Kia Optima 2012 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2012 Kia Optima? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2012 Kia Optima issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2012 Kia Optima in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Kia Optima firm suspension
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 19 Jul 2013

Most Asian car companies tune the suspension of their cars to our local road conditions, and they typically end up firmer than the settings they would use at home. You could lower the tyre pressures a little and see if that improves the situation. Other than that you could take it a suspension specialist, like Pedders, and see if they can help.

Used Kia Optima review: 2011-2015
By Ewan Kennedy · 11 Apr 2016
Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Kia Optima as a used buy.
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Used Kia Optima review: 2010-2012
By Graham Smith · 14 Jan 2013
There was a time, not so long ago, when no one would dare attempt to crash the Holden-Ford party that for so long defined the Australian market, but that's all changed.NEWNo longer are the Commodore and Falcon the dominating forces they once were, their influence is on the wane big time if you look at the latest sales numbers.Today's buyer has much more choice as other carmakers have edged into the market and consumers have chosen to downsize to slightly smaller models, like Kia's Optima. The Korean carmaker clearly saw the trend and landed its mid-sized sedan in an attempt to win over some of those moving away from the big two.Kia rolled out two models in the Optima range, beginning with the Platinum that came packed with just about everything you could want, and followed by the more modestly equipped Si. The attractive sedan not only looked good, it was able to seat five adults in decent comfort, even in the back. Add to that a good-sized boot and a split-fold rear seat and you had a pretty impressive package.The power package consisted of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivered a good combination of performance and economy. The good news was that local engineers tuned the suspension for local roads, and the result was impressive.While it was impressive on the road, it was also well equipped to handle a crash with front, head and side airbags, ABS brakes, emergency brake assistance, traction control and ESP stability control. It was also impressively equipped with climate controlled air, cruise, leather upholstery, Xenon headlamps, CD sound and a host of other features.NOWKia has been one of the notable makes in recent times and few Carsguide readers have had cause to contact the desk with complaints. Cars sampled in recent times have all been well built and solid on the road, devoid of rattles and squeaks that can ruin the experience of stepping up to a later model.The earliest examples of the TF Optima will have now accumulated up to 50,000 km, so the showroom gloss has yet to fully fade. Even so it's important to conduct a thorough examination of any car under consideration for purchase. All cars, no matter the make or model, or sticker price, can have problems, even from new.Before handing over your cash go for a longish drive with the seller and observe closely for any odd noises, vibrations, bangs and bumps that might suggest something untoward is lurking under the sheetmetal. Drive the car at various speeds from walking pace to highway cruise, accelerate softly and more aggressively, let it idle, use the power steering, check the brakes, and put the automatic transmission through its paces.If anything that appears unusual is detected consider having a mechanic or your motoring club check the car for you. In addition to driving the car lift the bonnet and check for oil leaks. While you're at it run through all the features on the car, the power windows, central locking, sound system, cruise, air-conditioning etc. to make sure they're working as they should be.Having thoroughly test driven the car and carefully inspected it without finding any glaring faults you can buy the Optima with confidence.SMITHY SAYSRoomy, well equipped mid-sized four-door that can be approached with confidence. 3.5 starsKia Optima 2010-2012Price new: $30,490 to $36,990Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 148kW/250NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, FWDThirst: 7.9L/100kmBody: 4-door sedanVariants: Si, PlatinumSafety: 5-star ANCAP
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Used Kia Optima review: 2011-2014
By Graham Smith · 20 May 2016
Graham Smith reviews the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Kia Optima as a used buy.
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Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Volvo models headline latest recalls
By Justin Hilliard · 19 Jun 2017
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of recalls, with models from Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia and Volvo impacted by the recent safety notices.
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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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