2012 Kia Optima exterior lighting problems
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2012 Kia Optima — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicle Vehicle Information: [Year] Kia Optima Hybrid Dealership Name: Kia on the Boulevard Dealership Address: 11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Complaint Description: 1. The…”
filed Dec 8, 2025
“My 2012 Kia optima headlamps are extremely dim, even though I’ve replaced the lightbulbs with the highest possible lumens, multiple times, the headlamp assembly continues to dim. This requires that I ride with my high-beams on to drive at night. The lights have been dimming for more than 20,000…”
filed Dec 19, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Optima | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 Optima | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 Optima | 46 | 6% |
| 2015 Optima | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 Optima | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 Optima | 38 | 3% |
| 2011 Optima | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 Optima | 8 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.