VehicleVerdict

2012 Kia Optima body & structure problems

The 2012 Kia Optima has 39 body & structure complaints filed with NHTSA — 3% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

39

Body & Structure complaints

3%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Body & Structure complaints by year

Related recalls

22V560000Body & StructureAugust 1, 2022 · 257,998 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

Consequence

A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.

Common questions

How many body & structure complaints does the 2012 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA has 39 complaints about the 2012 Kia Optima body & structure — 3% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima body & structure?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the body & structure: 22V560000.

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.