sometimes which it was higher off of the ground. It also has big blind spots. The fog lights are a nice feature, and I like the automatic lights. The seat adjusters are very helpful as well. Aesthetic wise I love the way the speedometer looks and like that it tells me how long until empty. It is very comfortable and cozy. I enjoy the set up of the fan controls and love having volume control on my wheel. The eco feature is amazing and helps me save lots of gas. It has had many recalls that I recently had to go get fixed so it is important to look for that before buying the car. The gas mileage is decent and lays me a very long time considering I drive about 140 miles a week. The trunk is also way bigger than it seems and fit all of the stuff I brought to college. Overall, this is an extremely aesthetically pleasant car and reliable car.

Barbara S on March 13, 2021

Perks of a Kia 2012 optima ex.

Very large and roomy, smooth running and dependable.. A flaw is there was a recall and my engine can go out at anytime but is fully covered by dealership. Power everything I wish it had a sunroof though nice radio system. Easy to clean leather seats, Bluetooth radio.

Roxanne H on March 13, 2021

Kia Optima Great Value Great Car

I bought the car new not had any issues! It was a great value and we couldn't be happier with the vehicle.

Roberta L on March 13, 2021

2012 Kia optima turbo - fun to drive!

The car is very comfortable for long drives, and the turbo makes driving it a lot of fun. It has had several recalls and maintenance issues related to defective parts. I had to have the entire engine and turbocharger replaced due to a defect when it was less than 5 years old. When everything is running properly the car is a 10/10 for comfort and quality.

Danielle B on March 9, 2021

My car is silver, it has pretty decent gas mil

It haven't had issues, something goes wrong with the oil fuel. I just had the starter broken with my car. The battery was weak. Other than that it's a nice car, I love the color and the inside of it. I don't think it's an performance car but it is pretty nice. The seats are really comfy and it's easy to drive it.

Sirena M on March 5, 2021

Comfortable, luxurious and sporty Kia optima.

No problems, very reliable car. The trim package is the best I have seen in a lot of cars. The leather on the seats and steering wheel is superb and it just wears in the longer you have the car. Super comfortable seats, even the back seats. The two sunroofs are an added bonus. The turbo charged engine can really get up and go. Overall a fantastic car!

Terra R on March 1, 2021

Kia engine lock up recall.

Engine locked up and was completely replaced a few months ago. Fortunately it was covered by lifetime warranty however when it licked up two hours into a 6.5 hour road trip. We found a dealership open and they told us it was a common occurrence with Kia. Advised us to bring it in either towing or trying to drive there.

Jimmy K on February 28, 2021

The car has a very powerful engine and features you couldn't get for the price in other cars.

I like the features but not a fan of the quality of the car in general.

Dan G on February 27, 2021

2012 Kia optima user review.

It's been a very reliable vehicle. It has nice leather seats, a sound system, navigation and a moonroof. It has heated and cooled seats in the front. It's a very nice vehicle. I have driven 88k miles on it but have only had a couple instances where I needed to spend more than a few hundred dollars on parts or repairs.

angela c on February 26, 2021

That I drive it. It gets great mileage on long trips

I love the color of car and the size. I paid for the seat protection from stains but apparently it doesn't work. I can't get any stains out of my seats

Parker F on February 23, 2021

Drives like a little race car because it accelerates so quickly.

This is a great vehicle! I have owned 3 cars in my life and this is by far the best vehicle I have owned. Very low maintenance and great quality. Rides very smooth and has lasting interior. The only problem I experienced was due to a minor recall. Which kia took care of for me and provided great service all for free! I would recommend this to any reliable car lovers.

Erin B on February 23, 2021

Heated/cooled leather seats and moonroof.

The vehicle is very comfortable. It has heated and cooled leather seats that are comfortable on the lower back. I love the moon roof. It has had some ongoing issues of a warped hub which the whole hub and wheel bearing have been replaced several times. If I had the choice to buy a Kia again, I do not think I would.

Victoria S on February 19, 2021

The Kia Optima lx 2012 is an amazing car that does great on gas.

My 2012 Kia Optima lx is literally the best car I have ever owned. It is the luxury edition of this model of car. It has a tinted back window, controls on the driver's seat to adjust it. Can come with heated seats and mirrors. Has a Sirius FM thing to hook up satellite to the car. Has a huge storage in the trunk that can come in handy for holidays and does pretty good on gas driving everyday.

Christina T on February 17, 2021

Good looking and money saving.

