Test drivers thought the Kia Optima has a nice ride, as do the majority of cheap midsize vehicles. They claimed that the Optima boasts strong brakes, finely weighted steering, and agile handling on winding roads. The interior of the 2012 Kia Optima, according to detractors, is appealing and made of high-quality materials.
In This Article...
What is the price of a 2012 Kia?
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2012 Kia Optima sedan ranges from about $20,500 to over $32,000 when fully loaded. Just about $27,500 is the base price for the 2012 Optima Hybrid.
How durable is a 2012 Kia Optima?
A 2012 Kia Optima with good maintenance has a lifespan of approximately 150,000 miles, which is less than other midsize cars. Around 100,000 miles, engines start to fail often, which is expensive and can mechanically destroy some cars. Repair Pal calculates that the typical yearly maintenance expenditures for the class come to $537 annually.
nothing other than standard maintenance. The body and paint are enduring the scorching Florida sun extremely nicely.
Yes, to a point. In my perspective, Japanese automobiles are superior. For instance, any other vehicle is more dependable than a Honda, Acura, or Toyota. Although Kia is really nice, I think it could be better and more dependable.
No issues, low mileage, and good gas mileage. has had good engine performance. It is always in working order and gets good gas mileage.
No issues. Drives superbly. Although the transmission occasionally slips, I think it is otherwise excellent. Once it has at least half a tank, it is fantastic on gas.
Most of the time, it is dependable. However, I have encountered certain issues with it, and these issues definitely exist. for instance, the radio and the engine.
This vehicle is very dependable. Never once have I had any problems with it. This has been mys since 2014.
Mine has always been dependable. Despite my car having a lot of miles on it, no issues have yet arisen.
The Optima is really dependable. Since I bought it new, I have driven it nearly 200,000 miles, and I have never experienced any issues.
Are Kia Optima vehicles reliable?
The 2020 Optima is a reliable used car, yes. This sedan offers a comfortable ride, a stylish interior, a sizable trunk, and a feature-rich and user-friendly infotainment system. Additionally, it offers a ton of safety features and one of the best safety ratings among midsize cars.
What is the 2012 Kia Optima’s flaw?
Owners will be informed, and dealers will do a free engine test, inspection for gasoline and/or oil leaks, and any necessary repairs, including an engine replacement, at the owners’ expense. Additionally, Kia is now working on a software upgrade for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) that, when ready, will be carried out by dealers at no cost. On January 27, 2021, the recall is anticipated to start. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC200.
Fuel system, gasoline, engine
Certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). These vehicles previously had their engines replaced under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. During the engine replacement process, the high pressure fuel line that links to the fuel pump output may have been broken, misaligned, or poorly torqued, potentially leading to a fuel leak.
A fuel leak with an ignite source nearby can make a fire more likely.
Owners have been informed by Kia, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe for free as needed. beginning on January 17, 2019, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC172 is the Kia recall number.
Air bags
Certain 20102013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 20112013 Kia Optima, 20112012 Kia Optima Hybrid, and Sedona vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit during a collision, which would prevent the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from inflating.
In the case of a car crash that calls for the deployment of these safety systems, there is a higher risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle if the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled.
The fix for this recall is still being worked on. Plans call for the recall to start on July 27, 2018. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC165 is the Kia recall number.
Engine and engine cooling
Certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento, and 2011-2013 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motor Company (Kia). Premature bearing wear within the engine may result from machining flaws made during the engine construction process.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. The start of the recall is anticipated for May 25, 2017. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC147 is the Kia recall number.
How far is a Kia’s lifespan?
People used to love to despise Kia as a brand. Although Kia is now known for producing high-quality cars like the Telluride, the South Korean carmaker has had a difficult past. You may have be aware that Kia has turned the corner and is now one of the most well-known brands on the international market.
There are undoubtedly plenty of Kia models available if you’re interested in purchasing one. However, some individuals may still remember Kia’s previous reputation for being unreliable, leading them to wonder: How long do Kias last?
In this article, we’ll examine the typical lifespan of Kia automobiles. How many miles should your Kia last? Is it a dependable, enduring brand? Which Kias have the longest lifespan and are the most dependable? These inquiries and others will be addressed.
How Far and Long Can You Drive a Kia?
What’s the real scoop on how long Kias last? Kia vehicles are predicted to last up to 200,000 kilometers when driven responsibly. Owners that provided their Kias with the necessary TLC report that they were able to get 200,000 to 250,000 miles out of them and keep them on the road for ten years or longer.
Of course, each driver’s experience with car longevity will be different (pardon the pun). Numerous elements, such as ownership maintenance and driving conditions, have an impact on longevity.
While the more modern Kia lines can clock 200,000+ miles on the odometer, the earlier Kias from around 20 years ago won’t win any medals for dependability.
These figures are competitive with brands like Honda and Toyota. For instance, Reader’s Digest claims that the Kia Rio subcompact sedan can reach 250,000 miles, while J.D. Power rates its dependability well.
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Kias Reliability Ratings
The general reliability of a vehicle is one of the most important variables affecting its longevity. This raises the issue, are Kias trustworthy? How durable are Kias?
In a nutshell: Kia is a trustworthy company. Please, though, don’t take our word for it; instead, let us direct you to the professionals.
Kia has a reliability score that is above average. Although Kia first gained a reputation for being unreliable when it entered the American market, the South Korean manufacturer has since gotten its act together and is now one of the most dependable companies.
It currently ranks as the third most reliable car brand on the market with a RepairPal dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Only Honda and Acura, two businesses renowned for their legendary dependability, can surpass Kia.
