2012 Kia Optima
US · Midsize Cars
The 2012 Kia Optima is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 2.0 L to 2.4 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 6 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) to 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 14, 2026.
23V652000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or…
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November…
Reported September 25, 2023. View on NHTSA
22V560000: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
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.
Reported August 1, 2022. View on NHTSA
18V907000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued…
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…
Reported December 19, 2018. View on NHTSA
18V363000: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector.…
Reported June 1, 2018. View on NHTSA
17V224000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…
Reported March 31, 2017. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 14, 2026
Data verified: October 14, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2011 Kia Optima
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder · FWD
36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) - 2013 Kia Optima
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder · FWD
37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder (SIDI), 2.4L 4-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Optima?
Combined fuel economy is 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2012 Kia Optima front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 14, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.