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Kia Optima Hybrid

2012 only

153 classified complaints 3 recalls

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid have 153 classified complaints on record for that year specifically, plus 3 recalls. The most common issue in this year is Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically surfacing around 93,500 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2012 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Kia Optima Hybrid report for every year combined.

Where this year fits

2012

2013

Complaints filed per individual model year — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2012 only

Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings) · Engine 69 complaints

Median onset: 93,500 miles.

More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 16 complaints

Median onset: 25,000 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Hybrid or EV traction battery and inverter · Electrical 12 complaints

Median onset: 99,500 miles.

More common in newer model years. · Typical repair: $2,740–$5,240 nationally.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 11 complaints

Median onset: 130,000 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 10 complaints

Median onset: 33,000 miles. 10.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column · Steering 9 complaints

Median onset: 84,500 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $270–$510 nationally.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 7 complaints

Median onset: 25,000 miles. 57.1% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Oil consumption and leaks · Engine 5 complaints

Median onset: 96,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Which other vehicles have oil consumption problems? →

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2012 model year. See the full Kia Optima Hybrid report for every year and full specs/safety data.