Spacious interior, sleek exterior, great gas mileage, outstanding sound system. I have had this car since I bought it new in 2012, it is been 8 years and I have rarely had any problems with it. If any problems did arise, they were generally low cost. I have put 150,000 miles on my car and I'drives just like I Did when I first bought it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to friends and family or anyone looking for a low cost vehicle that has the appearance of a luxury vehicle.

Aminah H on February 15, 2021

I love my Kia optima and it is features.

I love the sound system in my car- my music sounds better than anywhere else. I love the double sunroof. I love the seat warmers and seat coolers. The car is sturdy. I once hit a bobcat going 60 miles per hour in a rural area. My front end was dented, but my radiator was unharmed. I really love my Kia optima! It works just as good a year after I bought it as it did when it was new.

Samantha B on February 15, 2021

Kia optima is a good car!

We haven't had any issues with the car; it is been really easy to take care of. We use it every day to get around our town. It has great seating good air conditioning, and heating. It is good for moving things around, my dogs love being in the car. I personally love the car and do recommend it to others.

Della E on February 15, 2021

Best car ever, you have to buy now!

Car speeds up really fast, very comfortable, suitable for all ages, has Bluetooth so you are able to listen to music, very spacious, music quality is great, gas mileage is great, the ac gets very cold and the heat gets very hot, multiple places to put your drinks,

Bobbi W on February 12, 2021

The optima: the last car you will ever buy.

I absolutely love my Kia optima. It is comfortable and fun to drive and it gets great gas mileage. The Kia optima handles great in short city driving as well as has plenty of room and comfort features for long trips. The optima is a great looking car, it has the look a of a sporty expensive car without the price. I have never had any type of issue with my Kia, I maintain routine maintenance and there are no issues.

Danny K on February 5, 2021

2012 Kia optima has held up very well.

My car is a 2012 Kia optima. It has leather heated seats and a heated steering wheel. There have been no major issues with the car and has never let me down. I think it is very comfortable and does everything that I need it to do. I can connect my phone to Bluetooth and the speakers are good except for that one of them blew out, the one on the passenger side front seat.

Nikki B on February 1, 2021

Sleek and affordable Kia optima. Loving my optima.

My optima is very comfortable. The cargo space is enough for my family as well as the optima has a very sleek design. For the price of the car it has great fuel economy. I only wish I would have gotten a six cylinder engine the four cylinder takes time to really go. This car does fairly good in snow and handles well. Lots of features you are able to get as well. My kids love the sunroof as it is big enough for the backseat so they can look up and out of the window.

Sophie W on January 30, 2021

I absolutely love the 100,000, mile warranty.

I have only minor problems like brakes and tires I highly recommend Kia..Has a great warranty I do have a recall about engine but they replace it for free because it was there fault. Whatever you do make sure you get warranty I actually would prefer the sva that Kia makes now.

Jessica S on January 30, 2021

Great overall vehicle, especially for the price! Tons of safety features.

So far, my car has been very reliable. I have not had any major mechanical issues with it. I have only had to replace one part in the steering wheel that threw my alignment off, but it was a simple fix at the mechanic’s. It is very comfortable to ride in, even on long trips. There are some blind spots though, when trying to see cars that may be in your way when you want to change lanes. There are nice features, including auto dimming rear view mirror, which helps dim the lights from cars behind you. It has heat strips on the back window for when it gets cold. You can sync the car with your garage door, so you can open it from the vehicle itself and do not need to use an actual garage door opener. You cannot lock the keys in the car, because mine is push to start and the car can sense the key fob inside. If you unlock the car but do not open the doors within a certain amount of time, the car will lock itself back, which is a nice safety feature. When pushing the lock/unlock button on the door handle, it only unlocks the driver side door with one push and two pushes of the button unlocks all of the doors. Again, another nice safety feature. When approaching the car, the inside lights will turn on when it senses the key fob.

Bev R on January 29, 2021

My likes and dislikes of my 2012 Kia optima.

After 8 years we started having problems. Did regular maintenance which is why I really like it. We've changed the tires several times and have them rotated. Problem cost us $800+.But for an 8 year old car that is not bad. I would definitely purchase another one.

Ryley P on January 28, 2021

2012 Kia optima sx general review.

Since I have gotten the car I have had no major issues. I bought it with 65k miles and the engine replaced under recall and it runs like a top. Very fuel efficient, sport, comfortable. The optima sx really has it all especially the features. It comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth, touch screen radio, heated and cooled leather seats and more I am forgetting but I could not recommend this car more!

