Value of a 2012 Kia Optima: $4,106 to $11,653 | Edmunds.
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Are Kia Optimas from 2012 any good?
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.
How many miles can a 2012 Kia Optima go?
The Kia Optima has a typical lifespan of 200,000 miles, which equates to around 13 years of service when you consider the average annual mileage of 15,000 miles. Because of this, the Kia Optima is an affordable option on the used automobile market that will last you for many years.
What are the Kia Optima’s primary issues?
Engine issues with the Kia Optima are widely documented. According to reports, the 20112014 Kia Optima has a serious manufacturing problem with the engine that could lead to premature bearing wear. Uncontrollable engine seizing could result from this, raising the possibility of collisions or crashes.
Is the 2012 Kia Optima under recall?
A number of 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento, and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles 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. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.
The timing chain on a 2012 Kia Optima is it present?
From 2008 to 2020, the 2.4L 4-cylinder Kia Optima engine features an interference timing chain, while from 2001 to 2007 it had an interference timing belt.
From 2002 to 2010, the 2.7L V6 Kia Optima engine was an interference engine with a timing belt.
Timing chain and interference are features of the 2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Kia Optima engine from 2011 to 2020.
Timing chain and interference are features of the 1.6L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Kia Optima engine from 2016 to 2020.
In contrast to the 2010 Kia Optima 2.7L V6 option, the 2020 Kia Optima 2.4L 4 Cyl. option uses a timing belt.
For comprehensive details about your specific Kia Optima, scroll down or quickly skip to that section.
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 durable are Kia engines?
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?
Everyone can find a Kia, but the drawback of buying a Borrego, Forte, Optima, Sorento, Spectra, Sportage, or any other model you can afford is that you will almost certainly have transmission issues. Owners of Sorentos are likely to have noticed jerking when changing, especially when moving uphill at a speed of roughly 75 mph.
Kia’s transmission issues, however, go beyond jerking. A 2019 Kia Forte owner from Delaware claims that, despite having less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, the transmission has already been changed twice. Similar depressing transmission-related experiences are common among Forte owners.
How many miles can a Kia Optima handle?
A Kia Optima can go 200,000 miles or more before experiencing serious problems. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles each year, you may expect the vehicle to last up to 13 years without experiencing any issues.
Are Kia Optimas costly to repair?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Kia Optima is ranked eighth among 24 midsize automobiles. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $471 average annual repair cost. Major repairs are unusual for the Optima because the severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low.
Cost
Compared to an average of $526 for midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle types, the total yearly cost of repairs and maintenance for a Kia Optima is $471.
the typical annual sum for unplanned maintenance and repairs for all model years of a car. A vehicle’s greater average cost alone does not imply that it is less dependable. For instance, your car’s parts and labor may be pricey, especially if it’s a European luxury model, but if there are few serious problems and frequent service visits on average each year, that’s a sign of a dependable vehicle.
The typical annual frequency at which a vehicle is taken in for unplanned maintenance and repairs. This metric is produced by monitoring millions of distinctive automobiles over a number of years to ascertain the typical yearly visits for each make and model. Controls were included to prevent small, routine shop visits, such those for oil changes.
The severity element of reliability calculates the likelihood that a repair will cause a significant problem. The cost of a repair is assessed to be excessively expensive given the unscheduled nature of the repair if it is three times the average annual repair cost for all models. Due to their more expensive labor and component expenses, premium and luxury brands have a higher barrier.
Frequency
In contrast to the average of 0.3 for midsize cars and 0.4 for all vehicle models, Kia Optima owners bring their cars in for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.2 times a year.