Used 2012 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Blown Engine
J Supanich, 10/14/2015
2012 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Engine blew at 47,000. Like others have posted, my engine blew driving 70 mph on the highway. I bought the car used with 36,000 miles. At 42,000 it needed the fuel pump replaced (under warranty). When the engine blew, it took a long time for Kia Motors to approve the work. They will try to find reasons to not cover the work. I finally got my car back 6 weeks later. Another issue I have is it is consistently pulling to the left. I have had it looked at 3 times already and it's still not fixed. I do really like the some of the features of the Optima though. The Navigation and Climate Controls are on point. And it has a nice sporty feel to the car, but at this point I'm looking to trade it in ASAP before something else goes wrong.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
A Solid Bullseye...
kitchendzyn, 03/16/2012
2012 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
This car far exceeded my expectations. I traded in my 09 Audi A4 for this car and have zero buyers remorse. It handles better on turns, takes the bumps better and accelerates as well or better than the Audi. But the most noticeable difference is the controls function easily without digging thru menus. I have owned 3 Lexu's and 1 Audi before this car and if you looking for style, function and fun to drive, this Optima SX handily beats them. Koreans are a proud people and are over achievers. They have designed and built a very good automobile. Some of my friends would never buy a Kia, not enough of a status symbol for them. They don't know what they are missing.
2012 Kia Optima for sale near you
3 of 76 listings
- SX SedanMSRP: $6,499463 mi away
- SX SedanMSRP: $9,946123 mi away
- Hybrid SedanMSRP: $8,423237 mi away
See all 76 listings
Do Not Buy, stick with Toyota
Sad, 06/21/2016
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
5 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to Have the Benefits of the Hybrid, but I also liked and preferred the sporty style over the Camry ( have been a Toyota guy and got off that wagon to get a sporty, more fuel efficient Hybrid....I have regretted it ever since). As far as I know, 2012 was the first year Kia did the Hybrid, and with anything new, there are going to be flaws. I should have done more research prior. I bought this 2012 Hybrid with 64,000 miles. Before I even got my plates, the transmission started skipping. I took it to the dealer here in SLC, UT and the dealer could not diagnose the problem for 3 days. You would think something this messed up would not be blamed on the driver - especially at only 66,000 miles. The dealer had to call the main factory in CA, and after a few more days it was determined that the transmission was messed up due to the fact that it was a Hybrid, it was not engaging correctly with the engine. This was a $3500 fix. Here is where it would be nice for a manufacturer to step up, admit their flaws and faults and fix the problem - not charging the consumer. Too many times manufactures try to duplicate their competition and in so doing have to figure out the kinks and problems - like every manufacturer does...the problem here is Kia expects the consumers to not only tell them what is wrong (by bringing the car into the dealer to get fixed), but they expect the consumer to pay for it as well. Kia is basically getting their research paid for by consumers so that the next year they can fix the flaws and have a better car...this seems messed up and backwards to me. I would have been loyal for life if Kia would have accepted responsibility and resolved the issue. They need to have a recall on the transmissions for the 2012 Hybrids, but unless something kills someone in today's society, no one admits to anything. Again, I should have done more research, I thought that I would not have any problems with a car that only had 66,000 miles. I will never own or trust Kia again, I will stick to Toyota.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
HLu, 09/24/2018
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid brand spanking new. At 95K 6 years later my only complaint would be the mileage told to customers (being a hybrid) was actually less than what you get. I have been compensated and will continue to be until I no longer own the car. It is just a hassle going down to the dealership for mileage verification to receive my small differential. The car itself is beautiful, sporty, and beyond comfortable. Would I buy an Optima again? Yes, would I buy the hybrid? No.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good car good mpg
cde5151, 01/14/2013
2012 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A great looking car with good mpg, lots of standard features, fairly good ride, average 31.7 mpg so far, 30% city 70% hwy driving. Nexen tires are average at best