With a low yearly repair cost of $474 as opposed to the country’s average of $652 for all models, Kia also received top marks for cost of ownership. Kia vehicles stay on the road longer than many brands thanks to 0.2 times as many unscheduled maintenance visits per year and a 10% likelihood of significant repairs.
Which Kias are the Most Reliable?
Kia sells premium automobiles for reasonable pricing. Like many automakers, Kia has some models that are better engineered than others. A vehicle has a better probability of remaining on the road and traveling farther if it is more dependable. Some of the most dependable Kias that will last you a long time are listed below:
Kia Rio
As basic a mode of transportation as you can find is the Kia Rio. The Rio won’t blow anyone away, but it provides adequate comfort, usefulness, and acceptable fuel efficiency at a fair price. The base Rio models are quite basic, but the higher trims are fully equipped cars that do the job admirably.
The Kia Rio will last you for a very long time with the right care and maintenance thanks to the combination of Kia’s top-tier guarantee and excellent safety ratings. As previously noted, some Rio owners asserted that their tiny car had logged 250,000 miles.
A quick check of RepairPal reveals that the Rio ranks 6th out of 21 subcompact cars with a dependability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.
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Kia Soul
The boxy sheet metal Kia Soul is a big-hearted vehicle that usually draws attention. The Soul, however, is more than simply a quirky SUV since it has great utility, great fuel economy, and a ton of contemporary technology. Although many individuals find the base trim to be a little too basic, the Soul’s low price is undoubtedly its biggest selling point.
The Kia Soul requires proper care and maintenance, just like any other vehicle. The Soul may travel up to 200,000 miles and even more if you give it the proper care. The Soul will reward you with 1013 years of dependable service if you maintain your oil changes and dealership servicing.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage belongs in the classy subcompact SUV category. If you’re searching for a chic and versatile suburban SUV, the Sportage is a good choice. It’s not just one of the more visually appealing subcompact SUVs on the market; it’s also lavishly furnished with contemporary features and cutting-edge safety technologies. The Sportage is an SUV that will last even though it doesn’t have a powerful performance.
Again, assuming the Sportage is well-maintained, it should have no issue reaching 200,000 miles or more. Many Sportage owners with more over 200,000 miles on the odometer can be found if you visit some well-known automotive forums. Kia offers 5-year/60,000-mile standard and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, so you can drive more miles with greater confidence.
According to RepairPal, the Sportage is ranked sixth out of 26 compact SUVs with a dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Make Your Kias Last
How durable are Kias? Actually, as the owner, it will also depend on you. It would be beneficial if you drove carefully and responsibly, in addition to adhering to your routine maintenance plan and taking care of repair concerns as soon as they arise.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
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What drawbacks exist with Kia vehicles?
Kia may have improved in a number of areas, such as the electronic and hybrid market, but some of their models still fall short when it comes to safety. For instance, reviews of the Kia Seltos have been mostly negative due to the lack of safety features that are commensurate with the vehicle’s pricing.
Both hill hold and brake assist are absent. At the moment, features like an electric parking brake are rather widespread. The Kia Rio, which lacks adaptive cruise control, a review camera, and even blind-spot monitoring, is the same.
The 2012 Kia Optima has a front-wheel drive system.
Front-wheel drive and an agile, dynamic four-wheel independent suspension are features of the Optima. Over more uneven pavement, we discovered that the ride quality was compliant, filtering out harshness, and that the suspension effectively communicated minor bumps and ripples. Although the Optima is not a sports sedan, the chassis is strong, and it handles with a sporty sheen.
The lowest grade and most popular model of the Kia Optima features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower. Although this engine lacks excitement, it works well for most drivers. With an EPA-estimated 24/35 mpg City/Highway, it is quiet at highway cruising speeds and has enough power to keep up with rapid traffic on the freeways.
This sedan is sweetly carried into another universe by the 274-hp Optima Turbo. The performance, stability, and agility of the Optima Turbo are excellent, and its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine runs unbelievably smoothly. Very quickly, it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds, and it completes the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds.
Optima is dragged back into the third world by the Optima Hybrid. EPA estimates that it gets 35 to 40 miles per gallon. However, throughout our lead-footed stint, we only received 25.5 mpg. We attribute the roughness of the 6-speed automatic transmission to its electronic programming.
The Optima Hybrid’s 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine, which generates 166 horsepower, is coupled by a wet clutch to a 40-horsepower Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor. Modern lithium-polymer (Li-PB) batteries with 270V output power the electric motor. This 95-pound Li-PB system is 20-30% lighter, 40% smaller, and 15% smaller than a nickel metal hydride system.
Three versions of the newly remodeled midsize Kia Optima are available. For 2011, the Kia Optima had a revamp. A popular Turbo model and a strong EX base model were both offered in the 2011 Optima lineup.
A hybrid variant of the Optima with a 2.4-liter I4 Atkinson cycle gas engine and a 40-horsepower electric motor is now available for the 2012 model year. EPA estimates for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid are 35/40 mpg City/Highway.
The Optima is at the cutting edge of midsize design: sleek and muscular, without any of the off-putting vibe that occasionally distinguishes modern Asian vehicles. With the exception of that grille, it is a refined vehicle with exceptional appearance.
Overall, the interior furnishings and materials are elegant, roomy, and of a high caliber. The console and the back seats, which are all comfy with sturdy support, are beautifully covered in leather. The instrumentation’s layout and design are thoughtful and make use of modern technologies. Although the Optima makes a good commuter module, the legitimate, jewel-like instruments indicate that this is no ordinary commuter module. All of the typical comforts are present, along with extras like a cool glove compartment for drinks.