2012 Kia Optima — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Kia Optima is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) / 27 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–43 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.4L 4-cyl), returning around 43 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Kia Optima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Kia Optima: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 32 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 32 combined / 29 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 27 combined / 24 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 205 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Kia Optima across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 36 mpg (US), or 31 to 43 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/33) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/34) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 | 36 (34/38) | 153 | $1,850 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/34) | 205 | $2,500 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Kia Optima
Running Costs: 2012 Kia Optima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Kia Optima at 32 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,136 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Kia Optima Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Kia Optima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Structure (1), Engine (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V652000, reported 25 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Structure — campaign 22V560000, reported 1 August 2022. Risk: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
- Engine — campaign 20V750000, reported 2 December 2020. Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fuel system — campaign 18V907000, reported 19 December 2018. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 1028 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas are Engine (470), Steering (197), Electrical system (142). Complaints include 30 reported crashes, 82 reported fires, 36 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 617 complaints across the 11 Kia Optima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Kia Optima
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (1 recall campaign · 470 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Steering (197 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Electrical system (142 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Kia models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Kia Optima's 32 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average.
Of the 11 Kia Optima model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (32 mpg UK combined, against a high of 37 mpg). See every Kia Optima year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Kia Optima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Kia Optima: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Optima?
The most efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, or 27 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 43 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 43 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2012 Kia Optima cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Kia Optima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Kia Optima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Structure (1), Engine (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Kia Optima?
Among the 1,028 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (470 complaints), Steering (197 complaints), Electrical system (142 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Kia Optima have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.