VehicleVerdict

2012 Kia Optima electrical system problems

The 2012 Kia Optima has 134 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

134

Electrical System complaints

11%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

0

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

What owners report

MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF WITH SEVERAL FLASHING LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND NOTHING BUT A SLIGHT TICK. I RETURNED TO THE CAR WITH JUMPER CABLES TO SEE IF IT WAS THE BATTERY AND BEFORE I TRIED THE JUMPER CABLES I TRIED ONE MORE TIME TO START AND THE ENGINEER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2018 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA has 134 complaints about the 2012 Kia Optima electrical system — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.