Tina H on January 27, 2021

Great gas mileage. Handles well in all weather. Good car.

No complaints. Great gas mileage. Handles well. Very comfortable.

Renee E on January 26, 2021

Attractive mid-size. Easily seats 5. Hybrid offers welcomed fuel efficiency.

The transmission as an issue. Not engaging sometimes when I press gas to 'pass' for example. It also does not engage quickly when changing from reverse to drive (and can roll for up to 3 seconds at times). I have brought it in - and Kia service continues to tell me they cannot diagnose. Funny that my extended warranty is about to expire. I am sure they'll diagnose just fine after it runs out. I have no trust in them being honest with their efforts. The car itself is comfortable and attractive. The Bluetooth pairing is very reliable. I like the backup camera (first vehicle that I have had with that feature). The ac and heat work well and quickly. The blind spots are big and I have had to get used to that. And this car, which I bought used, has very dark window tint. Such that I have to open the window at night when making a turn to make sure there are no pedestrians involved. I neither the money nor time to change the tint. I live in Arizona, so removing completely is not an option.

Shannon H on January 20, 2021

Small light above rear view mirror is very handy.

Brakes wear quickly. Tires wear unevenly. Strong body, able to withstand getting hit by a deer with minimal damage. Good gas mileage, lots of storage space and legroom. Rear windows work poorly (hard to roll up after rolling down). License plate light bulb frequently burns out.

Shelby M on January 19, 2021

The car is very smooth to drive.

I really love my vehicle’s performance the start up is really nice and smooth and takes off pretty quick for a Kia. The interior is really nice with leather seats mirrors in my visor and lots of trunk space. The stereo system is perfect, everything from the sound system quality to the Bluetooth and it even comes with a CD player. This car is good on gas put can be a bit pricey to fill up.

Mel M on January 17, 2021

Kia Optima Not holding up well.

Like how the car drives but have had engine problems and the car is not wearing well. Already has tears in the seats, the clear coat is peeling and the armrests are also peeling. Love the power of the turbo. Just not holding up very well for how much I paid for it.

Janelle M on January 16, 2021

It runs great, its very mechanically reliable. Hard to find good fair prices with solid cars, this one meets the criteria

It has everything you could want in extras for a great price. Looks sporty, drives great. No problems with the car. The only con is the trunk. Allows rain and snow to slide inside, it's not angled properly. I would buy this car again with no hesitation. Comes with a great warranty too.

Gray H on January 14, 2021

Reliable and comfortable Kia optima.

My car features not one, but two sunroofs. I like that I have heated and cooling seats. The speakers work really well and I am able to Bluetooth my phone so I can listen to my own music. Overall my car is extremely comfortable and my seat is set to my preference, but someone else can set their preference also. My breaks do make a squeaking noise, even though I have taken it to a mechanic. Overall I feel safe in my car and it is very reliable.

Sara K on January 12, 2021

It's a smooth ride even on bumpy country roads.

This is a safe and reliable family car. If you usually put a lot of mileage on your cars or travel by car a lot, this is not the best car for that but if you use it to run errands and perform everyday life duties, it is affordable and reliable. I especially recommend as a first car.

Toby A on January 10, 2021

The car is very reliable, very comfortable, and the different features make it very convenient.

Overall I haven't had too much trouble with my car. I haven't had to have much maintenance done on the car until recently, normal wear and tear. The only thing I don't really like is not being able to fix issues on the engine myself (since it's out of warranty) because some parts are buried within the engine and they don't provide a detailed map of the engine. Other than that, the car is great.

Karen B on January 7, 2021

My Kia optima is a great car I am glad this is my second vehicle.

It has some issues but luckily majority of the issues were fixed through recalls I.E engine replacement with an additional 10 year warranty through a recall that happened around 2018. The car is great especially after the recall because the gas mileage is great I can fill up every 3 weeks with $30, less oil changes I have to do because since the recall my car burns less gas than it did when I purchased the vehicle, and I go to the Kia service to get my oil changed and spend at least 40.

Diane F on January 4, 2021

The trunk is nice and roomy.

My kia optima has a sunroof.. It has a turbo engine.. The car handles awesome.. The car also rides good..

Denise T on January 2, 2021

There are many ways to make your vehicle feel more uniquely yours.

I really enjoy my Kia optima. I am able to sync my phone to the car and make phone calls with the push of a button. I am also able to play music from my phone over the radio by connection via Bluetooth or aux cable. It is able to seat 5 adults comfortably and rides smooth.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.